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A hidden railway line in a hidden piece of Gifu. Enjoy lunch on the train whilst passing delightful villages…
The Akechi Railway (明智鉄道 Akechi Tetsudo) runs a line from Ena to Akechi in Gifu Prefecture, a distance of 25.1km. Ena is on the Chuo Main Line (West) about an hour from Nagoya. Most of the line runs through Ena city, although part runs through Nakatsugawa City.
The Akechi Railway line is very rural and once leaving Ena is steadily climbing passing through the villages / towns of Agi, Iwamura before arriving at Akechi.
The scenery you will see from the train is great, and in fact it is an area that attracts a lot of hikers, particularly around Iwamura.
The scenery you will see from the train is great, and in fact it is an area that attracts a lot of hikers, particularly around Iwamura. In fact at most of the stations on the line there are Hiking / Walking Course Guides, although they are all in Japanese.
Akechi – “Nihon Taisho Mura”
The Taisho era is the period between the Meiji and Showa Emperor reigns and the town of Akechi at the end of the line is nicknamed Nihon Taisho Mura (Japan Taisho Town) as the town has tried to retain the aura and in particular the architecture of that time when the town was at the hight of its prosperity.
The city of Ena has a great online tourist guide in English that covers many things that can be done in the area: it can be seen online here
Akechi Railway’s Dining Train
The Akechi Railway operates a “dining train” on most days (except Mondays) where you can enjoy a boxed lunch made from seasonal local speacialities, and at some times of the year even locally produced Sake!
It is may be not the most luxurious dining train and you only have 50 minutes, but it is a great way to enjoy and experience the Real Japan
The Taisho Roman Dining Train (大正ロマン列車) runs most days except Mondays (exception is when Monday is a holiday). The dining course depends on the season and cost between Y2,800 and Y6,000 depending on the course. Seats must be reserved in advance. More information here (this site is in Japanese, but TSJR is happy to help clients who are interested on travelling on this train)
The Railway and Trains
Akechi Tetsudo is a non electrified line and single line with some passing points. Most trains are formed of single Diesel units, which as of April 2024 the company had four アケチ10形 and two アケチ100形 units. The 100形 units were introduced new in 2017 and 2018,
At Akechi Station, an old and not used アケチ6形 could be seen when TSJT visited in July 2024.
As part of its way to make the railway more attractive, most trains have headboards attached to the front and back. Theer is an impressive display of many headboards at Akechi Station (where incidently the depot is located).
Akechi Tetsudo does have an SL (C12-244) and brake van (ヨ18080). On a few days a year it does hold events where members of the public can experience travel on the brake van and in the cab. At these events the SL uses compressed air rather than coal and steam and travels a distance of 120m each way at Akechi Station.
You can get more information here (note website is in Japanese and a certain level of Japanese or a translator needed to participate)
Akechi Tetsudo also has Diesel rail car driving experience days (booking required). More details here (Japanese required)
Note both the above experiences are Paid events.
Travel Information
The Akechi Railway’s Ena Station is within the JR Tokai Ena station. It can be reached on the JR Chuo Main Line from Nagoya (approx 1 hr 10 mins by Semi Rapid or Rapid train).
As it is not on the JR network, JR Rail Passes are not valid. Akechi railway does however have a one day pass, (a version of which you can get as a hand held fan). The cost of the one day pass is Y1,380
Trains run every 1 to 2 hours depending on the time.
TS Japan Rail can help clients with planning and ticket information who wish to travel on the Akechi Railway Line. We also have many more travel ideas for those who want to explore Gifu Prefecture and the areas around Nagoya by train!
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