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Splendid Views in Shizuoka! Trains, Mountains, and the Ocean
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The Izu Kyoko Line runs along the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka—an area famous for hot spring resorts and fine seafood. This article features picturesque spots selected by our MATCHA writer, a railway enthusiast, and includes fool-proof tips on taking beautiful photographs.
Written by
Born in Taipei, Taiwan. I worked in the inbound tourism industry in Kyoto, writing a blog about travel in Japan. I joined MATCHA in October 2019.
Hobbies: travel, watching trains, visiting stylish cafes, sweets, collecting seal stamps, watching musicals, taking photos, and others - so many, in fact, that I find it weird myself.
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Capturing Picturesque Japanese Railways in Photos
Japanese railways are often surrounded by beautiful scenery, offering travelers the opportunity to take truly stunning photographs. The Izu Kyuko Line, which runs along the eastern side of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, features various photogenic spots on its route.
The railway stretches across 45.7 kilometers from Ito Station, located south of Atami, to Izu-Shimoda Station. This seaside path has plenty of onsen resorts and fine cuisine along the way, too!
In this article, a railway enthusiast will introduce the best photo spots on the Izu Kyuko Line, along with some fail-proof pointers. It's the perfect guide for anyone who loves trainspotting, or finding the best scenery Japan has to offer.
Izu-Kogen Station
JR East Series E261 Saphir Odoriko
Izu-Kogen Station is the perfect spot to snap a few photographs.
Izu Kyuko Line rail yard is located next to Izu-Kogen Station. A wide variety of trains make stops here, so it's a great place to find all of the different trains that run along this line.
We'll introduce some photo spots to capture railway shots like the one above.
How to Access the Best Photo Spots
Take the exit from Sakura-Namiki Gate, then go straight past a sign for the Nippon Rent-A-Car office. Keep walking, and turn right at the first intersection. This will take you to the railroad crossing where the photo above was taken.
Katase-Shirata Station
Katase-Shirata Station is another location that offers fantastic views. The most famous is the magnificent coastline that stretches from here to Izu-Inatori Station, the neighboring stop. On a clear day, you can see the Izu Islands in the distance.
There are three particularly good photo spots within a ten-minute walking distance from the station. Let's take a look at these locations frequented by railway enthusiasts.
Trains Passing Above the Embankment
JR East Series E257 Odoriko
This photo was taken at a fishing embankment that's about a three-minute walk from the station.
While standing above the embankment, position yourself towards Izukyu-Shimoda Station to catch a train slowing as it rounds the curve.
Be mindful of nearby fishers and be careful not to fall into the water. There are local amphibians and a wharf nearby, so be sure to keep an eye on your surroundings.
JR East Series E257 Odoriko
Another great time to snap photos is just as the train departs Katase-Shirata Station and travels overhead. The fishing boats below the railway add a unique touch to the picture.
Limited express trains also pass through Katase-Shirata Station, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.
The Most Iconic Photo Spot on the Izu Kyuko Line
JR East Series E257 Odoriko
Imagine blue skies dotted with white clouds above a pristine ocean, and trains passing in the distance. All of these picturesque details can be seen from a photo spot situated on a hill, accessible by a six-minute walk from the previous spot.
Walk alongside the elevated railway towards Izukyu-Shimoda Station. You'll soon see a hill with a red torii (the entrance to a shrine).
Izu Express Line Series 8000
This spot is famous for taking photographs of Izu Kyuko trains. There are no fences to obstruct your view, and the railway runs right below. However, do be careful when taking photographs here.
Izu-Inatori Station
Izu Express Line Series 2100 Kurofune Train
This spot is close to the railway, so getting an up-close shot is quite simple. It's located about a 12-minute walk from Izu-Inatori Station. Watch out for cars and stay away from the middle of the road!
Kawazu Station
JR East Series E261 Saphir Odoriko
Kawazu Station is known for the Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms, among the first cherry trees to bloom in Japan. What's more, the Kawazu River is a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot that is famous among trainspotters. Kawazu Bridge is beloved by railway enthusiasts from all over Japan.
JR East Series 185 Odoriko
Another spot our writer recommends is the Arakura Bridge, which is a six-minute walk from Kawazu Station. With a wide shot, you can capture the train with Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms in the backdrop.
Tips for Photographing Local Trains
Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Since trains in the countryside operate along local lines, you may have to wait 30 minutes or even an hour for the one to pass.
This is where a timetable comes in handy. While an ardent fan may reach for the paper timetables, most enthuthiasts tend to use the transfer guide by Yahoo! or ekitan.
Planning Your Railway Photo Shoot
JR East Series E257 Odoriko
Begin by checking the neighboring stations. The following is the photo shooting process our writer used near Katase-Shirata Station.
| Research Process |
| 1. Focus on Izu-Atagawa and Izu-Inatori, the two stations neighboring Katase-Shirata. Note that all trains stop at both stations. |
| 2. Check the timetable of trains heading to Izukyu-Shimoda from Izu-Atagawa, and the trains heading to Ito from Izu-Inatori. |
| 3. Check the local train's travel time between the two stations to Katase-Shirata. Then estimate when the train will pass the photo spot, and decide on the angle you want to capture. |
| 4. Keep your ears open for the sound of an approaching train, and set the camera in continuous-shooting mode. |
Find Your Perfect Shot!
The Izu Kyuko Line offers plenty of opportunities to capture memorable photographs, thanks to its scenic surroundings and the wide variety of trains operating along its route.
We hope that the stunning landscapes and stylish trains in this guide captured your imagination. Although you might not start out as a railway enthusiast, you'll find yourself becoming a train lover in no time.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan. I worked in the inbound tourism industry in Kyoto, writing a blog about travel in Japan. I joined MATCHA in October 2019.
Hobbies: travel, watching trains, visiting stylish cafes, sweets, collecting seal stamps, watching musicals, taking photos, and others - so many, in fact, that I find it weird myself.
more
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