Are you looking for a hidden gem that is too breathtaking to take your eyes off near Tokyo? While there are a couple of these spots, the one we love the most is the Tadami Line (只見線). It was chosen Japan’s most scenic local train line. From the local train’s window that runs through the mountains, stunning natural views unfold one after another throughout the year. Several tourist spots worth checking out are also dotted along the Tadami Line, enriching your visit to Japan’s rural towns.
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The cycling map for Aizu and Southern Aizu Area, close to the Tadami Line
Tip: If you plan to drive and spend a night in the area, consider staying at Higashiyama Onsen Town (東山温泉), about an hour’s drive from First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint.
About Tadami Line
Tadami Line is the 135.2km JR local train line that runs between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (会津若松駅) in Fukushima Prefecture‘s Aizuwakamatsu City (会津若松市) and Koide Station (小出駅) in Niigata Prefecture‘s Uonuma City (魚沼市). No matter when you visit the Tadami Line, you will be amazed by the natural scenery of Oku-Aizu (奥会津), where the Tadami River (只見川) flows. Along the Tadami Line are the Japanese countryside landscapes that haven’t changed much since a few centuries ago.
Although the trains running on the Tadami Line aren’t sightseeing trains, announcements (in Japanese only) introduce the scenery along the train line to the passengers. The speed is also reduced when the train passes scenic spots, allowing passengers to take photos.
In addition to the scenery, the local food along the train line is another reason why tourists visit this part of the Fukushima Prefecture.
How to Get to Tadami Line
The two starting points of the Tadami Line can be reached by train, car, or airplane.
Getting to the Tadami Line by Train
To get to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take the Tōhoku Shinkansen to Kōriyama Station (郡山駅). Then, change for the JR Ban-Etsusai Line (磐越西線) to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, which will take around an hour.
Tip: Refer to our article on The Best Seats on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaidō for more information about the Tōhoku Shinkansen.
To get to Koide Station, take the Jōetsu Shinkansen (上越新幹線) to Urasa Station (浦佐駅). Then, change to the JR Jōetsu Line (上越線) for Koide Station, which will take about 10 minutes.
You can also change trains for Koide Station at Echigo Yuzawa Station (越後湯沢駅) or Nagaoka Station (長岡駅). The difference is the amount of time spent on the Jōetsu Line, which is 40 minutes and 35 minutes, respectively.
Getting to the Tadami Line by Airplane
If you plan to travel to the starting points of the Tadami Line from cities far away from Fukushima Prefecture, taking an airplane may be a faster option. You can land at Fukushima Airport (福島空港) or Niigata Airport (新潟空港).
Landing at Fukushima Airport, you can take the buses running between Kōriyama Fukushima Airport. These buses are operated by Fukushima Kōtsū (福島交通). Then, change for the JR Ban-Etsusai Line (磐越西線) to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
Please note that the number of bus services is limited.
- Here is the bus timetable for the services running between Kōriyama Fukushima Airport.
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Landing at Niigata Airport, you can either take the airport limousine bus or Niigata Kōtsū’s bus services to Niigata Station. Then, change for the JR Jōetsu Line (上越線) for Koide Station.
HERE is more information about Niigata Kōtsū’s bus services to Niigata Station.
Things to Note About Taking the Tadami Line
- As Tadami Line is JR’s local line in rural areas, the number of services is limited. Please check the timetable in advance and plan your trip.
- The Japan Transit Planner app has a timetable function in its free version.
- It takes more than 4 hours to ride the entire Tadami Line.
- There are only three services that run between Aizu-Kawaguchi Station (会津川口駅) and Tadami Station (只見駅) in each direction each day. What does this mean? This means that only three services run through the entire Tadami Line in each direction daily.
Tip: For a slower-paced visit, it is recommended to spend a night around Koide Station, Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, or Aizu-Kawaguchi Station. There are plenty of accommodation options close to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
Special Seasonal Services Running on the Tadami Line
Depending on the season, there might be special services running on the Tadami Line in addition to the normal ones (such as Kazekko Tadamisen Mankitsu-gō (風っこ只見線満喫号) and Tadamisen mankitsu-gō (只見線満喫号)). These services will stop at the closest stations to the train line’s main tourist attractions.
However, please be aware that the special services operate mainly on weekends and public holidays only. Moreover, tickets may need to be reserved.
Tadami Line’s Four Seasons
- The cherry blossom season for the spots along the Tadami Line is usually between early and mid-April. Some spots to visit includes the following.
- Enzōji Temple (満虚空藏菩薩圓藏寺) and along the Tadami River in the area.
- Miyashita Dam (宮下ダム)
- The fall foliage season along the Tadami Line is from mid-October to mid-November.
- It is Tadami Line’s busiest season. Arrive early at the station for a seat on the train.
Important: Heavy snowfall may cause train cancellations or delays in winter. Be sure to check the timetable and announcements in the day.
Which Side of the Train to Sit On the Tadami Line?
