[Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Let's go to Nishiki-cho, the source of "Iwakuni's famous water", by riding the unique local railway that runs along the clear stream!

• Table of Contents
• ①Nishikigawa Railway (Nishikigawa Seiryu Line)
• ②Nishikigawa Railway Tokotoko Train (reservation required)
• ③ Take a stroll through the streets of Hirose on an electric rental bicycle
• Eat and stay healthy with the power of the earth! Farm restaurant “Tsumina Cafe Udonge”

①Nishikigawa Railway (Nishikigawa Seiryu Line)

When going upstream on the Nishiki River, the first thing to do is ride the Nishikigawa Railway (Nishikigawa Seiryu Line). This is a railway that runs from JR Iwakuni Station to Nishikicho Station in the northern part of Iwakuni City. Almost the entire line is laid out so that it hugs the clear stream of the Nishiki River, so you can enjoy the journey while admiring the beautiful scenery of each season from the train window. Enjoy the colorful vehicles wrapped with illustrations of the attractions along the line. (*Basically, 1 car will be operated)

[Access to Nishikigawa Railway]

・By airplane (access from Tokyo)

From Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Haneda Airport, to JR Iwakuni Station, the starting station of the Nishikigawa Railway, it is conveniently accessible, taking about 10 minutes by car or bus.

・By Shinkansen (access from Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka)

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Fukuoka (Hakata Station), about 15 minutes from Hiroshima Station, and about 2 hours from Shin-Osaka Station.It is about a 5-minute walk from Shin-Iwakuni Station via a connecting passage, and is an intermediate station on the Nishikigawa Railway.・You can transfer to Seiryu Shin-Iwakuni Station.

Nishikigawa Railway (Nishikicho Station)

740-0724 7873-9 Hirose, Nishikicho, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Nishikigawa Railway (Nishikigawa Seiryu Line) is a railway line that connects JR Iwakuni Station to Nishikicho Station. Almost the entire li...

②Nishikigawa Railway Tokotoko Train (reservation required)

The Nishikigawa Railway Tokotoko Train is a sightseeing trolley excursion car with the image of a ladybug. It connects the approximately 6 km distance from Nishikicho Station, the terminus of the Nishikigawa Railway, to Sozukyo Onsen Station in approximately 40 minutes at a speed of approximately 10 km/h. From the train window, you can see the beautiful flow of the Nishikigawa River, which is known for its clear waters, the Usa River basin, the seasonal changes in the mountains, and the trees and flowers planted along the route. There is also a day trip bathing facility called ``SOZU Onsen'' near Sozukyo Onsen Station, where you can also have a meal.

It is also possible to board the Tokotoko Train. There are also announcements in English, so foreigners can also enjoy the ride.

・Kirara Yume Tunnel, the biggest highlight of the Tokotoko Train

The ``Kirara Yume Tunnel'' (total length 1,796 meters), which is a renovated Hirose Tunnel immediately after leaving Nishikicho Station, is the biggest highlight of the Tokotoko Train. The mural, created by local elementary school/kindergarten students and university students from Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a fantastical image of the galaxy made of glowing stones. There is also time to actually get off the Tokotoko train and take a look.

・In spring, you can enjoy the tunnel lined with cherry blossom trees.

Spring is the season when trains are in full bloom. The section where you pass through a tunnel lined with cherry blossom trees is particularly spectacular.

Nishikigawa Railway Tokotoko Train (Nishikicho Station)

740-0724 7873-9 Hirose, Nishikicho, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

The Nishikigawa Railway Tokotoko Train is a sightseeing trolley train with the image of a ``ladybug'' that operates on part of the site of t...

③ Take a stroll through the streets of Hirose on an electric rental bicycle

From Nishikicho Station, the terminus of the Nishikigawa Railway (the starting station of the Tokotoko Train), it's a good idea to ride a rental bicycle owned by the Nishikigawa Tourism Association and take a stroll through the streets of the Hirose district. Why not take a look at the clear stream ``Nishikigawa'' that flows through the center of the district, and enjoy a relaxing time that feels as if time has stopped and the beautiful nature to the fullest? The rental bicycle is an electric bicycle, so going uphill is easy!

*Bicycles are not rented at Nishikicho Station, but (weekdays) at the Nishikigawa Tourism Association (about 8 minutes walk from Nishikicho Station) or (on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) the restaurant "Abuhito" (about 5 minutes walk from Hobitto Nishikicho Station) It will be rented at.

*Rental hours: 10:00-16:00

*Rental fee: 1,000 yen for half a day (3 hours), 2,000 yen for a full day

*For applications, contact the Nishikigawa Tourism Association (0827-72-2354)

Eat healthy with the power of the earth! Farm restaurant “Tsumina Cafe Udonge”

The last restaurant we would like to introduce to you is the farm restaurant "Tsumina Cafe Udonge" located about 1.6 km from Nishikicho Station. The store, which is a renovated old folk house, is surrounded by greenery, and the tastefully maintained garden provides a relaxing time for visitors.

(It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Nishikicho Station, and there are some uphill sections along the way, so we recommend renting a bicycle.)

The shop's name, ``udonge,'' refers to a legendary flower that only blooms once every 3,000 years, and the name was chosen from the shop owner's desire to cherish encounters with customers.

The popular menu, ``Tsumina Lunch,'' includes a tempura platter of seasonal Tsumina, small side dishes centered on wild vegetables, local square sushi and other rice dishes (daily), soup, dessert, and after-meal coffee. With the motto of safety, security, and health, the dishes are handmade using natural wild vegetables, medicinal herbs, and local vegetables with low sugar, salt, and additives, and have just the right amount of flavor, so even those who don't like wild vegetables can enjoy them.

The contents of Tsuminai (wild vegetables, medicinal herbs, and local vegetables) change almost every week. Tsuminai udon is also popular.

*Telephone number: 0827-72-3494

*Reservations are given priority. Business days are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.

Tsuminai Cafe Udonge

740-0724 670 Hirose, Nishikicho, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

The store, which is a renovated old house, is surrounded by greenery, and the tasteful, well-kept garden provides a relaxing time for visito...