SMILE RAIL!

Access to Akita Nairiku LineBy planeTokyo (Haneda Airport)

Hokkaido Shinkansen

ANA(around 1 hour 10 minutes - 1 hour 20 minutes)

AomoriShin Aomori

Odate Noshiro Airport-Meeting the original landscape of Japan-

HirosakiContact / ANA Domestic Reservation and Information Center 0570-029-222

Hachinohe[Limousine Bus]
Odate Noshiro Airport - Takanosu Station (about 15 minutes))*The schedule may change due to weather conditions, road conditions, airplane arrival delays, etc.
Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Ou Main Line
Gono Line

Odate-Noshiro
Airport

HigashiNoshiroBy train

Odate

Tohoku Shinkansen

Contact / Shuhoku Taxi Odate Office 0186-42-5454

Takanosu

Hanawa Line

Aniai

Aniai Mt. Moriyoshi

Ou

Jomon-Ogata
KamisugiMa

i n L ine

Takanosu

Nishi Takanosu
OnodaiAikawaYonaizawa

Katsurase

Oga Line*The railway information is based on the information on June, 2021.
*The estimated travel time is provided based on the transit patterns on each route. The
time required to reach your destination may vary depending on the type of train used andthe date and time of travel. When traveling, please ask at the station window in advanceor check the JR timetable.

Akita Nairiku Line

Oga

Aniai

Hitachinai

Arase
Kayakusa
Okashinai
IwanomeLake Tazawa
Tazawako Line

Akita

Ani-Maeda Onsen

Maedaminami
KobuchiAni-Matagi
OkuaniMorioka

TozawaAkita Shinkansen

Kamihinokinai

SadoriKakunodate

Matsuba

Akita Airport

Ugo-nakazato

Ugo-nagatoro
Yatsu

Omagari

Uetsu Main Line

Akita Shinkansen E6 series “Komachi”

Ou Main Line

Let’s go to Akita Prefecture with the Akita Shinkansen “Komachi’’!

Saimyoji
Ugo-ota

Kitakami Line

hin

ka

ns

en

it

aS

Ak

To transfer to Akita Nairiku Line, please exit JR Kakunodate Station
then Akita Nairiku Line Station is on your right.

Kakunodate

Kitakami

YokoteTo Sakata
To Shinjo
To Sendai and Tokyo

Narita Airport / Haneda Airport

Sendai Station

Iwate Hanamaki
AirportShin-hanamaki
StationAkita Station

Akita Nairiku Line

Akita Shinkansen “Komachi” (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

Sendai Airport

Akita Airport

Akita Shinkansen “Komachi”(about 3 hours 10 minutes)

Tokyo Station

Tohoku Shinkansen(about 15 minutes)

Morioka
StationAkita Shinkansen“Komachi”(about 50 minutes)

Kakunodate
Aniai
Takanosu
Station (about 1 hour and 30 minutes) Station (about 1 hour) Station

Akita Shinkansen “Komachi”(about 45 minutes)

Hakodate
AirportShin-Hakodate
Hokuto Station

Hokkaido Shinkansen

Aomori
AirportShin-Aomori
Station

JR Ou Main Line(about 1 hour 5 minutes)

Shin-Aomori JR Ou Main Line
Station(about 1 hour 45 minutes)(about 1 hour 10 minutes)

Odate
Station

JR Ou Main Line

Akita Nairiku Line
Takanosu
Station(about 1 hour)

Aniai
Station(about 1 hour 30 minutes)

Kakunodate
Station(about 20 minutes)

About sightseeing

About train[Semboku City][Kakunodate Area]
Semboku City Tourist Information Center“Kakunodate Station Square Storehouse”☎0187-54-2700[Kitaakita City]
Kitaakita City Tourist Information Center (Kitaakita
City Tourism and Local Produce Association)☎0186-62-1851[Akita Nairiku Line]
Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway Co., Ltd.
☎0186-82-3231(Excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays)[Inquiries on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays]
Takanosu Station 0186-63-0643 / Aniai Station 0186-82-2136
Kakunodate Station 0187-54-3758
For details, please visit the website of Akita Nairiku Line.

Akita Nairiku Line

Navigate to the Japanese website.
Akita Nairiku Regional Public Transportation Cooperation Council [2024. 4]

YATSU sta.

