Enjoy the ride, too! Resort Shirakami" - Train Introduction - [Tetsubetsu Tabi Online].

  • Aomori
  • Special Features
Photo courtesy of JR East
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 is Resort Shirakami? Where is the Gono-Line? If you are wondering where the Gono Line is, please read this article first.
In this article, we will provide you with a lot of information that you should know in advance in order to fully enjoy the Resort Shirakami! Please use it as a reference when enjoying your trip on the Gono-Line.

When you buy a reserved seat, choose seat A on the ocean side! Ocean view awaits you!

In addition to the standard reclining seats for two people, the Resort Shirakami has simple private box seats to create an enjoyable space inside the train depending on the number of passengers. Each seat has a large window, and there is an observation room behind the open driver's seat, so you can enjoy the expressive scenery from various angles, which is unique to Resort Shirakami! All Resort Shirakami trains have reserved seats, and there are no non-reserved seats, so you need to purchase a reserved seat ticket (330 yen or 530 yen depending on the day) in advance at the Ticket Office reserved seat ticket vending machine. If you are planning to take the train, please purchase tickets in advance at the Midori-no-madoguchi or reserved seat ticket vending machines. If you are buying a box seat, you can enjoy the view of the sea if you buy seat A or seat D.
The Gonosen Free Kip is a cheap and convenient way to travel on the Gonosen Line, valid for two days, and can be purchased and used on any weekday or Sunday, with no advance purchase required.

~Which train do you want to take? Everyone wants to ride!

Kumagera formation

Photo courtesy of JR East

The Kumagera, a member of the woodpecker family that lives mainly in the Shirakami Mountains in Honshu, and the Kamagera formation, inspired by the sunset over the Sea of Japan. The train was introduced in 2006 and is the oldest of the current Resort Shirakami trains. The train was converted from an old train and retains its old-fashioned atmosphere in some places. The Kumagera is a symbol of the richness of beech forests and is a favorite of bird lovers.

Photo courtesy of JR East

A simple private semi-compartment in the Kumagera formation; this is recommended for four people traveling together. The fare is the same as the number of people in the group, but you need to be prepared for the fact that you may be sharing a room with others.

The emblem of the Kumagera organization. The emblem of the Kumagera organization depicts a parent bird feeding its chicks, which gives a sense of smiling.

Beech Formation

Photo courtesy of JR East

The beech formation on the side of the train, which gives the impression of a beech forest and sunlight filtering through the trees, is the newest among the cars used on the Resort Shirakami train. When running through the apple fields, the train looks beautiful in harmony with the green trees and the reddish apple fruits. Note that the beech tree is designated as the town tree of Fukaura Town, which extends about 50 km from Omakoshi to Mutsu Yanagida.

Beech train's reserved seat
Photo courtesy of JR East
Box seats of Beech train
Photo courtesy of JR East
The standard car has seats that recline to a very comfortable level, and the distance between the seat in front of you and the seat in front of you is so large that it makes you wonder if you are in a green car. It is far more comfortable than the seats in the ordinary cars of limited express trains or the green cars of ordinary trains. Please experience the high quality of these seats.
The warm colors of the seats in both the box and standard cars are inspired by Tohoku's summer festivals. They offer excellent views and a sense of openness.
Photo courtesy of JR East

An objet d'art in the shape of a beech tree is placed in the observation area. Other beech-inspired paintings are scattered throughout the interior and exterior of the train, allowing passengers to enjoy a stroll inside the train.

Aoike formation

Photo courtesy of JR East

The Aoike formation is inspired by the horizon of the Sea of Japan and the Aoike pond, which can be reached by bus from the Juniko Station. The Japan Sea, blue sky, and silver body of the train look beautiful.

Photo courtesy of JR East

The observation space next to the driver's seat on the Aoike train. It is very popular, so please give it to each other and enjoy a pleasant travel time.

A little information about the past and present of the Gono-Line trains

Current ordinary train
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Line Maintenance Engineering Center
Class Kiha40, which was active on the Gonoh Line for about 40 years until March 2021
Photo courtesy of JR East
The train currently running on the Gono Line is a new model that debuted in 2020. The new trains running on the Gono Line in 2020 will feature a gradation of blue and white colors, inspired by the horizon of the Sea of Japan. The train that has replaced it is the Kiha 40 series. The Kiha 40 series was used by residents along the line for commuting to and from work and school. Although not flashy, many fans were fascinated by the old-fashioned heavy construction and the powerful sound of the engine. When you enjoy the sophisticated cars of the Resort Shirakami and the scenery of the Gono-Line, please remember that there was a Kiha 40 class car that ran in this area for many years and was loved by locals and railroad fans.

Which train is your favorite?

We have introduced the trains that run on the Gono-Line, with a focus on the Resort Shirakami. Did you find a train that interests you? Seeing is believing! Please take a train and experience its charm. We have many recommendations for train windows that can be enjoyed only by traveling by train...! We will continue to bring you the charms of train travel in the future. Stay tuned!
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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