Japan’s beautiful but barely used “Smile Railway” • Akita-Nairiku Line
Known as Japan’s most beautiful train line, the mountainous Akita-Nairiku Line, a.k.a. Smile Rail, lived up to its billing on a sunny afternoon where I investigated the entire line and its stations… and was the only passenger.
◆◆ *In This Video* ◆◆
0:00 Intro
0:28 Kakunodate Station
3:09 Akita-Nairiku Line history
6:41 Scenery and stations
12:54 Okuani Station / Iwasa Misaki video
13:28 Scenery and stations
15:41 “Train Line of Beautiful Women”
16:19 Scenery and stations
18:25 Aniai Station
21:03 Lunch
23:20 Wandering Aniai
26:00 Akita-Nairiku Train Museum
27:01 Back on the train
30:11 Rice field art #1
31:47 Rice field art #2
32:46 Scenery and stations
33:07 Yonaizawa Station of Music and Smiles
34:15 Scenery and stations
34:54 Rice field art #3
35:30 End of the Akita-Nairiku Line
36:07 Takanosu Station / Taiko drums
39:06 JR Ōu Line
39:57 Ōdate Station
40:36 Checklist and Patreon thanks
◆◆ *Related Videos* ◆◆
◇ EXTENDED VERSION (62 min, ad-free): https://www.patreon.com/posts/173190372
◇ RAW FOOTAGE – DRONE FLIGHT IN ANIAI: https://www.patreon.com/posts/173194738
◇ RAW FOOTAGE – AKITA-NAIRIKU TRAIN SCENERY: https://www.patreon.com/posts/173194819
◆◆ *Related Reading* ◆◆
◇ NEWSLETTER ISSUE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/173190394
◇ BLOG: “BG report from the Akita-Nairiku train line” https://www.t1dwanderer.com/bg-report-akita-nairiku-train/?src=youtube
◆◆ *Free Or Paid Support* ◆◆
My weekly newsletter with early links and more info from my travels is published free on Patreon. There are also many exclusive ad-free travel videos for supporters. Details: https://patreon.com/t1dwanderer
Thanks for watching!
–Jeremy
Includes music by mellowstu / Pond5
29件のコメント
Watch the full 62-minute ad-free version: https://www.patreon.com/posts/173190372
Includes a lot more from Aniai Station, my wander in the Aniai community, my walk around Takanosu between trains, more scenery and pieces from the train rides, plus all the station stops
Yay, thank you!
Thank you for the enjoyable video Jeremy. For anyone interested, Isaac Meyer recently covered the Matagi in episodes 641 and 642 of his History of Japan Podcast.
1:58 It's interesting that the foreign languages represented on the sign are English, traditional Chinese, and Thai. Seems like it was the location used for a popular Thai TV drama.
Interesting video. Was hoping to see a bear. Watch for Yogi bear. Lol😊😊
Thank you Jeremy, keep up the good work!
Those endless rows of abandoned bicycles makes me sad.
Another great train video. The anamorphic art in the rice paddies was very cool. Stay safe, mate.
Takanosu bicycle graveyard, where bikes come to die
7:46 and beautiful women😂
11:38 I think you got on a special train like happened back when you rode the Chizu Express train
12:18 is it that unusual for a local train there to have free wifi onboard?
16:14 the only appropriate way to use the word "bitches" there😂😂😂😂
24:26 I feel what you've just explained is a concept from Ainu or Emishi culture. Once read about it somewhere.
Beautiful train ride again. Hopefully this line keeps on going but if the communities slowly lose people i'm afraid this is one who will disappear
29:15 That British railway semaphore signal is a long way from home.
That train station lunch space is lovely. This whole section of your trip seems so lovely, both in scenery and in your experiences with the people and places.
Well, at least you've found the place where abandoned bicycles go to die! Very strange……
Really looking forward to you making it to shimokita and hopefully exploring. 7 great years as an ALT.
Used a lot more in the summer.
What you said about Akita and beautiful women is interesting because there is a Japanese idol I like (she is no longer active) who was from Akita. I always identify her as being from a northern Prefecture.
I personally think the white and red train of the way back looks cooler. Love your aerial footage in Aniai.
24:17 — I like that philosophy. Taoist-like.
Miles in Transit calls them "train limos", when you get a train or subway car to yourself. You can just relax and enjoy the ride undisturbed. Absolutely gorgeous line, I hope more people ride it.
Jeremy, if you ever offer merch please make a shirt featuring The List. Thanks for all you do!
Wish public transport were more about the needs of people than a specific area profit. That more used sections could financially support less active but necessary areas.
In the middle o'nowhere, WIFI counteracts middle o'nowhere crazies!
Notable bird was a group of cranes I think
Thanks for this episode, Jeremy,
I’m off to Japan on Wednesday and plan to base myself in Kakunodate for 3 nights after exploring the Sanriku Coast. Popping up to Aniai on the train and then back again with a bit of walking and hopping on and off the train will be the centrepiece of my time in the region. Let’s hope I get the green train like you did.
Oh, and there seems to be a day pass for the Akita Nairiku Line on offer to tourists. I can’t imagine I will save a fortune with the ticket, but it will make a nice souvenir.
Thanks to Jeremy for a wonderful ride with many good shots and a superb narration. Looking forward to the continuation.
Yup, Akita Bijin… and maybe Hakata Bijin