Overlooking the Zenkoji Plain, Nagano, one of the three most beautiful train windows in Japan【JRNayasute Station】.

  • Nagano
  • Sightseeing
Zenkoji Plain seen from JR Yasuyasute Station
Obasute Station in Nagano Prefecture is one of the three best train windows in Japan. Why is it called one of the three best train windows in Japan? In this issue, we will introduce the secret of its popularity and the scenery that you should definitely see.

What are the "three best train windows in Japan"?

The "Three Great Window Views of Japan" refers to the three most attractive train-window views that have been passed down from generation to generation among railroad fans: the Karakatsu Pass on the Nemuro Line in Hokkaido; the window at Obasute Station on the Sasanoi Line in Nagano Prefecture; and the Yatake Pass on the Hisatsu Line in Kumamoto Prefecture.

The Karikatsu Pass on the Nemuro Main Line was once a great attraction because of the view of the Tokachi Plain, the Hidaka Mountains, and the mountains of Akan from the steep curve called "Omega Curve," but unfortunately the line was closed in 1966. The "Yatake Overpass on the Hisatsu Line" offers a spectacular view of the Kirishima mountain range and the Ebino Plateau between the Yatake First and Second Tunnels near Yatake Station.

Attractions of Yasuyasuto Station

JR Yatake Station is a historic station that opened on November 1, 1900 as a station on the Shinonoi Line. Located halfway up a mountain at an elevation of 551 meters, it is also a station that uses the switchback system, which is now rare. Switchbacks are tracks laid in a zigzag pattern to ascend and descend steep slopes. The station name sign at the Yasu-sute station therefore reproduces the switchbacks with a green line.
Station Building
Station name sign

The train offers a panoramic view of the Zenkoji Plain, one of the three most beautiful train windows in Japan!

The view from the historic Yasu-sute Station is spectacular. The view of Chikuma City in the foreground, Nagano City in the background, and the Zenkoji-daira mountains surrounding them is indeed one of the three best train windows in Japan! You can enjoy the spectacular scenery throughout the four seasons: fresh greenery in spring, blue sky in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter.
View toward Nagano City (taken in mid-September 2023)
View toward Togura (taken in mid-September 2023)

Let's go on the sightseeing train "Resort View Furusato"!

Although only regular trains stop at Yasuyasutemachi Station, it is possible to take a sightseeing train there on certain dates. The rapid "Resort View Furusato" connecting Nagano Station and Minami Otari Station via the Shinonoi Line and Oito Line is an attractive sightseeing train with spacious reclining seats and a view from the large windows. The train departs from Nagano Station and stops at the Azuma Station for about 30 minutes.

The view from the train is beautiful not only during the day but also at night, and the "Night View Satsu" rapid train, which offers a night view, runs between Nagano Station and Satsu Station. Please check the following link for the operating date.
Rapid "Resort View Furusato" train
Seats
Official】Ride and Joyful Train, Resort View Furusato

Click here for an introduction to the ▼Kaisoku "Night View Yuzutte" train.

We recommend you to book with " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " for your stay around Nagano Station!
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