Assuming the train is running towards Koide Station, we recommend sitting on the right-hand side of the train because you will enjoy spectacular views of the Tadami River and Mt. Asakusa for a longer period of time. Plus, most of the train ride will face north, so you can enjoy the scenery from the train window with front lighting.
Tadami Line’s History
Unlike other train lines in Japan, the Tadami Line was constructed in several phases. As more stations were added, the train line eventually connected Niigata Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture.
The section between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (会津若松駅) and Aizu-Bange Station (会津坂下駅), opened in 1926, is the starting point of the Tadami Line. At the time, the train line was named Aizu Line (会津線). Efforts were then put into extending the train line to Aizu-Miyashita Station (会津宮下駅), which was achieved in 1941.
On the other hand, the rail track construction between Ode Station (小出駅) and Ōshirakawa Station (大白川駅) was completed in the following year in 1942. The rail line was named Tadami Line (只見線).
The Aizu Line was further extended to Aizu-Kawaguchi Station (会津川口駅) in 1956. Around the same time, the section between Aizu-Kawaguchi Station and Tadami Station was also constructed to enable the construction of the Tagokura Dam (田子倉ダム). As Tagokura Dam was completed in 1959, the former freight train line was turned into a passenger line in 1963.
Lastly, the section between Tadami Station and Ōshirakawa Station was completed in 1971. The entire line is the Tadami Line we have today.
As the Tadami Line wasn’t utilized much, the train line was on the brink of abolition even before it was fully opened. Luckily, the Tadami Line is the only means of transportation that can reliably cross prefectural borders when the area is covered by heavy snow from November to April, and it avoided the fate of being abolished. This also drove the locals to restore the rail line after it was significantly damaged by heavy rains in 2011. Apparently, the restoration cost over 8 billion yen to complete.
Thanks to the locals’ efforts, the Tadami Line reopened in October 2022, allowing tourists to explore Japan’s beautiful countryside.
The Eight Tadami River Bridges That the Tadami Line Cross
Trains on the Tadami Line cross the Tadami River eight times. Seven of these bridges connect the train from one side of the riverbank to the other. The last bridge lets the train bypass a 100-meter-tall cliff. In addition to the eight Tadami River bridges, there are a few more that blend in the surrounding scenery nicely, too.
Interested in where you can get a photo like the one on the right? Refer to our Guide to Where to Photo Tadami Line’s Eight Bridges article!
The Other Scenic Bridges That the Tadami Line Cross
In addition to the eight bridges over the Tadami River, trains on the Tadami Line cross a couple more bridges surrounded by stunning nature. While the photos of those bridges might not be as spectacular as the First Tadami River Bridge, these hidden spots are also loved by photographers.
So, if you aren’t in a hurry and want to capture the various bridges the Tadami Line drives through, we highly recommend expanding your visit to the places we include in our article on The Other Scenic Bridges That The Tadami Line Cross!
The Attractions Along/Close to the Tadami Line
Of course, riding the train and taking photos of the train line aren’t the only charms of the Tadami Line. There are several spots along the train line or close to it that you might want to stop by.
Local Lifestyle Store Bikōdō (ローカルライフスタイルストア美工堂)
Bikōdō is a good spot to shop for souvenirs and items that combine traditional techniques with a modern aesthetic design. Unlike other souvenir shops, Bikōdō is a place to treasure hunt for craftware that can be used in your daily life and outdoor activities! The shop is filled with items you want to use forever and can be used for a long time.
The Products at Bikōdō
The owner, Seki-san (関 昌邦), cares a lot about protecting the craftware techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Thus, he spent much time developing useful products for the modern lifestyle using the Aizu-Nuri liquoring (会津塗) techniques. The signatory wooden outdoor Nodate lacquerware series (ノダテシリーズ) is a good example. They were underwhelmed after attending a couple of outdoor gear festivals filled with items made from mostly artificial materials. Because the purpose of venturing out of the city is to enjoy and connect with nature, they wanted gears made from natural materials. Thus, they created the wooden Nodate mug.
Don’t underestimate the Nodate Mug. Not only does it not contain chemicals, but the lacquer layer strengthens the utensil and makes it resistant to strong acids and alkalis. Moreover, it is effective in killing germs!
Furthermore, clothes and items designed by popular designers made from the local specialty, Aizu Cotton Plain Weave (会津木綿), are also popular buys at Bikōdō. Compared to typical cotton, the Aizu cotton plain weave is less likely to shrink and fade. Because of its durability, it was often used for outdoor clothing in the past.
There are also shops in the complex selling interestingly designed lacquerware, tableware, and outdoor items from Northern Europe. When you are tired, rest at Bikōdō’s cafe or grab some bread from the bakery. Fresh fruits and vegetables might also be on sale at the cafe!
Bikōdō’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Bikōdō is open from 10 am to 6 pm from Thursday to Tuesday.
- It is best to drive to Bikōdō. But you can also take a bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (会津若松駅) or Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
