The scenic Nagaragawa Railway following the Nagara River…
The Nagaragawa Railway’s Etsumi-Nan Line(*) is a 72km rural line in the central Japan prefecture of Gifu. It runs between Mino-Ota (where passengers can connect to JR) to Hokuno in the city of Gujo. It is a very scenic line following the Nagaragawa River. (*normally just referred to as the Nagaragawa Railway)
You need to allow most of a day to travel on this line as it takes around 2 hours one way and trains are not so frequent.
Nagara River scenery…
The Nagara River (Nagaragawa 長良川) is known as one of Japan’s three clear flowing rivers which apart from its scenery is famous for its wild sweetfish. The train runs very close to the river for most of its route.
Nagaragawa area and Gifu Prefecture in general is famous for its Onsen (hot spas) and other scenic spots such as Shirakawa-go and Takayama. For more information and ideas on Gifu Prefecture tourist spots, go to the Visit Gifu website
Enjoy a meal whilst enjoying the scenery….
Nagaragawa Railway operates a tourist train “Nagara”. This train is a rapid train, but stops or slows down at particularly scenic points on route. You can also enjoy a meal made from local ingredients. The trains used for this service were renovated using local wood materials (they are also used on some other normal services).
JR Rail Passes, One Day Passes…
As the line is not operated by JR the all Japan or any of the regional JR Rail Passes are not valid, but can be used to get to Mino-Ota, including using the Hida Limited Express (Nagoya~Toyama). Two of JR Tokai’s Rail Passes although not covering the Nagaragawa Railway, do allow travel in a similar area and the Nagaragawa area could be a side trip using the railway’s one day pass (see below)
Nagaragawa Railway has a one day pass (ichi-nichi ken) costing Y2,700, which apart from saving money if travel the whole or half the line and return is convenient as you do not have to worry about having change to pay the fare on board the train.
Nagaragawa Railway Website
More information is available on the Nagaragawa Railway web site (some pages in English and Chinese) Click here
for rail fans
The original plan was for the line to run as far as the Japan Sea, but due to wars and lack of resources, JNR only completed the line as far as Hokuno in the city of Gujo.
The line actually runs a short way beyond Hokuno. The line between Mino-Ota and Hokuno was completed and opened in 1934. Both passenger and freight traffic used the line although freight services ended in 1974.
The whole route is un-electrified and single line (with passing points). The company has 11 one car diesel car units. 3 units have been renovated for tourist train use, using local wood materials internally and beige colored livery on the outside.
At Hokuto station the track runs a little way beyond the station and there is also a turntable.
There is a small depot at Mino-Kawai station.
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