ANIMATAGI sta.

The town of Asian fawnlily

Bear Zoo "Kumakuma En"

A flower carpet as the sign of spring

Interact with cute and adorable cubs

Visitors can find the largest natural habitat in Japan
where the rare Asian fawnlily grows within a 20-hectare
chestnut orchard that grows the Saimyoji chestnut, alocal specialty.

Visitors can see Japanese black bears and brown bears up
close in this bear-only zoo.
Bear feed is sold in the zoo, so you can also feed the bears.

8:00 - 16:00
Mid-April to early May
500 yen
Katakuri-kan (0187-47-3535)
About 5 minutes on foot from Yatsu Station

9:00 - 16:00 (last entry at 15:30)
Late April - early November
Adult: 700 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
0186-84-2626 "Japanese Only"
About 8 minutes by car from Animatagi Station(Shuttle bus is available with prior reservation. Please contact the front
desk of Utto Onsen Matagi-no-Yu 0186-84-2612)

KAKUNODATE sta.

Weeping Cherry Blossom of Kakunodate
Cherry blossom viewing in Little Kyoto of Tohoku

Kakunodate was a residential area of samurai warriors in
the Edo period about 400 years ago.
Many historic buildings are still standing here, and it isalso known for its weeping cherry tree.
0187-54-2700(Semboku City Tourist Information Center “Kakunodate Station
Square Storehouse”)
About 20 minutes on foot from Kakunodate Station(Bukeyashiki-dori)

After the winter of Akita, colorful ﬂowers bloom one after another,as if they have been longing for spring.
We are introducing the unparalleled beauty of spring,
including places of spring blooms andvarious leisure spots along the railway line.

Let’s go on a trip to experience the scenery and excitementthat can only be found on the local railway “Akita Nairiku Line”.
KAKUNODATE sta.

The Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway (Akita Nairiku Line) connects Takanosu Station in Kitaakita City

Tatetsuya(Kakunodate Sakura Leatherwork Center)in the northern area of Akita Prefecture to Kakunodate Station in Semboku City.
The railway is also known as the “Smile Rail”.

ANIAI sta.

Although there are no urban spots or trendy shops along the railway route,Mt. Moriyoshi

the beautiful scenery of the traditional Satoyama villages, bountiful food culture and history,
and traditional events can be found here.

Hakodate
AirportThe fascinating scenery and excitement will greet travelers who use the Smile Rail in any season of the year.
Also, the time that flows slowly and the smiles of everyone that you meet
will definitely make you smile as well.

Odate Noshiro
AirportNow, let’s embark on a trip full of smiles and pleasant emotions.

Kakunodate

Shin-Aomori
Aomori Airport
Takanosu
Morioka

The mountain covered with beautiful flowers

From spring to summer, Mt. Moriyoshi becomes atreasure trove of a diversity of wildflowers andalpine plants. The top of the mountain can bereached by gondola cable car in about 20 minutes,
from where visitors can enjoy trekking easily.

Let’s walk around the town in kimono

Antique kimono rental and dressing service is available atthe product center that sells local crafts.
Let’s enjoy a leisurely stroll in a charming kimono.
10:00 - 17:00 (reservation required)Open year - round
5,000 yen
0187-63-6751 (for reservation only. Kimono Tabi Shanari)
About 10 minutes on foot from Kakunodate Station

0186-82-3311 (Ani Ski Resort)
About 20 minutes by car from Aniai Station

HanamakiAirport

SMILE RAIL!
CONTENTS

❷
❸
❹
❺
❻

Sendai
AirportSPRINGSUMMER
AUTUMN, Aniai WalkWINTER
Souvenir & Hotels

Operating hours

Regular holidays

Contact information

Transportation guideBest time to visit

HanedaAirportFee❷

Jomon-Ogata

ANIAI sta.
KAKUNODATE~UGOOTA, KAMIHINOKINAI,

Ani Ijinkan, Denshokan

Ani-Maeda Onsen

ANIAI~KOBUCHI, MAEDAMINAMI~ANI-MAEDA ONSEN & JOMON-OGATA sta.

Maedaminami

Get to know the mining culture

Kobuchi
Aniai

Rice Paddy Art
Giant art seen from the train windows
The “Rice Paddy Art” is a variety of patterns that emerge
from the various colorful seedlings planted on the rice
fields along the Nairiku Line.
This view can be seen from July to September. There are
five art sites along the railway route!

