Japan’s Winter-Only “Kotatsu Train” Lets You Snuggle Under Blankets While Enjoying Coastal Scenery

▲ The “Kotatsu Train,” available only in winter, exudes warmth just by looking at its thick blankets. (Photo/Youtube screenshot)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

After a four-year hiatus, Iwate Prefecture’s winter-exclusive railway attraction, the “Kotatsu Train,” is back in service. Passengers can cozy up under warm blankets while taking in the scenic coastal views along the route.

The “Kotatsu Train” operates on the Sanriku Railway North Rias Line, running between Kuji Station and Miyako Station only during the winter months. However, due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake four years ago, parts of the route were closed until last year. After repairs, the full line has finally reopened this year for public use.

According to Japanese media reports, after a departure ceremony held at noon on the 6th at Kuji Station, the Kotatsu Train set off with 45 passengers aboard. During the ride, stewardesses dressed as ama (female divers) served customers onboard, along with bento boxes made with local sea urchin and fish roe, allowing travelers to enjoy authentic seafood flavors while immersed in the coastal scenery of Sanriku.

The “Kotatsu Train” will run every weekend and national holiday until the end of March 2015, with one round-trip service per day. The outbound journey departs Kuji Station at 12:15 PM and arrives at Miyako Station at 1:54 PM. The return trip leaves Miyako Station at 3:05 PM and arrives back in Kuji at 4:45 PM. A one-way ticket costs 2,160 yen (approximately NT$555), and passengers need to book in advance viaSanriku Railway.