Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Chen Guanxin
Winter is the season of hot springs. Amidst the rising steam, immerse yourself in the unique onsen town atmosphere of Japan. Railways, on the other hand, offer another themed travel experience in Japan. Riding uniquely styled trains allows you to take in the mountain and water scenery of various regions across Japan and store them in the treasure box of your memories. This winter, plan a hot spring railway journey in Japan, and let a train ride through onsen country fulfill your desire to be immersed in traditional Japanese charm.
What kind of images does a hot spring train journey evoke? Please see the next page.
JR Uetsu Main Line—MINORI Resort Train
Crossing the Ou Mountains and connecting Miyagi and Yamagata, the most popular train on the Uetsu East Line is the MINORI. In Japanese, MINORI is written as “minoru,” which means “to bear fruit.” This section of the route features fields heavy with rice ears, numerous hot spring towns, and mountains ablaze with autumn leaves. Riding this train also enriches your journey, yielding a bountiful harvest. The endless pastoral scenery and the magnificent Ugo Gorge are must-see natural sights along this line. With multiple hot spring towns along the way, this section is also known as the “Onsen Steam Line of the Oku no Hosomichi.”
The exterior of the MINORI Resort Train combines the yellow of rice ears with the red of maple leaves, reflecting the landscape features of the Uetsu East Line. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
The retro-styled MINORI features an exterior woven with the yellow of ripened grain and the red of maple leaves, creating a simple yet evocative image that stirs the imagination of railway journeys. Inside, the seats are upholstered with autumn leaf patterns, and large observation windows create a strong holiday atmosphere. At the very front of the train, just behind the driver’s seat, there is also a free-seating area, allowing passengers to view the railway scenery from the driver’s perspective.
The free seats in front of the driver’s cab offer views of the scenery from the driver’s viewpoint. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Not only are the natural sights along the MINORI route delightful, but a visit to Aizu Bukeyashiki reveals Japan’s oldest surviving school building. The thatched-roof shoin-style structure and its garden have been designated as a National Historic Site and Scenic Spot, making it a must-visit for many Sengoku period enthusiasts tracing the footsteps of the warlord Date Masamune. However, the main draw for most passengers on the Uetsu East Line is the onsen pilgrimage. About one hour and thirty minutes after departing from Sendai, the train arrives at Dogo Onsen. As soon as you step off, you’re greeted by the faint scent of sulfur wafting from light wisps of steam. Narrow alleys are lined with specialty shops, and you’ll see people in yukata and geta sandals moving between various bathhouses, foot baths, and hand baths—the onsen vibe is palpable. For a soak, Dogo Onsen Honkan offers one of the most classic hot spring experiences, with both indoor and outdoor baths. Meanwhile, in the nearby Sakunami Onsen, the Yumoto Rotenburo is also a highly popular public bath.
The attendants on the MINORI Resort Train wear retro uniforms, adding to the holiday ambience. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Before arriving at Dogo Onsen, the scenery from Sendai is mostly flat rice fields. To enjoy mountain views, head to the stretch between Dogo Onsen and Shinjo. The most unique part is the section between Dogo Onsen and Nakayamadaira Onsen, where the Ugo Gorge features an iron bridge. As the train slowly leaves Dogo Onsen and enters a tunnel, everyone holds their breath—not because the tunnel is frighteningly dark, but because for a brief moment, about two seconds, as the train crosses the Ugo Gorge, you can take in the spectacular scenery of the canyon before entering another tunnel. It’s so fleeting that railway enthusiasts jokingly call it the “mysterious scenery.”
Before departing from Sendai, you can purchase a bento box at the station to enjoy on the train, adding even more to the railway travel atmosphere. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
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