3 Must-Ride Train Routes in Tohoku, Japan

Experience the magic of a Japanese winter from the tracks. Ride the scenic Akita Nairiku Line and other top trains through the Tohoku region to discover stunning, snow-covered views you can’t see anywhere else.

At Goshogawara Station, experience the Stove Train with its warm wooden interior, ride the Akita Nairiku Line through beautiful mountain scenery, and enjoy the Resort Shirakami on the Gono Line, which travels between Aomori and Akita with sweeping views of both mountains and sea.

• Table of Contents
• Japan's Northernmost Private Railway: Goshogawara Stove Train
• Scenic Mountain and Sea Views: Resort Shirakami on the Gono Line
• Like a Scene from a Movie: Akita Nairiku Line

Japan's Northernmost Private Railway: Goshogawara Stove Train

From December 1 through March 31 of the following year, you can transfer at Goshogawara Station on the Gono Line to a nostalgic wooden train car equipped with a stove. Onboard, passengers can enjoy grilled dried squid and beer, with train attendants preparing the squid and tearing it into easy-to-eat strips.

Special seasonal trains also operate at other times of year, making this a railway experience worth enjoying in every season.

Keep in mind that only three daily departures feature the Stove Train cars. On board, train attendants grill fresh dried squid over the stove for passengers to enjoy.

With a warm smile, the attendant grills this local specialty right over the stove—a savory treat that makes for a perfect drink pairing.

Marvel at Aomori’s Giant Floats at the Tachineputa Museum

One of Aomori's famous summer festivals can be experienced at this museum. Just a five minute walk from Goshogawara Station, this museum celebrates Tachineputa, which means "standing Neputa". This famous Aomori festival features colossal 23 meter tall lantern floats weighing up to 19 tons, offering a dramatic vertical look that sets them apart from classic Nebuta floats.

The Neputa Festival is held every year from August 2 to 8. The museum houses three large three-dimensional lantern floats, and visitors canlearn about the history of the festival while admiring the intricate details of the floats up close.

At scheduled times, the museum also screens videos showing how the floats are made and hosts live performances of the music used during the parade. Visitors are welcome to join in and take part in the performance.

Scenic Mountain and Sea Views: Resort Shirakami on the Gono Line

This railway runs across Aomori and Akita prefectures, offering both coastal and forest scenery along the way. With its extra-large observation windows, the train provides spectacular views throughout the journey.

All seats are reserved. You can purchase a reserved-seat ticket at a JR Midori no Madoguchi ticket counter, while travelers using an eligible rail pass can reserve a seat at no additional charge.

There are three types of train cars. The one shown above is the Aoike Resort Shirakami.

The seats can be rotated and are very spacious.

The scenery differs depending on which side of the train you sit on.

Like a Scene from a Movie: Akita Nairiku Line

Originally built as a private timber transport railway, the route officially became the Akita Nairiku Line in 1989. While services are limited to a few trains daily, passengers are treated to breathtaking scenery that changes with every season. On board, attendants introduce local sights and sell regional snacks, while special train cars feature charming Akita dog designs inside and out.

The train also slows down when passing particularly scenic spots, giving passengers time to take photos. However, keep in mind that the Eight Scenic Views of the Akita Nairiku Line cannot be fully appreciated from inside the train. To photograph these famous views, you'll need to get off at one of the smaller stations and wait for the train to pass through the landscape.

See Foxes Up Close at Zao Fox Village

Located near Mt. Zao in Miyagi Prefecture, Zao Fox Village is home to more than 100 free-roaming foxes. Six varieties can be found here, including silver, blue, platinum, shadow, and cross foxes. Visitors can feed the foxes and may also have opportunities to interact with fox cubs. The facility is home to several other small animals as well.

Important Notes for Visitors:

Before entering the foxes' living area, visitors should be aware of behaviors that could provoke the animals. Staff also provide the following instructions when you purchase your admission ticket:

Do not touch the foxes. Foxes are wild animals and there is a high risk of being bitten. Do not extend your fingers or hands toward them.

Do not put your hands in your pockets. Foxes may think you are reaching for food, which could cause them to approach or attack.

Do not bring plastic bags. The rustling sound of plastic bags can attract the foxes' attention. Avoid bringing them into the enclosure; they can be left with the staff.

Be careful with accessories and dangling items. Small objects that swing or move may be mistaken for food by the foxes.

Do not crouch down. This can encourage foxes to approach and may cause them to jump onto you

Access:
Option 1:

From Sendai Station, take the Shinkansen for about 10 minutes to JR Shiroishi-Zao Station, then take a taxi for approximately 30 minutes to Zao Fox Village.

A one-way taxi ride costs approximately 4,000 yen. You will need to call a taxi company from the station, and when leaving Zao Fox Village, you can ask the staff to arrange a taxi for you.

Option 2:

From Sendai Station, take the JR Tohoku Main Line for approximately 50 minutes to JR Shiroishi Station, then take a bus for about one hour.

The one-way bus fare is 200 yen.

Keep in mind, buses to Zao Fox Village operate only on Tuesdays and Fridays, with two departures from Shiroishi Station each day at 7:58 and 13:35. The return bus departs Zao Fox Village at 14:32.

Miyagi Zao Fox Village

11-3 Fukuoka Hachimiyagawa Atom, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture 989...

Conclusion

There are still plenty of exciting places throughout Tohoku waiting to be discovered, so we hope this introduction inspires you to start planning your own trip!

While traveling around Tohoku may not always be as convenient as in the Kansai or Kanto regions, its spectacular natural scenery and distinctive local festivals offer experiences you won't find anywhere else. It's an excellent destination for travelers looking to discover a different side of Japan.