Yamagata Nagai Line: Floral Trains and Rabbit Stationmaster

Japan is a nation of railways. Beyond the well-known JR lines, regions across the country operate their own local railways. These lines often share common traits: short routes, quaint train cars, and a charming local atmosphere you cannot find anywhere else. The Flower Nagai Line in Yamagata Prefecture is one such railway.

Riding the Flower Nagai Line

Originally known as the Nagai Light Railway, the Flower Nagai Line operated as a small local route until 1988, when a change in management and route expansion led to its current name (referred to hereafter as the Nagai Line).

Unique Flower-Themed Train Cars

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau

The original train cars of the Flower Nagai Line featured exterior themes based on the four seasons, using pink, green, orange, and white to represent each time of year. Later, the design was completely updated to showcase the official flowers of the towns along the route, such as pink cherry blossoms, purple irises, and dahlias.

There is also the Shikisai Train, which symbolizes the unity between the local municipalities. The once simple train exteriors have become vibrant and adorable, fostering a deeper connection with the community while becoming a popular target for train enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The White Rabbit Stationmaster

Even cuter than the train cars is the fluffy white rabbit stationmaster, Mochii! Arriving at the Nagai Line in 2010, Mochii officially joined the railway staff and became an iconic symbol of the line.

Due to advanced age, Stationmaster Mochii rarely wears the official stationmaster hat these days. However, when you visit the station office at Miyauchi Station, you can still see Mochii relaxing comfortably in a spacious enclosure. Everyone is welcome to come say hello—just remember to speak softly so as not to startle this gentle rabbit.

Take the Rabbit Stationmaster Home with You

The immensely popular Mochii offers a wide variety of merchandise, including plushies, lapel pins, keychains, LINE stickers, and even two photo books! There is also a collaborative sticker featuring Mochii alongside another famous animal stationmaster—a cat named Love from Fukushima Prefecture's Aizu Railway.

Illustrated versions of Stationmaster Mochii and the railway's mascot, Ringo Ayukai, decorate the train cars to welcome passengers on their journey. Hop on board with them as we explore the sights along the Nagai Line!

Sightseeing Highlights Along the Flower Nagai Line

The Flower Nagai Line consists of 17 stations, taking about one hour to ride from start to finish. Starting at Akayu Station, the route heads north along the Mogami River—known as the Mother of Yamagata Prefecture—before reaching its final destination, Arato Station.

Akayu Station: Starting Point and Akayu Onsen

Located right near Akayu Station—the Nagai train line's starting point—is Akayu Onsen, a hot spring town steeped in 900 years of history. Once frequented by the powerful Uesugi clan, the area is also loved by legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki, who created a unique Totoro illustration specifically for the hot spring resort.

Miyauchi Station: Kumano Taisha Shrine and Mochii

Miyauchi Station is located near Kumano Taisha Shrine, a famous site for people seeking love and good relationships that hosts a refreshing wind chime festival every summer (by the way, this is also the station where you can visit Stationmaster Mochii!).

The shrine's biggest highlight is the Three Rabbits carved into the back of the main hall. Legend has it that if you spot all three, your wish will come true—just make sure never to tell anyone where the secret third rabbit is hidden!

Kumano Taisha (Kumano Shrine)

992-0472 3476-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture

It is also called the Ise of Tohoku, and is one of the three Kumano shrines in Japan, along with Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture and Kumano Kodai Shrine in Nagano Prefecture. The Reitaisai festival, which has been going on for 1200 years, is held on July 24th and 25th every year.

Imaizumi Station: Two Trains in One Photo Frame

Imaizumi Station serves as a meeting point for passing trains. When a train arrives, it pauses briefly to wait for the oncoming train to arrive, offering a perfect photo opportunity to capture two trains in a single shot!

Nagai Station: Cycling Tours and Kendama Experience

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau

Nagai Station is the ideal layover for taking time to explore. Rent a bicycle from here to leisurely tour historic streets, azalea parks, and retro Western-style architecture. Nagai City is Japan's top producer of kendama (traditional wooden bilboquet toys). The city even houses a kendama experience hall featuring displays from around the world, where kendama experts can teach you advanced tricks!

Uzen-Narita Station: A Historic Wooden Station Building

Built in 1922, the Uzen-Narita Station building retains its vintage character. Vintage notices and fare charts from decades ago are still displayed inside, making it feel as though time has stood still.

Yamagata historically prospered through the safflower (benibana) industry—a vibrant yellow-and-orange flower traditionally used to make valuable red fabric dyes. Today, dried safflowers decorate the platform in honor of that heritage. Across the tracks, a neat row of cedar trees frames the Nagai Line beautifully, making this a popular spot for photos.

Arato Station: Japan's Oldest Iron Railway Bridge

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau
To reach Arato Station, the train must cross the Mogami River via the Mogami River Bridge. As the oldest existing iron railway bridge in Japan, it attracts crowds of train enthusiasts eager to capture the perfect photograph of the local train traversing the historic structure.

Seasonal Blooms, Winter Snow, and Trains

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau
True to its flower-themed exteriors, the Nagai Line passes through numerous famous floral spots along its route. Spring brings cherry blossoms framing the tracks, summer features vibrant azalea and iris parks, and autumn showcases colorful dahlias.

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau
During winter, colorful trains contrast beautifully with the snowy landscape and distant, snowcapped mountains, creating a postcard-worthy scene for photographers and rail fans.

The ride also offers a subtle magic of its own—simply gazing out at the lush greenery through the train's vintage windows.

Special Events

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau
The Nagai Line also occasionally hosts special chartered event trains, such as the Wine Train. Inside cars fitted with custom tables, passengers can enjoy local wines on a tasting journey from the start of the line to the finish.

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau
Another highlight is the Local Line Pro Wrestling, where famous Japanese professional wrestlers battle right before your eyes inside a moving Nagai Line train car! Every year, this thrilling, up-close event draws crowds of passionate wrestling fans. You can watch an exciting video of the action here.
For more details, please visit the official website.

The Magic of Local Rail Travel

Whether you come to meet Stationmaster Mochii, explore historic shrines and traditional towns, or capture photos of the colorful trains set against seasonal blooms, the Flower Nagai Line offers an unforgettable journey through Yamagata. Step on board and discover the unique beauty and charm waiting at every station.

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Interview assistance courtesy of Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau