The Nantou Jiji Line and Japan's Chiba Prefecture Isumi Line become sister railways

▲ Jiji Train Station. (Photo / Flickr: billy1125)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Taiwan's railway tourism takes another leap forward, collaborating with Japan for the fourth time. On the 28th, an official agreement was signed to establish the Jiji Line and Japan's Isumi Railway in Chiba Prefecture as sister railways, successfully promoting Taiwan’s railway tourism internationally once again. In the future, purchasing a one-day pass for either of the two routes will allow passengers to ride the other route for free.

A “Hello Kitty” train on the Jiji Line decorated with the Moomin pattern. (Photo / Screenshot fromJapan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism official website)

The Japanese Isumi Railway spans 26.8 kilometers and is a well-known local railway in Chiba Prefecture. Its operations focus primarily on tourism, with picturesque scenery along the route, including hot springs and various mountain produce. In terms of route length, operation style, and unique landscapes, it shares many similarities with the Jiji Line.

To commemorate the establishment of the sister railway relationship, Taiwan Railways also issued a total of 1,500 "commemorative edition Jiji Line one-day passes" at 8 a.m. today, with 500 available at Taipei Station and 1,000 at Ershui Station. The design incorporates character emblems representing the local features of both the Jiji Line and the Isumi Railway, while also showcasing the scenic beauty along the Jiji Line. These passes hold significant collectible and commemorative value, are priced at NT$78 each, with a limit of five per person, and will be sold until stock lasts.

▲ Taiwan Railways’ commemorative edition Jiji Line one-day pass. (Photo / Taiwan Railways Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

Taiwan's railway collaboration history with Japan:
1. In 2012, Taiwan Railways' steam locomotive CK124 and Japan JR Hokkaido's C11 171 steam locomotive became sister trains
2. In 2013, Songshan Station and Japan JR Shikoku's Matsuyama Station became sister stations
3. In April 2014, the Pingxi Line and Japan’s Yuri Kogen Railway’s Dewasanzan Line became sister railways
4. On October 28, 2014, the Jiji Line and Japan’s Chiba Prefecture Isumi Railway became sister railways