The Gono Line, which runs along the Sea of Japan, is on the bucket list for many train enthusiasts. I rode it from Akita all the way to Hirosaki. The trip isn’t short, but for much of the ride you can see the Sea of Japan. At times, the train moves slowly right along the coast, with striking rock formations offshore that feel almost within reach. Other times, it passes through small fishing villages and forested mountains.
The scenery keeps changing the whole way, so even after several hours on the train, it never feels long.
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Gono Line
A scenic railway with majestic views.
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The JR Gono Line is a 147-km-long local train line running from Higashi-Noshiro Station in Akita Prefecture to Kawabe Station in Aomori Prefecture. The line runs along the coast of the Sea of Japan, and passengers can enjoy the spectacular scenery that the Tohoku region is known for.
While a relaxing train ride on a regular train is also enjoyable, we highly recommend taking the "Resort Shirakami" train. The "Resort Shirakami" is a sightseeing train that runs on the Ou Main Line and the Gono Line between Akita and Hirosaki stations or Akita and Aomori stations. Not only can you enjoy the scenery from the train windows, but you can also get off and walk along the coast, as well as attend events such as live performances of Tsugaru shamisen players performing folk songs "Tsugaru Jyonkara-bushi." Stores or on-board sales are available, so you can eat ekiben (railway bento) or local delicacies while admiring the spectacular view from the train window.
The "Resort Shirakami" operates three return services daily during the tourist season from spring to fall, and three days a week during the winter season, mainly on weekends. All seats are reserved, so make your plans ahead of time.
Highlights
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The sightseeing train offers numerous breathtaking sights.
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The train also hosts a variety of events, such as Tsugaru shamisen and story-telling performances in Tsugaru dialect.
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The "Resort Shirakami" takes 5 hours to travel between Akita Station and Aomori Station.
Photos
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Resort Shirakami runs along the coast of the Sea of Japan
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Passing through the foothills of the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Site
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There are three types of train cars: "Aoike," "Buna," and "Kumagera." The "Buna" has a store, while the others have on-board sales.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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Watching the ocean views along the coast was so uplifting.
We happened to catch the Resort Shirakami train, and it made a short stop at Senjojiki Station.
That gave us a chance to step off onto the platform, look out at the Sea of Japan,
and enjoy the sea breeze, walk on the huge wave-cut rock terrace, and take some photos. -
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The private compartment seats are awesome! They’re usually sofas, but you can flatten them out like tatami mats. There was a live shamisen performance in the car, plus unbeatable ocean views along the way.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 五能線
- Address
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JR Aomori Station: 1-1-1 Yanagawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, 038-0012
JR Akita Station: 7-1-2 Naka-dori, Akita City, Akita Prefecture, 010-0001 - Telephone
- 050-2016-1600 (JR East Customer Support)
- Directions
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JR Aomori Station: 10 minutes by car from Aomori-Chuo I.C. on the Aomori Expressway
JR Akita Station: 10 minutes by car from Akita-Chuo I.C. on the Akita Expressway - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)
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