Yuri Kogen Railway Beloved by People and Community

Yuri Kogen Railway

(Yuri Honjo City, Akita Prefecture)

【Ouen-dan (応援団)】 refers to supporters that cheer up individuals or organizations. There are many ways one can buoy up another. Their activities energize communities and people.

A local railway is always suffering from financial challenging. It organizes events and showcases appealing cultural and scenic experiences to gain passengers. Local communities, train enthusiasts, and tourists reinforce these activities as an Ouen-dan.

The Yuri Kogen Railway connects Ugo-Honzyo to Yashima, a farming village nestled at the foot of Mt. Chokai (2,236 meters). The scenic views from the train windows attract passengers, with picturesque paddy fields, clear-flowing rivers, and snow-capped peaks of Mt. Chokai visible alongside the railway. The seasonal colorful flowers add to the photogenic appeal of this railway line.

The entire journey takes approximately 40 minutes, but it’s a good idea to disembark at one of the stations. Train enthusiasts await the arrival of trains to shoot photographs against the picturesque landscape. The railway operates only one train per hour in each direction. While waiting for a train, enthusiasts greet and chat with each other. Many of them visit this spot repeatedly to see the changing beauty of the surroundings throughout the seasons. They are strong supporters (Ouen-dan) of the railway who come here from all over Japan. They share their photos and stories on their blog, inspiring other train enthusiasts.

During my visit, I met a man responsible for the railway’s official social media account. He was taking photographs for the account, showcasing the upcoming blossom season to the train’s fans. He kindly pointed out the best phot spot for me.

The trains are operated solely by drivers who run the train and check passengers’ tickets. In the morning, a woman attendant, dressed in traditional Japanese fabric dyed in deep blue and wearing a red Japanese-style towel on her head, rides on the train. This attendant is affectionately called “Obako,” which means “girl” in the dialect of Akita prefecture. She explains to passengers about local specialties and points of interest at each station using pictures.

At the last stop of Yashima station, you can stroll through the small local town, which has two sake breweries and the ruins of a castle. One famous figure in the town is Ms. Matsuko, an elderly lady who works at the station shop. She always engages in friendly conversations with visitors, and her bright and charming personality endears her to everyone.

As you sit waiting on a train to return to Ugo-Honzyo station, she bangs on the train window from the platform, waving her hand to bid farewell to all passengers. People reluctant to part from her and this place, feeling a sense of longing to return. Ms. Matsuko’s warm performance is her way to enliven the railway and community as one of the supporters (Ouen-dan).