A Spring Railway Mini-Trip in Chiba: Saving the Electric Railway with “Wet Senbei”!

Text and Photos byHappy Yun

Chiba — perhaps because "Disneyland" and "Narita Airport" overshadow everything, and because it’s next to the well-known "Tokyo," not many travelers tend to linger here.

On this spring journey, aside from visiting a few lesser-known cherry blossom spots recommended by locals, Yun also rode three local trains within Chiba Prefecture — what an amazing... surprise!! [Japan, Chiba Prefecture] A Spring Railway Trip: Pink Cherry Blossoms & Rapeseed Flowers Dance Alongside the Isumi Line, So Beautiful It Makes You Want to Jump Off the Train. (Sister Line with Nantou’s Jiji Train)

Aside from the “Isumi Railway” that we shared last time, weaving through fields of rapeseed and cherry blossoms, there’s another quaint and charming little train in Chiba Prefecture — the Chōshi Electric Railway.

The Chōshi Electric Railway is Japan’s second-smallest railway, with a total length of only 6.4 kilometers. It has nearly 90 years of history, and its trains are vintage carriages. All 10 stations along the route are adorable!! This second-smallest railway in Japan almost ceased operations. When it first opened in 1923, the Chōshi Electric Railway was a daily commuter tool for locals. But as times changed, most families owned private cars, and government subsidies to private railways were cut back,

this peach-colored train, which travels at just 20 km/h — slower than a bicycle — combined with the operator’s bad loans.......... etc., led the Chōshi Electric Railway into its worst financial crisis in 80 years of operation.

Later, local residents decided to launch the “Great Railway Rescue Operation.” The community brainstormed ideas to find sustainable ways for the Chōshi Electric Railway to keep running.

The “Wet Senbei” (wet rice crackers), made in collaboration with the Chōshi Electric Railway, unexpectedly became a huge hit. Thanks to everyone working together, the railway was saved. This is the legendary story of how Japan “saved a railway with senbei.”

That day, I took the JR from Sakura Station heading toward Chōshi Station. I bought a simple sandwich and drink and began my little railway journey. After getting off the train, I found the adorable Chōshi Electric Railway. Its station looked so retro that it was hard to associate it with the modern surroundings.

And inside the station, the display cases held old-fashioned children's toys — it was all very vintage; a stark contrast to the nearby JR Chōshi Station.

You can’t use an ICOCA card here, oh no!!

You have to buy your ticket directly from the conductor. Tell him where you’re going, and he’ll tell you how much it costs. They also sell one-day passes, but you should check the timetable first — trains run roughly once an hour.

Before long, the train slowly pulled into the station. Some people got off, while we waited for the return train. The green-colored carriage had a sign on the front that read “Peach Train Girl,”

Hahaha... how fun — it felt so local, like those grape queens (beauties) chosen in some Taiwanese rural towns.

The train moved at a leisurely pace, offering views of the countryside scenery, which was actually quite relaxing. This train heads toward the seaside, and even passes through a station called “Japan’s easternmost station” — Kannonzaki Station.

Many of the smaller stations are full of charm, making you want to hop off and explore anytime. The train runs only once an hour, so if you get off, make sure to time it right.

The handles on the train are so cute!! There are even “heart-shaped” ones. A sharp-eyed friend on Facebook pointed out these are the same handles seen on a TV drama, hahaha. These small design touches bring pleasant surprises and add a romantic vibe.

To be honest, there weren’t many people along the way. We did see some high school students heading home from school, who got off one after another.

We got off at “Inubō” Station and began our adventure.

Before leaving the station, there was also a “Wet Senbei” experience — the very “Wet Senbei” ((ぬれ煎餅)) that the community worked together to save!!

The instructor handed us gloves, turned on the electric stove, and had us place the senbei on it, then flip them over by hand. After a few minutes,

the flat white crackers puffed up slightly. The instructor told us to press them down with our palms to flatten them. Soon, a golden-brown color appeared — that meant the senbei had hardened up.

It also meant they were almost done!! Then we used tongs to lift the senbei, dip them in the soy sauce jar beside us, and pull them out after soaking — and voilà, they were ready!!

So fragrant — we could smell the aroma even while roasting the senbei. With the soy sauce adding moisture, they were incredibly tempting!! Time to eat!! Wow!! So delicious!!

These handmade senbei had a slightly different texture compared to the packaged “Wet Senbei” sold later in the shops. The crispy feel was familiar, but the pre-packaged wet senbei had a soft, moist taste that challenged your usual idea of what senbei should be. It really had a strong local character!!

These Wet Senbei were the heroes that helped save the Chōshi Electric Railway. I offer them my highest respect, and I’m truly impressed by the community that came together to save it. After DIY-ing our unique “Wet Senbei,” let’s head to the beach!!

Before leaving, if you’re a railway fan, there are lots of different commemorative ride tickets here you can check out.

The Japanese really excel at running this kind of business—they’ve got so many creative ideas!
...............................................To be continued

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Chōshi Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Website:http://www.choshi-dentetsu.jp/
Timetable:http://www.choshi-dentetsu.jp/detail/railway/9
Fare Schedule:http://www.choshi-dentetsu.jp/detail/railway/10

Transport: Transfer at Chōshi Station on JR Narita Line / Sōbu Main Line
Fare: One-day pass for adults 620 yen (half price for children)

*For more information, please see -->Happy Cloud’s Travel Blog *