A rural trip on the Akechi Railway | A guide to sights and sightseeing routes along the line

The Akechi Railway, which runs through eastern Gifu Prefecture, is a local railway line that connects Ena Station to Akechi Station, covering a distance of about 25 km. The line is lined with tranquil rural and satoyama landscapes, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely journey while experiencing the original scenery of Japan. It is attracting attention as a rare local line where "the ride itself is an experience" rather than simply a means of transportation.

With unique initiatives such as sightseeing trains and dining trains, it is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist resource that conveys the charms of the region. Why not enjoy a leisurely train trip while taking in the historic townscape, gourmet food, and nature outside the window?

What is Akechi Railway? The attractions and characteristics of the line

The Akechi Railway is a third-sector railway line that opened in 1985, starting from Ena Station on the JR Chuo Main Line and running to Akechi Station in the mountains. There are 17 stations along the 25km line, each with its own unique local flavor and quaint scenery.

The train is a single-car diesel train, and from the window you can see fields, streams, old houses, forests, and other scenery that are a true "Japanese countryside." The train moves at a leisurely speed, creating a nostalgic atmosphere, making it a fresh experience even for those who usually travel by car.

How to enjoy sightseeing trains and experience trains

In addition to regular line operations, Akechi Railway plans and operates special tourist trains such as the "Dining Train" and "Sweets Train" where you can enjoy the food culture of each season. Among them, the "Agar Train" and "Mushroom Train" trains themed around local ingredients are rare nationwide and are popular not only with railway fans but also with tourists.

Dining trains require a reservation, and you can enjoy the scenery along the line while enjoying local cuisine during your ride. Each train has a different theme and menu, so no matter how many times you ride, you can enjoy something different. Event train operation dates are announced in advance on the official website and social media, so we recommend timing your visit accordingly.

Attractions along the route and the attractions of the stations along the way

There are small sightseeing spots scattered along the way where you can experience nature and history. In particular, at Iwamura Station, you can access the ruins of Iwamura Castle, known as the castle of a female castle lord, and Iwamura Hondori, where the townscape from the Edo period remains. There is also a wide selection of local sake and local gourmet food, making it perfect for combining sightseeing with your train trip.

The area around Akechi Station is a historic site said to be the birthplace of the Sengoku warlord Akechi Mitsuhide, and is home to retro streetscapes and cultural experiences such as the Taisho Romankan and Japan Taisho Village. It's a fascinating area that's worth exploring at your leisure even after getting off at the last stop.

Nearby tourist spots and stop-off information

• Iwamura Castle Ruins:One of Japan's three great mountain castles. The castle ruins have beautiful stone walls and a magnificent view.
• Nakasendo Oijuku:A historic post town, it is a spot that strongly retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.
• Japanese Taisho Village:A retro Taisho era tourist village around Akechi Station. Popular attractions include architecture and kimono-wearing experiences.

summary

The Akechi Railway is a one-of-a-kind tourist railway that combines the warmth of a local line with an experiential train that conveys the charm of the region. It attracts many people not just as a means of transportation, but as a way to "enjoy the journey itself."

Natural scenery, delicious local cuisine, and historic townscapes. All of these are connected on a single rail, the Meichi Railway. Why not try riding this line once to experience the hidden charms of Gifu?