Japan Local Railway: Sangi Railway Adventure
The Sangi Railway (三岐鉄道 Sangi Tetsudō) is a relic of sorts that proudly services the locals in Mie Prefecture (三重県 Mie-ken), and fortunately, can lead you to places that otherwise would be very difficult to access. It winds through mountain scenery and quiet villages. The beauty of the area is uncommon. The Sangi Railway Hokusei Line (北勢線Hokusei-sen) runs on 762mm (2ft. 6in.) wide tracks. This is nearly half the width of the Shinkansen (新幹線 Japan’s bullet train) rails. As such, the car is much more narrow, but just as tall, giving it a unique look that draws train aficionados.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
It was a cool evening in late January when I found myself standing outside a station hidden away on streets that barely allowed two compact cars to pass at once. Resting by a rice field and some traditional-style houses, Sohara Station (楚原駅 Sohara-eki) was just one randomly-chosen station in the countryside of Mie, where you’ll find the Sangi Railway.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
It’s a relic of sorts that proudly services the locals in Mie, and fortunately, can lead you to places that otherwise would be very difficult to access.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
The name implies in Japanese that the Sangi Railway runs between Mie and Gifu (岐阜県 Gifu-ken) prefectures. In fact, they now start and end within Mie. It winds through mountain scenery and quiet villages. The beauty of the area is uncommon, but the riders use the line for mundane purposes.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
Many students and workers use the line to simply get where they have to go, seemingly unaware of the unique nature of their circumstances, eyes focused on smartphones or books. I got to share my train car, one of only three, with members of a local high school baseball team heading home after a long day.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
Construction began on the line almost a hundred years ago, with the intention of creating a line strictly for hauling cement and supplies to and from a plant in the area. In the 1950s, it was first used for passenger services. Now over 60 years old, the golden trains move along the line, stopping at each station, at a leisurely pace consistent with the vibes of rural Mie.
Rather than bridges or tunnels, to cross to the opposite platform you use the railroad crossing in the station. When a train isn’t coming, of course… (Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
These days, it really stands out from other train lines. On the Sangi Line (三岐線) which is also operated by Sangi Railway, the tracks are only 1,067mm (3ft. 6in.) wide, but the Hokusei Lineruns on even narrower tracks of 762mm (2ft. 6in.) wide. This is nearly half the width of the Shinkansen rails. As such, the car is much more narrow, but just as tall, giving it a unique look that draws train aficionados—or the somewhat more embarrassing title in Japan, “densha otaku” (電車オタク)—from all over. As you ride the line, don’t be surprised to see an occasional lone man waiting on the platform to take a picture of the train, only to stay there and continue taking pictures as it leaves.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
Even if you’re not a “densha otaku”, or not quite ready to accept that title, the line has a lot to offer. It’s rather cheap to ride, so feel free to hop off at any station that piques your interest. Find a local shrine in a town that looks straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, say a quick prayer, and be on your way to the next picturesque village.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
As the train pulls out of the station, you can really feel it rev up its small engine. It shudders to life and you’re on your way. On your way where? Well, the Sangi Railway Sangi Line starts at Kintetsu Tomida Station (近鉄富田駅 Kintetsu-Tomida-eki) in Yokkaichi City (四日市市 Yokkaichi-shi) and terminates at Nishi-Fujiwara Station (西藤原駅 Nishi-Fujiwara-eki) in Inabe City (いなべ市 Inabe-shi). The Sangi Railway Hokusei Line runs from Nishi-Kuwana Station (西桑名駅 Nishi-Kuwana-eki) in Kuwana City (桑名市 Kuwana-shi) to Ageki Station (阿下喜駅 Ageki-eki) in Inabe City.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
If you’re the outdoorsy type, and if you’re in Mie as you should be, then I highly recommend taking the Sangi Line to Nishi-Fujiwara Station. It’s in a scenic little neighborhood from which you can hike the nearby Fujiwaragatake (藤原岳). It’s not to be taken lightly though! Boots, water, and some semblance of physical aptitude are required. You’ll probably see some senior citizens on the trail, but don’t think for a second that that means it's easy.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
The forests of Japan are beautiful, and the summit offers an amazing view of some nearby lakes, villages, and the Suzuka Mountain Range (鈴鹿山脈 Suzuka Sanmyaku). There is a lot of great hiking in the area, so if you get a chance, you should also make a trip over to Mount Gozaisho (御在所岳 Gozaisho-dake).
Check your route carefully, as you may be hard pressed to find a place to stay if you’re stranded out here after missing the last train. That is, if you didn’t bring a tent… (Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
The Kintetsu Line (近鉄線) that runs between Nagoya (名古屋) and Osaka (大阪) is perfect for accessing the Sangi Railway. You can take trains from either major city to Kuwana Station (桑名駅 Kuwana-eki) to access the Hokusei Line from the adjacent Nishi-Kuwana Station, or Tomida Station (富田駅 Tomida-eki) to access the Sangi Line. Both stations are much closer to Nagoya than to Osaka.
(Image credit: Mie Prefecture)
If you’re already heading to Nagoya, and since it’s so close, it makes for a great destination to stretch your legs. For more information, visit their official homepage here.
Header image credit: Mie Prefecture
Writer’s profile:
Chad Martin’s otaku side brought him to Nagoya, Japan in 2012, but he stayed for the food, countryside towns, and gorgeous mountain scenery. Chad was born and raised on the east coast of the US, but he dares say he never grew up. He never shuts up about Japan.
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