Blog | Train Trip Japan

Kami-Kumagaya Station

Some railway stations are functional but are somewhat bland. Kami-Kumagaya Station is not like that at all. It is oozing with charm and history.

Old trains converted into a bar

If you have a few old trains lying around, why don't you turn them into a bar?

Old steam train rusting away

It's always a pleasure to unexpectedly come across some railway history when travelling in Japan. I certainly didn't expect to find an old steam train on the island of Iki in Nagasaki Prefecture, especially since there has never been a railway there. Apparently, it was brought over in the 1970s to be put on display for local children to get an understanding of what a steam train is, or indeed was. It's not in a great state these days though, and undoubtedly funds to bring it

A very narrow tram

This wonderfully narrow tram, just 1.6 metres in width, can be found in a park near Hanamaki Station. It ran on the Hanamaki Electric Railway for around 50 years until 1972, taking passengers up to the numerous hot springs in the area as well as serving the morning and evening commutes.

A bear on the tracks

The Ominato Line in Aomori Prefecture has some excellent scenery along the coast. When it runs through the forest, there's a chance you'll see some wildlife. On this particular trip, I was lucky enough to see a young bear on the tracks.

Rice paddy art from the train window

Along the Akita Nairiku Line, rice paddy art has been created just for the railway passengers. The train slows down for you to have a good look and take a few pics. A very interesting way to attract passengers.

Waiting at Akabuchi Station

Akabuchi is on the Tazawako Line in Iwate Prefecture. The local trains that stop here are few and far between. I arrived on the 16:15 from Omagari to have a walk around the area, and then take the 18:15 train onwards to Morioka. Arriving back at the station at around 17:45, I intended to take a few shots of the station and get a few shots of the Akita Shinkansen trains that pass through this station without stopping. The platform was in need of a bit of weeding, was one of my

Crossing the Waga River

The view from the back of the train on the Kitakami Line as the train crosses the Waga River.

The first train on a new section of track

In order to eliminate several busy level crossings, construction work at Higashi-Murayama Station to raise the railway will take about a decade to complete. On June the 29th, 2025, the first section of track was just about ready to go, with the start and end sections of the new track being switched over overnight and final adjustments made to the signalling. I joined the first train with passengers to go over it, leaving Kumegawa Station at 5:10am. Here's a video of the train

Walking through a railway tunnel

This railway tunnel doesn't see trains running through it any longer. Instead, it's a popular walking trail, not that far from the centre of Yokohama.