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See what’s in store in Tohoku through its Gono Line. | Photo credit: JR EAST

5 Nature Scenes to See When You Ride the Gono Line

Did you know that there is a local train that runs through Japan’s countryside, passing through its unspoilt scenery? You can even have fun interacting with the locals, and take in views of the spectacular landscape in four seasons. This experience is recommended for those who have traveled around the commonly visited spots, as well as those who plan to travel to Japan for the second time or more.

Local train lines run all around Japan. Let’s look specifically at the Gono Line that travels between Kawabe Station in the Aomori Prefecture and Higashi- Noshiro Station in the Akita Prefecture. We’ll also identify attractions of the Gono Line and sightseeing spots along the way!

All about the Gono Line: popular for its scenic route in Tohoku

The Gono Line is known for passing through beautiful natural sceneries. | Photo credit: JR EAST

The Gono Line runs between Kawabe Station in the Aomori Prefecture and Higashi-Noshiro Station in Akita Prefecture. Measuring 147.2 kilometers and passing 43 stations, it is a local line that people love to ride. Hirosaki Station is the nearest station to access Hirosaki Castle, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Fukaura Station is noted as a sunset spot. It also stops at WeSPa Tsubakiyama, located on the coast, and is a starting point for visiting the hot spring Furofushi Onsen, which overlooks the Sea of Japan.

Be one with the Sea of Japan when you soak in an open-air bath in Furofushi Onsen.

While we were on the move, I pressed my face against the train’s window, looking at the abundance of scenic spots in our route. Not only did I see the magnificent views along the sea, but I also caught a glimpse of the lives of the locals. There are regular trains on the Gono Line, too, but if you plan to spend the trip staring out of the train windows, the sightseeing train Resort Shirakami is your best option. I haven't ridden it yet, but I heard that special products and souvenirs can be purchased on the train–and the ekiben (train lunch box) tastes wonderful! Please note that you need to purchase a reserved seat ticket as all seats are reservation only (non-smoking).

From Tokyo, take the JR Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station to Kawabe Station, which is the starting point on the Aomori side. Then, change to the JR Ou Main Line, and arrive at Kawabe Station in about 30 minutes.

Sightseeing Spot No. 1: Senjojiki Coast in Fukaura Town, Aomori

An earthquake in 1792 produced the bedrock of Senjojiki Coast.

The area’s distinct bedrock was created by an earthquake in 1792. As for its rock shelf stretching about 12 kilometers, that is supposedly the result of a feudal lord laying 1,000 tatami mats for a banquet held here in ancient times. (The coast’s name, Senjojiki, literally means 1,000 tatami mats.) In summer, it is packed with swimmers and campers. Resort Shirakami goes slowly around Senjojiki–the better to appreciate the view!

Senjojiki Coast is not far from Senjojiki Station on foot.

Senjojiki Coast is visited by campers and swimmers in the summer.

Sightseeing Spot No. 2: Furofushi Onsen

Furofushi Onsen’s gourd-shaped open-air bath has reddish-brownish hot spring water due to its high sodium and iron content.

Furofushi Onsen is a seaside inn situated in the westernmost point of Aomori Prefecture. This historic hot spring and inn boasts spectacular views: the ocean can be seen in all its rooms. Fans of hot springs should try the open-air bath overlooking the beach. The gourd-shaped bath contains hot spring water in a reddish-brown color due to its high sodium and iron content. It makes a good picture if you want to post a photo of it on social media. Enjoy the cool breeze while looking out over the Sea of Japan during your dip.

Sightseeing Spot No. 3: Shirakami-Sanchi, Aomori-Akita

Lush green trees await tourists in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I was very pleased to be able to walk through one of the world's leading primeval forests, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993–the Shirakami-Sanchi.

The Gono Line runs right beside Shirakami-Sanchi along the coast of the Sea of Japan. If you get off along the way, Akitashirakami Station is the southern entrance to the Shirakami-Sanchi. I took a leisure stroll while enjoying the beautiful greenery and refreshing breeze, and made sure to breathe in plenty of charged ions in the air!

Sightseeing Spot No. 4: Aoike (Blue pond), Aomori

Lake Aoike’s waters turn different shades of blue depending on the weather, light, and where you stand.

Aoike is one of the 12 lakes in Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its color appears slightly different depending on the weather, the light, and your viewing angle at the time. When I visited, I was surprised at the bright blue color that looked just like beautiful blue ink! To get there, alight at Juniko Station, then take the bus from Juniko Station Bus Stop located in front of the station, to the final stop, Oku Juniko Parking Lot. After that, it takes about 15 minutes on foot to reach the front of Mori no Bussankan Kyororo, the starting point of the Juniko walking course.
※The bus doesn’t operate in winter.

Sightseeing Spot No. 5: Okazaki Coast, Aomori

Come sunset, Okazaki Coast’s waters turn a bright shade of red.

The scenic spot Okazaki Coast, located on the southern side of Fukaura Port and characterized by its sprawling reefs, is recommended as the highlight of your trip! At dusk, the sea appears to turn bright red, so you are sure to be mesmerized by the picturesque scenery. It takes about five minutes by car from Fukaura Station.