Abandoned Station Transformed into "Railway Culture Village" – Learn to Drive a Mountain Train for Just ¥30,000
▲Pay ¥30,000 to learn how to drive a train, and graduates can experience driving the EF63 locomotive to fulfill their driving dreams.
Reported and photographed by Yan Yuncen / Annaka City, Japan
Train enthusiasts will absolutely love this place!Located in Annaka City, Gunma PrefectureThe "Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park" was renovated from the former JR Yokokawa Station, once a key transportation hub to Karuizawa, and is now the largest train exhibition center in eastern Japan. The village highlights three main features: "see, touch, and experience." In addition to exploring the cabins and driver’s cabs of 30 historic trains via stairways, visitors can also pay ¥30,000 to learn driving skills. Upon completion, they can drive a Shinetsu Line mountain-climbing train for half an hour within the park, fulfilling their dream of being a train driver.
▲The Railway Culture Village also offers rides on the EF63 around the park.
Admission to the Usui Pass Railway Heritage Village is reasonably priced, with adults paying ¥1,000 and elementary school students ¥300. Upon entering the park, you’ll see an exhibition center built from an old train warehouse, housing an EF62 and EF63 that once ran on the Shinetsu Line, as well as a "rack railway" designed for challenging mountainous terrain.
▲The Railway Culture Village displays a "rack railway" designed for challenging mountainous terrain.
Yoshida Makoto, Chief of the Annaka City Tourism Division, explained that Yokokawa Station and Karuizawa have an elevation difference of 600 meters. With no cog system, trains couldn’t climb the slope—so Switzerland’s rack railway technology was introduced along the Shinetsu Line. Though now decommissioned, the park still uses this track for lessons. With just a half-day class and online reservation, visitors can circle the park and enjoy the thrill of driving a train uphill.
▲The steam locomotive is truly powered by burning coal.
When visiting the Usui Pass Railway Heritage Village, be sure to experience the charm of a steam train. Coal is loaded into the furnace, then ignited to build up steam pressure, gradually propelling the massive train forward. The slower speed allows passengers to fully take in the scenery. Once the train begins moving, the rhythmic chugging and billowing steam create an immersive atmosphere. Children especially enjoy watching the coal being shoveled into the firebox. The entire journey offers a delightful experience for both young and old.
▲The train's boiler is packed with burning coal.
In addition to steam trains, the Railway Culture Village also offers pedal-powered trains and conventional trains for visitors to ride. The park also opens tatami mat carriages and sleeper cars for viewing or riding depending on the season, ensuring train enthusiasts leave completely satisfied.
▲The park features a rickshaw rail track.
▲The tatami mat carriage is open for dining.
▲The sleeper car is currently closed, but its interior can be glimpsed through the door crack.
▲A former luggage car.
Usui Pass Railway Heritage Village
Address: 407-16 Yokokawa, Matsuidamachi, Annaka, Gunma
Official Website:http://www.usuitouge.com/bunkamura/index.php
Transportation:
1. Near Yokokawa Station on the JR Shinetsu Line (Yokohama Station = about 35 minutes by regular train from JR Takasaki Station)
2. From the Matsuidamachi-Myogi IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway, take Route 18 and arrive in about 10 minutes
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