Sanriku Railway Kotatsu Train

This reserved-seat sightseeing train runs only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays in winter on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line along the Sanriku coast. Every seat on board is fitted with a kotatsu, letting you enjoy spectacular views of the ria coastline from the window while keeping your legs warm under the table. It runs from Kuji Station to Miyako Station, usually from mid-December to late March. It is a classic choice for winter sightseeing in Sanriku.

If you board at Kuji Station, you can buy the “Tairyo Funauta Gozen,” packed with Sanriku seafood, as well as three kinds of seafood bento featuring sea urchin, abalone, and more. Bento meals must be reserved by 1:00pm two days before your boarding date, and are picked up when boarding at Kuji Station. During the ride, there are onboard announcements by attendants, an event where “Namomi,” a traditional folk ritual from Iwate, appears on the train, and commemorative tickets are also available.

The fare is the regular fare for your travel section plus a reserved-seat fee of 500 yen. If you ride from Kuji Station to Miyako Station, the total is 2,390 yen.