The scenery along the way is absolutely beautiful—no wonder this is called one of the most scenic railway routes in Japan. There’s even a cart selling snacks and Akita specialties on board, so you never get bored. The rice paddy art is especially cool, and the view from inside the train is the best angle to see it.
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Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo (Akita Inland Railway)
“Smile Rail” to relay a smile to riders.
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This railway literally goes across Akita’s inland, connecting almost 94.2km between Takanosu and Kakunodate Stations. The route is along Japan’s traditional local scenery and its beauty puts smiles on locals and tourists. Thus, the name “Smile Rail” for this popular railroad.
Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway began to carry ores from the Ani Copper Mine before the World War. This ore railroad, the northern Aniai Line, and the southern Kakunodate Line used to be separate, but they were connected (between Hitachiuchi and Matsuba Stations) in 1989 to form the current line.
Of 29 stations in all, there are Ani-Matagi Station near the Matagi (Hunter) Information Room, Aniai Station by the Akita Nairiku Railway Museum, Ani-Maeda Onsen Station with a hot spring facility, and other unique stations. Omata River Bridge offers lovely scenery from the train windows during crossing. In summer, some art created by rice plants on the fields entertains riders along the railroad. Gotzo (Feast) Tamatebako Train and other events are planned for fun rides.
Highlights
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The local railway to let you acquaint yourself with the rich nature in Akita such as spacious rice fields or mountainous Ani District, the birthplace of Matagi hunters.
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Aniai Station is next to Koguma-tei Restaurant & Cafe which serves the reservation-only “Matagi-no-EMI Gozen,” a popular meal set made of local ingredients in season.
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Aniai, Yonaizawa, and Aikawa Stations have free rental bicycle services.
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Entertain yourself looking out at the rice-field art from the train between July and September.
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Note the schedule. The train runs only a few times.
Photos
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Omata River Bridge over Ani River between Okashinai and Kayakusa Stations
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Lots of water-filled fields in the land of rice, Akita
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Leisurely ride in spring through canola fields
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Running in the snowy region of Matagi hunters
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Rice field art can be seen from the train windows at five spots from July to early September
Reviews
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 秋田内陸縦貫鉄道（秋田内陸線）
- Address
- From Semboku City through Kitaakita City, Akita
- Telephone
- 0186-82-3231
- Hours
- The 1st train leaves Kakunodate at 6:33am, the last train arrives Kakunodate at 9:09pm
- Closed
- Open every day
- Fare
- 170 yen - 1,700 yen
- Directions
- From JR Kakunodate Station, walk a little (Akita Nairiku Line, Kakunodate Station)
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)