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Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo Aniai Station
Travel on the Nairiku Line on a single railway line through the unspoiled Japanese landscape
Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo (literally translated, "Akita inland longitudinal railway") is a local railway line which runs through the northern part of Akita Prefecture. It runs 94.2 kilometers from Kakunodate, the little Kyoto of Michinoku (northern region of Japan's main island; also called Tohoku), to Takanosu, home of the world's biggest drum. There are many tourist spots along the line, including famous flower spots, hot springs and old townscapes. Close to the middle of the railway line is Aniai, home to the Matagi, traditional Akita hunters. From Aniai Station, you can experience the Matagi culture.
Aniai Station
Aniai Station is the head office of Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo and the location of their railyard. It is almost the center of the Akita Nairiku Line. The station building, with its impressive red triangle roof, was selected as one of the 100 best stations in Tohoku. The Western food served at Koguma Tei, a restaurant in an annex to the station, is popular with visitors. Everything on the menu is delicious, including an original horse stew created by the former master chef of a long-standing restaurant in Tokyo, and other menu items made from local produce. Nairiku Line merchandise is available at the kiosk. The Western-style houses Ijinkan and Denshokan, where foreign residents lived in the past, are a 2-minute walk from the station. These residences pass down the long history of being Japan's largest copper production area.
The frost-covered trees of Mount Moriyoshi
A 25-minute drive from Aniai Station is Mount Moriyoshi, one of Japan's three great spots to see frost-covered trees. Mount Moriyoshi is 1,454 meters above sea level and is selected as one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains for its rich alpine vegetation. Mount Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort unfolds on the slopes. Get on the ski resort’s six-seat gondola, and you will reach Gondola Sancho Station in around 20 minutes. While you can see frost-covered trees at the station, a 5-minute walk will take you to Juhyodaira, where you can see more frost-covered trees! It’s a more beautiful sight and an even better place for skiing. Enjoy skiing one way through soaring frost-covered trees and hoarfrost. Experiencing the wonder of skiing the routes through the forest is one of the attractions of Mount Moriyoshi.
Yasu-no-Taki Falls and Toudou-no-taki Falls
This area is surrounded by abundant nature and offers many places to enjoy hiking. Walk a little further from Aniai Station, or come from Ani-Matagi Station, to reach Yasu-no-Taki Falls, which is selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. The water falling from 800 meters above sea level is spectacular, almost as if the water falls from the sky. Utto Onsen Matagi-no-Sato, a secluded Japanese-style inn is located nearby. Toudou Keikoku Valley, accessible from Aniai Station, has a promenade through a beautiful beech forest that leads you to Toudou-no-Taki Falls, also known as Metaki (female falls) due to the curvy appearance of the falls. It is a symbol of the valley and popularly known for bestowing the easy delivery of babies, fertility, and marriage.
Location
| Name | Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo Aniai Station |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | https://www.akita-nairiku.com/en/ |
| Address | 41-1 Shimo-shinmachi, Ani Ginzan, Akita-shi, Akita |
| Access | Approximately 30 minutes' drive from Odate Noshiro Airport Approximately 70 minutes by train from Kakunodate Station |
| Business Hours | From the first train at around 5:00 to the last train around 21:00 Please see the website for details. |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0186-82-3231（Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo） |
| Admission | From 170 yen to 1,670 yen Express trains require an additional fee. Please see the website for details. |