Rice Paddy Art

About 140 years ago, a western-style building
was built as the official residence of a German
engineer who came to the Ani mine.
The Denshokan displays mineral specimens
and folk materials from the Ani mine.

Kamihinokinai

9:00 - 17:00
Mondays(the following day if Monday is a public holiday),December 29 - January 3
Free
0186-82-3658
About 5 minutes on foot from Aniai Station

TazawaLake
Ugoota0186-82-3231 (Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway Co., Ltd.)
Kakunodate

MATSUBA sta.

At 423.4 meters deep, it is the deepest lake
in Japan. The statue of Princess Tatsuko,
known for her legendary beauty, adorns
this lake’s cobalt blue water surface.
Visitors are recommended to view thestatue from a pleasure boat.

Please also enjoy the “Autumn Leaves Hunting”,
an event that is unique to Japanthat loves the four seasons.

Enjoy your time withlocal “feast” in an event train

Passengers can enjoy various seasonalGottso (means “feast” in local dialect)made by local farmers along the railway.
Passengers can also enjoy having funconversations with them.
*Please inquire about the operation date.

0187-43-2111(Semboku City Tazawa Lake Tourist Information
Center “Folake”)
About 15 minutes by car from Matsuba Station

KAKUNODATE sta.

Dakigaeri Gorge
A superb and dynamic view

Adult 8,500 yen, child 7,250 yen(including one-day Nairiku Line ticket and meals)
0186-82-3231 (Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway Co., Ltd.)
Depart from Kakunodate Station

NISHITAKANOSU sta.

On this scenic spot, the bluish mountainstream and autumn leaves of the primeval
forest on steep cliff create a beautiful
contrast.
Visitors can see the natural beauty up closefrom the promenade.
*Closed from late November to mid- April.
The road from the Mikaeri Waterfall isclosed year-round.

Yoneshiro River Fireworks Festival

The earliest fireworks festival
in the northern Akita of the season.

0187-54-2700 (Semboku City Tourist Information
Center “Kakunodate Station Square Storehouse”)
About 15 minutes by car from Kakunodate Station

Enjoy a dazzling summer in Akita with its lush mountains
and greenery of the countryside.
Visitors can hear the cooling songs of the cicadas
and frogs along with the murmuring of the rivers.
During the Bon Festival period, visitors can enjoy summer festivals andfireworks held in various locations and many people visit their hometowns
to enjoy their short summer vacation.
ANIAI sta.

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Aniai Walk
There are many interesting spots in the area around Aniai Station,
as the middle point of Akita Nairiku Line, making it a fun place for a stroll.
Why don’t you get off the train and plan a trip with the station as your base?

Ani Fireworks and Lantern Floats
Enlightens a summer nightwith lanterns and fireworks

The Bell of Happiness

The “Toro Nagashi” (floating lanterns) is a traditional
event that is held in various parts of Japan. The one on
the Ani River is held every year on August 16, and afireworks festival is held on the same day.

Aniai Station is characterized by a triangular roof
with the number 4 as its motif because it is locatedat 40 degrees North latitude.
If you ring the cute bell placed next to the entrance,
you may be blessed with happiness.

0186-82-2220 (Ani Fireworks Executive Committee)
About 5 minutes on foot from Aniai Station

Jomon Ogata

World Cultural Heritage
Isedotai Site
As one of the archaeological sites forming the "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan", Isedotai was registered as a
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in July 2021. No other archaeological sites in Japan have four stone circles in one place.
*The site will be open from late April to the end of October and will be closed during the winter season.
0186-84-8710 (Isedotai Jomonkan Museum)Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Jomon Ogata Station
9:00-17:00
Mondays (Closed on the following day if Monday is a public holiday)❸that are ready to be harvested.
Cherish the perfect season for a leisurely stroll.

Gottso-tamatebako
Lunch Box Train

A mysterious lake with a legend

0186-62-1851 (Kitaakita Yoneshirogawa Fireworks
Festival Executive Committee)
About 15 minutes on foot from Nishi-Takanosu
Stationred, yellow, and orange.
The fields are blessed with bountiful crops

KAKUNODATE sta.

