Take a romantic train journey: 6 sister railway lines between Taiwan and Japan

ReporterYan Xintong/ Compiled Report

Relations between Taiwan and Japan have always been friendly, leading to the establishment of multiple sister railway lines. As of September, this article compiles a total of 6 sister railway routes, with just the Pingxi Line alone being twinned with two Japanese lines. Each railway boasts its own unique charm—come and explore them together.

The Taiwan Railways Administration’s Neiwan Line and Japan’s Gifu Prefecture Nagara River Railway Yuemi South Line are officially set to become sister railways

▲ Japan’s Nagara River Railway Yuemi South Line. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways Administration)

The Neiwan Line starts at Hsinchu Station and ends at Neiwan Station in Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County, spanning a total length of 27.9 kilometers. Originally built to transport timber, coal, and limestone, it now primarily serves commuter passengers on regular days. In recent years, in line with government efforts to develop tourism resources, it has been transformed into a brand-new Neiwan Railway sightseeing route.This Taiwanese railway line, known as the “Neiwan Line’s Nine Stations,” is a famous tourist attraction. Other highlights include anime-themed painted trains, Neiwan Old Street, suspension bridges, and lavender forests.

The sister railway it has partnered with is Japan’s Nagara River Railway Yuemi South Line, located in Gifu Prefecture north of Nagoya, stretching 72.1 kilometers in length. Along the route, you can enjoy views of one of Japan’s three famous clear streams—the Nagara River valley—which bears similarities to Taiwan’s Neiwan Line. In recent years, it has also become a popular railway tourism destination.

Alishan Forest Railway and Oigawa Railway become sister railways

▲ Alishan Forest Railway (Photo / From Alishan Forest Railway fan page)

The Alishan Forest Railway and Japan’s Oigawa Railway have been sister railways for nearly 30 years, a partnership that will reach its 30th anniversary in 2016. According to the Chiayi Forest District Office, the Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, is famed for its Thomas the Tank Engine, steam trains, and rack-and-pinion (ABT) mountain railways. It became sister railways with the Alishan Forest Railway starting in 1986.

Taiwan Railways and Seibu Railway establish sister railway lines

▲ Seibu Railway (Photo / From Wikipedia)

The Taiwan Railways Administration and Seibu Railway have formed a sisterly bond, establishing sister railway lines, and jointly launched the “Taiwan Railways x Seibu Railway Sister Railway Agreement Commemorative Ticket.” This marks the first time both sides have issued a commemorative ticket set together.

Nantou’s Jiji Line and Japan’s Chiba Prefecture Isumi Line become sister lines

▲ Jiji Railway Station, illustrative photo. (Photo / Eastern News)

Taiwan Railways’ “Jiji Line” and Japan’s “Isumi Railway Co., Ltd.” have engaged in cross-border cooperation, combining their respective tourism railway features.

Japan’s Isumi Railway Co., Ltd. is a private railway company located on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the well-known local railway lines in Chiba, stretching 26.8 kilometers in length. The route offers beautiful scenery and pastoral landscapes, operating mainly for tourism purposes. Thus, in terms of route length, operational style, and unique scenery, it is quite similar to the Jiji Line.

Pingxi Line and Japan’s “Dewasanzan Roku Line” become sister railways

▲ Taiwan Railways Pingxi Line and Japan’s Yuri Kogen Railway “Dewasanzan Roku Line” become sister railways. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways Administration)

Both railways retain plenty of “old-world charm,” with beautiful riversides and mountain ranges along the routes. Taiwan Railways noted that the Pingxi Line and Yuri Railway’s “Dewasanzan Roku Line” became sister railways due to both still using the “electric tablet block system” for train operations, and both having a track gauge of 1067mm, with the entire line being single-track and non-electrified. This early-style operation method continues to attract railway enthusiasts from around the world.

The Pingxi Line and Japan’s “Enoshima Electric Railway Line” become sister railways

▲ Pingxi Line railway. (Photo / By reporter Liao Yian)

The “Enoden” is a well-known private railway in Kanagawa, Japan, with an annual ridership of over 10 million passengers. Both the Pingxi Line and Enoden are internationally renowned short-distance railway routes rich in scenic beauty and attractions.

Along the Enoden, you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji, explore the Shonan Coastline (the setting of the manga “Slam Dunk”), visit Enoshima and the Kamakura Great Buddha, and other natural and cultural landmarks. Similar features to the Pingxi Line include railways running close to residential homes—like trains passing through Jifei Old Street—and charming, rustic wooden stations such as the “Gokurakuji Station,” which resembles the simple and lovely Zhiding Station. There are also several small, quiet stations along the way perfect for exploring hidden gems. Additionally, Enoshima is home to many cats, earning it the nickname “Cat Island” among feline lovers.