Enjoy the scenery of "Gono-Line", a local railroad line in the north-eastern part of Japan that suits the coast and the sunset, on the Resort Shirakami [Part 2
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) I have been telling you about the charms of Resort Shirakami, a resort train that allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Gono-Line from various aspects. The places where you can watch the sunset along the coast vary depending on the season, but if you move the time of year, you can travel in a nostalgic atmosphere to several places where you can see a scene that is hard to describe as a reality or a dream.
The famous waiting room on the platform of Higashinodai Station is a train!
This is the waiting room at Higashinoshiro Station, the base of the Ono Line, which is modeled after the Kumagera train of the Resort Shirakami. And above the kilometer post of the Gono-Line is a sunset over the Sea of Japan. The sunset is an essential part of a trip on the Gono-Line starting from this station, and it seems as if a message is entrusted to the passengers to enjoy the sunset.
The Sea of Japan changing from blue to orange
Mutsu Iwasaki - Juniko Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Hiroto - Fukaura Photo courtesy of Higashi-Noshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch The Gono Line is known for its ocean views. The section where the sea can be seen is from Higashi-Hachimori to past Ajigasawa. The area from Omakoshi Station to Senjidaijiki Station, which runs along the coast, belongs to Fukaura Town, and is named "Sunset Coast" because the sunset can be seen from anywhere along the coastline, and beautiful sunsets can be seen from the Gonoh Line running through the area. The sun shines brightly on the train as it is about to set, and it is pleasant to see the orange and pink tints of the setting sun.
Fukaura, the town of the setting sun
Fukaura Station has the catchphrase "Fukaura, the town of the setting sun," and the sunset is depicted on the station name sign. Within a 10-minute walk from Fukaura Station, there are Oiwa, where a promenade is maintained, and Sunset Park facing Fukaura Port, where you can watch the beautiful sunset. Fukaura Station is convenient to Gyogaisaki Beach, a famous spot for photographing Ono Line trains.
Oomakoshi to Iwadate, straddling the 10-kilometer prefectural border between stations
Oomakoshi - Iwadate Photo courtesy of Higashi-Noshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Oomakoshi - Iwatate Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch There are several representative sections of the Gono Line, and this section from Omakoshi to Iwatate is one of them. The train runs along the border between Akita and Aomori prefectures, where there is a good view of the distance between the two prefectures. The section has a wide variety of views, including along the sandy beach, along the rocks, and from the railway bridge overlooking the coast. The road that can be seen is called Oomakoshi Kaido, or Sunset Road, and is also popular as one of the most scenic roads in Tohoku.
The station sign at Iwatate depicts a view of the nearby Ono Line running and the view from inside the train.
Oomakoshi - Iwatate like this during the daytime.
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office The scenery is spectacular during the daytime. There are many variations of views, such as the sandy beach right in front of you or the ocean over the national highway. The section with a wonderful sunset naturally has a beautiful calm sea and horizon during the daytime as well. There are several representative sections of the Gonoh Line, and the section between Omakoshi and Iwatate is one of them.
A spacious rock pavement walk is just a few steps away from the platform!
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office The Gono Line, which runs along the sea, has many platforms overlooking the sea, but by far the best station for a seaside stroll is Sennojijiki Station. Although the sea, cobblestones, and oddly shaped rocks make one's spirits soar, the national highway is just in front of the station. When crossing the road, please look both ways and be careful of cars.
The crew recommends it! Happy stop time for a stroll♪ Take a stroll on the rock pavement and enjoy the sea breeze!
Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office The name "Senjamashiki" comes from a legend that a lord of Tsugaru once laid out 1,000 tatami mats here and held a grand banquet. In front of the station, there is a wide expanse of cobblestone pavement, and as you approach the lapping waves, you can enjoy a wide view of the horizon and a stroll along the seashore, although it may be a bit rushed. When the departure time is approaching, the train whistle will sound to let you know so that you will not miss your train. This is also one of the events of the Senjoujiki walking tour. Photo courtesy of Higashinoshiro Station, JR East Akita Branch Office How was it? The time of day when the sun sets varies from season to season, and the angle of the window differs depending on whether you are riding a train bound for Aomori or Akita, so even if the train runs through the same area, the scenery will look different. Even if the trains travel in the same direction, the scenery will look different. Why don't you make a plan now to visit Tsugaru Plain in winter when the weather is clear and sunny, or next spring when the snow melts, and enjoy the sunset?
