The scenery is breathtaking: The Pingxi Line becomes sister railway to Japan’s “Dewasanzan Ro Ku Line”

▲ Japan’s Yuri Highland Railway “Dewasanzan Ro Ku Line,” where snow-covered mountains can be seen along the tracks, while the other side offersstunning riverside views. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways Administration)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Taiwan Railways’ Pingxi Line is a beloved scenic branch line that many travelers dream of visiting. Taiwan Railways announced that starting April 30, the Pingxi Line will become sister railways with the “Dewasanzan Ro Ku Line” (abbreviated as YURI Tetsudō) operated by the Yuri Highland Railway in Japan. Both railways retain much of their traditional charm, and feature beautiful riverside views and mountain landscapes along their routes. The partnership aims to promote mutual understanding and encourage more visitors to explore the railway scenery on both sides.

▲ Trains on the Taiwan Railways Pingxi Line retain a vintage feel, and the surrounding scenery is also stunning. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways Administration)

Taiwan Railways noted that the reason for forming a sister railway relationship between the Pingxi Line and Yuri Railway’s “Dewasanzan Ro Ku Line” lies in both lines still using the “electric token block system” for train operations, and both having a track gauge of 1067mm. Furthermore, both are entirely single-track and non-electrified. This traditional mode of operation continues to attract railway enthusiasts from around the world.

The “Dewasanzan Ro Ku Line” is located in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, stretching 23 kilometers with a total of 12 stations. The route runs alongside foothills and clear streams, offering not only the riverside scenery of the “Omonoigawa” but also distant views of Mount Chokai, known as the “Fuji of Dewa.” In addition, various themed painted trains feature female train attendants dressed in traditional “Ōbako” attire, serving sakura tea and providing guided tours.

Taiwan Railways stated that the Pingxi Line boasts pristine river valley landscapes, pothole cliffs, railway and suspension bridges, numerous tunnels, pastoral scenery, and stream waterfalls. The simple small towns and old streets outside each station, along with historic architecture and other cultural landscapes, also attract large numbers of domestic and international tourists every year.