One of Tohoku's most scenic local railroads - Gonoh Line [Tetsubi Online].

Akita
Special Features

2021/07/07

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The JR Gonoh Line is closed on some sections due to the heavy rain that occurred in August 2022. Please see JR East HP for details. (Added on 8/29/2022)

JR East HP (Tohoku Area Operation Information)

What kind of train line is the Gono-Line?

The Gonoh Line runs 147.2 kilometers from Higashinoshiro in Akita Prefecture to Kawabe Station in Aomori Prefecture. Along the way, the line offers unparalleled views of the Shirakami Mountains, the Sea of Japan, Mount Iwaki, apple fields, and other breathtaking, nature-rich scenery and train windows. These landscapes are constantly changing, and one cannot take one's eyes off them for even a moment. For example, the splashing waves that reach the edge of the tracks, the flowers in the waves, the oddly shaped rocks broken by the waves, Mount Iwaki whose shape varies depending on your position, the rice harvest in the rice fields in different areas, and so on. Or you may pass by a station with a difficult-to-read station name, or a certain place is the location of Osamu Dazai's novel.... Along the line, there are many places with hot springs, delicious food, and beautiful natural scenery. In other words, the Gono-Line is a line that makes you realize the beauty of the four seasons and the magnificence of nature. Everywhere you go, nostalgia, warmth, and kindness will welcome you with open arms.

The recommended train to fully enjoy the charms of the Ono Line is the rapid Resort Shirakami. Although it is a temporary train, it runs on weekends and many weekdays as well, which is very encouraging.

The train you can't miss when you travel on the Gono-Line!

The Resort Shirakami is truly a "fun train to ride" with its beautiful scenery, large windows that allow you to comfortably view the scenery, ample observation space, and a comfortable cabin that allows you to spend a relaxing time inside the train! And to add even more color to the enjoyment, there are sales of local specialties and woodcrafts. Local specialties and woodcrafts are available for purchase inside the train and on the platform during stops. The interaction with the locals is sure to be a memorable experience! Also, depending on the day and section of the train, you can see puppet shows, folk tales, shamisen performances, and other performances that are unique to the Tsugaru region. You will be able to experience the unique atmosphere and excitement that can only be experienced in the local area. Please check the website in advance to confirm the availability of onboard sales and events. One of the charms of the Resort Shirakami is that it is a place where you can meet local products and people.

We asked the people who work on the Gono-Line! How do the station staff at Higashinoshiro Station love their hometown?

At Higashinoshiro Station.
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Railway

Mr. Yamatani works at Higashinoshiro Station.
His favorite train is the Aoike train of the Resort Shirakami. He also likes Aoike as a sightseeing spot. The blueness that even the locals fall in love with is something I would love to visit. Her favorite season is spring. He says it is wonderful when the sea changes from the wildness of winter to the calmness of the sea. His favorite apple is the O-Rin, the third largest apple produced in Japan. It has a strong sweet taste, so if you don't like sourness, you should definitely try O-Rin! He told us about Sekito's Shinko Mochi (rice cake) as a recommended Japanese confectionery.

Mr. Tando also works at Higashinoshiro Station. His favorite train is the Beech train. He likes it because it is up-to-date and stylish. His favorite season is summer. The blue of the sky and the sea is wonderful. His favorite sightseeing spot is Furofushin Onsen. There is a free bus service from Resort Shirakami, so it is easily accessible. His favorite apple is Fuji, which comes from the name of the town of Fujisaki along the railway line. He recommended the Noshiro Beef Bento as his favorite lunch box.

Thank you very much for the interesting and useful information about the local area!

We spoke with two people who work at Higashinoshiro Station. They are working at the station, which is the face of the community, and they are very helpful when making a trip. They are also very knowledgeable about local products, as only local people can be. The Noshiro Beef Lunchbox, which uses Noshiro Beef, a specialty of Noshiro City, can be picked up at Noshiro Station on the Resort Shirakami No. 3 if you make a reservation at least three days in advance. Also recommended by Mr. Yamatani is Sekito's Shinko Mochi (rice cake), another Noshiro specialty. The combination of mochi made with Uruchi rice from Akita Prefecture and sweet red bean paste is a must for those with a sweet tooth.

Now it's up to you to discover the charms of the line!

I am sure there are ten different people with ten different recommendations, favorite views, tastes, and seasons to enjoy in ten different wonderful ways. I am sure that everyone will have their own way of enjoying and favorites when they travel, referring to the opinions of the two of you. Sharing these experiences with each other will make your trip even more rewarding! Why not visit the Gono Line in the midst of the Tohoku DC season?

We will be posting more train information recommended by our editorial department, as well as information about the train lines and train windows. In the next article, we will introduce the Resort Shirakami train. Please look forward to it!

The package tour booking site of JR East View Tourism & Sales Resort Shirakami Special Page

This text is based on information as of July 2021.

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