Japan Local Railway : Sangi Railway Adventure

Written by Chad Martin

－Author's Introduction
My otaku side brought me toNagoya, Japan in 2012, but I stayed for the food, countryside towns, andgorgeous mountain scenery. I was born and raised on the east coast of theUS, but I dare say I never grew up. I never shut up about Japan.

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 was just one randomly-chosen station in the countryside of Mie Prefecture, where you’ll find the Sangi Railway.

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.

The name implies in Japanese that the Sangi Railway run between Mie and Gifu 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.

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.

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 1950’s, 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...

These days, it really stands out from other train lines. The tracks are only 1,067mm (3ft. 6in.) on the Sangi Line, but the same railway company also runs the Hokusei Line, which runs on 762mm (2ft. 6in.) wide tracks. This is nearly half the width of the Shinkansen (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 (or the somewhat more embarrassing title in Japan, “densha otaku”) 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.

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.

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 in Yokkaichi City and terminates at Nishi-Fujiwara Station in Inabe City. The Sangi Railway Hokusei Line runs from Nishi Kuwana Station in Kuwana City to Ageki Station in Inabe City.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, and if you’re in Mie 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.

 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 easy.

The forests of Japan are beautiful, and the summit offers an amazing view of some nearby lakes, villages, and the Suzuka mountain range. There is a lot of great hiking in the area, so if you get a chance, you should also make a trip over to Mt. Gozaisho.

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...

The Kintetsu Line that runs between Nagoya and Osaka is perfect for accessing the Sangi Railway. You can take trains from either major city to Kuwana Station (to access the Hokusei Line from the adjacent Nishi Kuwana Station), or Tomida Station (to access the Sangi Line). Both stations are much closer to Nagoya than to Osaka.

If you’re already heading to Nagoya, and since it’s so close, it makes for a great destination to stretch your legs.

For details
https://www.sangirail.co.jp/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangi_Railway