Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo (Akita Inland Railway)

This railway literally goes across Akita’s inland, connecting almost 94.2km between Takanosu and Kakunodate Stations. The route is along Japan’s traditional local scenery and its beauty puts smiles on locals and tourists. Thus, the name “Smile Rail” for this popular railroad.

Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway began to carry ores from the Ani Copper Mine before the World War. This ore railroad, the northern Aniai Line, and the southern Kakunodate Line used to be separate, but they were connected (between Hitachiuchi and Matsuba Stations) in 1989 to form the current line.

Of 29 stations in all, there are Ani-Matagi Station near the Matagi (Hunter) Information Room, Aniai Station by the Akita Nairiku Railway Museum, Ani-Maeda Onsen Station with a hot spring facility, and other unique stations. Omata River Bridge offers lovely scenery from the train windows during crossing. In summer, some art created by rice plants on the fields entertains riders along the railroad. Gotzo (Feast) Tamatebako Train and other events are planned for fun rides.