Lake Tazawa

The event is held in early July as one of
the largest fireworks festivals in Akita
Prefecture.
About 3,000 fireworks color the surfaceof the Yoneshiro River.
There are many highlights in the event,including continuous fireworks andground-effect fireworks.

Enjoy colorful autumn in Akita, where the leaves turn

A symbol of Aniai Station

0186-82-2136 (Aniai Station)

Exploring the Temples

Remember the glory of the largest
copper mine of Japan
Aniai, which once flourished as a mining town
during the most prosperous period in Japan, washome to workers from all over the country.
Therefore, there are many temples of many different
denominations that survive the passage of time, andvisitors can see valuable historical sites and Buddha
statues.
Within walking distance from Aniai Station

Kitaakita Mt. Moriyoshi
Welcome Station

Place for gathering sightseeing
information inside the station

Located on the second floor of Aniai Station, thisspot introduces the charms of Mt. Moriyoshi byusing projection mapping and a diorama. Visitors
can also relax at the train viewing seats.
0186-82-2136 (Aniai Station)

Aniai Commune
Let’s find painted stones

A community space open for everyone in front ofAniai Station. Visitors can play a game called"WA ROCK", in which to hide and seek painted
stones around the town.
9:00 - 18:00
Mondays
0186-67-7030 (Aniai Commune)
One-minute walk from Aniai Station

Ani River Park
Nice photo shooting spot!
This park is located right behind the Aniai station,and there are close to 300 trees such as cherry andcrape myrtle. During the flower blooming season,
the view form the train is a firm favorite withlocals and visitors alike.
0186-62-1851 (Kitaakita city kanko bussan association)
About 5 minutes on foot from Aniai Station❹

Enjoy your trip along the Akita Nairiku Line even more

KAMIHINOKINAI sta.

Paper Balloon Festival of Kamihinokinai

Choose souvenirs that will make your trip even more exciting.
We will introduce various options together with unique inns where visitors can enjoy the local charm.

A fun festival that welcomes the first full moon of the year
In this traditional event that is held on February 10
every year, giant paper balloons are flown based on theprinciple of the hot-air balloon.
It is a romantic event for everyone to enjoy paper
balloons with paintings of beautiful women or samurai
warriors that dance in the night sky.
0187-42-8480(Tazawako and Kakunodate Tourism Association Nishiki Branch)
About 7 minutes walk from the Kamihinokinai Station

ANIMATAGI sta.

Matagi no Yume (Dream of Matagi)
Flavorful Doburoku, unrefined Japanese sake
This Japanese sake is prepared by hand using the springwater of Mt. Moriyoshi and Akita Komachi rice.
The pleasant taste of rice remains in the Sake.
Visitors can purchase this item at the “Utto Onsen
Matagi-no-Yu” store (450 yen per 180 ml).
*The sake is sold in bulk, so please bring a container if
you wish to purchase it.
0186-84-2612 (Utto Onsen Matagi-no-Yu)
About 5 minutes by car from Ani Matagi Station(Free transfer available, reservation required by phone)

Akita is known for its freezing winter.
However, during this time, the area becomes silvery-white,
and winter may be the most beautiful season when Akita shines.
Enjoy the traditional culture in a vast nature brought upby the snowy land where time passes slowly.
Please experience the authentic charms of Akita.

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ANI-MAEDA ONSEN sta.

SAIMYOJI & YATSU sta.

Saimyoji Chestnut
Perfect as a souvenir that brings
the taste of autumn.
This is the largest chestnut in Japan with the size ofan infant’s fist. Let’s enjoy picking up the famouschestnuts at the local farm. Please contact theplantation directly about the operation time andother details.
*May be canceled due to weather,plant conditions, or bear-caused damages.
0187-47-3046(Sasaki Chestnut Orchard) Reservation required
About 4 minutes on foot from Yatsu Station(Sasaki Chestnut Orchard)

Miura-an’s “Mochimochi Triangle
Butter Mochi”

A fluffy and sweet local confectionery
The locals have loved this sweet rice cake for a longtime.Enjoy the fluffy texture, gentle sweetness, andcreamy butter flavor.
Sold at Ani-Maeda Onsen Station, etc.
0186-82-3666 (Aniai Station Tourist Information Desk)

ANIAI, TAKANOSU & KAKUNODATE sta.

