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Akita Nairiku Inland Railway

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Akita Nairiku Inland Railway

Travel across Akita's colorful landscape aboard the region’s quaint local trains

Akita Prefecture

Connecting the northern and southern inland areas of Akita Prefecture, the Akita Nairiku Line passes across deep valleys and through mountains, guiding its quaint trains through the heart of unspoiled countryside for a scenic train ride in Japan.

The trains are small, with just one or two carriages, but each one features large windows to make the most of the view as it passes thriving farms, woodland and mountainsides. See autumnal leaves add splashes of color to the verdant landscape. The swathes of golden yellows, peppered with vivid reds is a particularly magnificent view as the train passes over Omata River bridge. In winter, enjoy vistas of snow-dusted trees and blankets of white from the comfort of a cozy carriage.

Nicknamed the Smile Line, Akita Nairiku Line prides itself on friendliness and making passengers smile. Locals wave to passengers from the platform, and in summer, volunteers create large rice-paddy artworks that can be viewed from the trains. Keep an eye out for the Gotsuo Treasure Box Train journey schedule. On this trip, locals wait at stations with homemade dishes to be served to guests aboard the train.