Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office 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) So far, we have introduced the Resort Shirakami, a train that runs on the Ono Line. From now on, we will provide information on the train windows and recommendations that you can enjoy on the Resort Shirakami. The Sea of Japan stretches across the wide window frame. The clear, pale landscape, like a watercolor painting, changes its shape several times along the way, delighting the eyes of travelers. Sometimes it is an unobstructed sea stretching to the horizon, and sometimes it is accompanied by irregular white waves. The large window frames constantly reflect the wonderful scenery that can only be experienced here.
I wish I could look out over the open waters of the Sea of Japan forever.
Photo courtesy of JR EastThis is the section between Hiroto and Fukaura, which cannot be missed when talking about the Gono-Line. In June and July, the area is home to a large colony of Nikkoukisuge, a spectacular sight. Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office The nearest station to Gyogoizaki Beach is Hirodo Station, but since the Resort Shirakami passes through, Fukaura Station next door is recommended. A 5-minute walk will take you to a small island called Oiwa, from which you can view the oddly shaped rocks of Gyogoizaki Beach. The area is also called the Sunset Coast, where you can enjoy the beautiful red-orange sunset for miles around. It is difficult to decide whether to watch the sunset while riding the Ono Line or to get off the train and take your time to explore the area. At Fukaura Station, you can see the exchange of trains between the Resort Shirakami in the morning and afternoon, so it is time to take pictures of the trains as well as a change of scenery.
Apple fields, rice paddies, and the Sea of Japan. The observation space is popular as the scenery approaches!
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office Resort Shirakami has a wide driver's seat like this. You can see such a spacious view from the back of the driver's seat! On the Gono-Line, you can see the Sea of Japan, apple fields, Mt. Iwaki, rice paddies, and other wonderful scenery constantly spreading out from any location on the Gono-Line.
Happy slow-down operation is also available on the section with the most spectacular view!
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch OfficeOn the Resort Shirakami, slow-down operation is performed in the section with great scenery. This is the section between Omakoshi and Iwatate, where the line straddles the border from Aomori to Akita. The view of the coast from a higher elevation than the ordinary road provides an open and refreshing landscape!
Enjoy the locally produced interior and local delicacies!
O-ame, a famous Noshiro candy, and peppermint-flavored Ajiga Sour available at the ORAHO counter of the Beech Formation. Photo courtesy of Higashi-Noshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch
Lamps placed on the tabletop, this one by Bunako, a manufacturer of beech products in Hirosaki City. The respect for beech composition and beech wood, the commitment to local products, and the care for visitors are all expressed in such a casual manner. In an interior where local products are used as materials, you can enjoy local food and admire the gem of a view. Is there any other way to spend such a blissful time?
Ajigasawa Sour was created by the town of Ajigasawa as a nostalgic sour in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Gono-Line's full operation. There is also a green melon-flavored Narisawa Sour from Narisawa, and a red watermelon-flavored Kitakanegasawa Sour from Kitakanegasawa, which is inspired by the setting sun. These two types are sold at the Hotel Grand Mer Sankaiso and the Ajigasawa Onsen Suigun no Yado (Ajigasawa Hot Spring Suigun no Yado) stores in Ajigasawa. Please taste them when you stop by or stay in Ajigasawa!
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office
On the Gono Line, the view of rice paddies is also noticeable. At times, the view of terraced rice paddies and the sea is a wonderful contrast of green and blue. Akita Akita Komachi and Aomori Aomori are famous rice-producing areas where Akita Akita Komachi and Aomori Tsugaru Roman and Aoten no Boltzan are harvested. There are differences in yield depending on the elevation of the area and the variety of rice, which is also worth noting. The best part of the trip is to taste the local delicacies while admiring the tranquil scenery of rice fields.
A place recommended by a local worker!
A new landmark in Noshiro! A breakwater becomes a campus ~Hamanasu Gallery
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office Hamanasu Gallery is a place where you can watch the sunset over the Sea of Japan with pictures painted on the breakwater between Noshiro and Mukonoshiro Stations. There is also an observation deck, 100 steps up, from which you can see the coastline from Mikane Town to Fukaura Town. There are also fishing spots and Kaze-no-Matsubara nearby, which are open to the public and attract many visitors on a fine day.
Once connected to the Ono Line! ～Hatsumori Seirensho
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office The Hatsumori Mine used to be located in this area and produced silver and copper. The mine was in operation from 1880 to the 1990s, and because it was an open pit mine, it was surrounded by banks, creating a large open space. The site is now a park and a place for recreation and relaxation. An electrified freight railroad existed between Yamori Station and the refinery, and freight was carried out by freight trains on the Gono Line. A part of the site (platform and tracks) still remains at Yamori Station today, giving visitors a sense of the history of the area.
Thanks again to both of them for their valuable information!
Mr. Terada and Mr. Takayama, who work at the JR East Noshiro Track Maintenance Engineering Center of JR East introduced us to this valuable spot that only locals can recommend. When leaving Noshiro on the Ono Line for Aomori or arriving at Noshiro from Aomori, we tend to focus on the mouth of the Yondai River, but there are places beyond that that we want to visit. Also, about the remains of the Hatsumori Mine's freight transportation at Yamori Station. Information from locals is valuable and reliable. When sightseeing in Noshiro, take in the canvas of Noshiro Port as the sea breeze blows, and when passing by Yamori Station on the Ono Line, take a look at the remains of the cargoes! Mr. Terada and Mr. Takayama work at JR East Higashinoshiro Line Maintenance Engineering Center.
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office