Original Dorayaki
Its seasonal packaging is also worth to notice.

This dorayaki, with its cute original package andbrand image, is created in collaboration with along-established Japanese confectionery shop of
Akita.
This item can be purchased at Aniai, Takanosu,
Kakunodate stations, and in-train sales.
0186-82-3666 (Aniai Station Tourist Information Desk)

ANIAI, TAKANOSU & KAKUNODATE sta.

Akita Nairiku Line's Original Goods

Ani, the birthplace ofMatagi hunters

With these, you’ll also be a partof the Nairiku Line!

ANIAI sta.

Cheese Manju “Okashinai”
Sweets that make everyone smiles

There are many popular original goods of the Akita
Nairiku Line.There are muffler towels with train
pictures and route maps, and badges that have thetrain’s motif.

The cheese inside is wrapped in white bean paste,
and the Manju is baked until fragrant.
The smiley face as the brand symbol is adorable.This
product is sold at the Aniai Station Tourist
Information Center.

0186-82-3666 (Aniai Station Tourist Information Desk)

0186-82-3666 (Aniai Station Tourist Information Desk)

ANIAI sta.

Mt. Moriyoshi’s Juhyo

ANIMATAGI sta.

Let’s appreciate the natural beauty of winterJuhyo formed by ice and snow attached to Maries’ fir trees.
The rime-covered trees are called “Snow Monster” because of theirmysterious and dynamic appearance.
Late January - late February
0186-62-1851 (Kitaakita City Tourism and Local Produce Association)
About 20 minutes by car from Aniai Station

Juhyo Night Viewing
Enjoy an evening tour to go up Mt. Moriyoshi in asnowcat that is equipped with a cabin and watch
the Juhyo up close.
If the weather is good, participants can enjoy astarry sky and night view of the surroundings.
(Reservation required)
Early February - early March
Adult: 3,500 yen, Child 2,000 yen (with a hot drink)
0186-82-3311 (Mt. Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort)❺

Utto Onsen (Hot Spring) Matagi-no-Yu

The Ani region, located at the southernfoot of Mt. Moriyoshi, has long been
known as the “Village of the Matagi
Hunters”.
“Matagi Hunters” are those who live by
hunting large animals, such as bears, inthe traditional way.
Currently there are only a handful ofactive Matagi hunters, but visitors canvisit the only Matagi Museum in Japanto know more about the Matagi culture
and customs that have been rooted inthis region, as well as a manufacturing
facility of a knife called “Nagasa”, which
is a hunting tool for Matagi hunters.
Also, the Matagi costume can beborrowed free of charge at Aniai Station.
Why don’t you take a commemorative
photo or stroll around the station in the
costume?

0186-82-3231(Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway Co., Ltd.)An inn where you can experience
the Matagi culture
In this inn, guests can enjoy luxurious
countryside cuisine, mainly “Kuma nabe,bear hot pot”, a classic Matagi cuisine.
Guests can enjoy the beautiful seasonal
scenery from the outdoor bath. There is also a
Matagi Museum in the vicinity.
0186-84-2612
About 5 minutes by car from Ani Matagi Station(Free shuttle available; reservation required)UGONAGATORO sta.

Farmhouse Inn Seisetsukan
A charming local inn
An inn where guests can feel at home as if
they are visiting a relative’s house in the
countryside.
Guests can enjoy the dinner preparedcarefully by the owners, a mother and herdaughter.
0187-48-2914
About 15 minutes on foot from Ugo-Nagatoro
StationANI-MAEDA ONSEN sta.

Quince Moriyoshi

Hotel

The only train stationbuilding in Akita
Prefecture that is equippedwith a hot spring inn.

Guests can stay at a reasonable price at the
hot spring inn attached to the Ani-Maeda
Onsen Station.
The “Train Viewing Room”,
from where guests can see the Nairiku trains,is popular. Day-trip bathing is also available.
0186-60-7000
Inside Ani-Maeda Onsen Station Building

Kakunodate

Kakunodate Onsen "Kayokan"
Kayokan is an inn surrounded by lush
vegetation of Kakunodate, known as Little
Kyoto of the Tohoku region, and treats guests
with warm hospitality. Free shuttle buses
between Kakunodate Station and the inn areavailable.
0187-55-5888
25 minutes by bus from Kakunodate Station.

❻