Japan’s most picturesque local train line, Tadami Line, has been gaining popularity among international tourists. If you are also amazed by the stunning photos taken along train line, Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture, might be the station you get off the scenic train line. Instead of jumping on another train straight away, how about sparing a couple of hours exploring the attractions near Koide Station?
The Must-Visit Spots Close to Koide Station
Tip: Fujiya (富士屋), opposite Koide Station, is a great spot to purchase sake brewed locally in Uonuma. Even Midorikawa Sake Brewery’s (緑川酒造) sake is on the shelf!
Koide Park (小出公園)
If you take the Tadami Line between mid-April and early May, get off the train at Koide Park for cherry blossoms and Dogtooth violet. Lanterns are lit at night, so visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms the entire day. The park on a hill is also where you can get a clear view of the cityscape with the Three Mountains of Echigo (越後三山) at the back. Besides the cherry blossoms and Dogtooth violet, various flowers bloom from April to October, with the fall foliage season starting in late October. You can refer to HERE for the types of flowers you can expect to see.
While in Japanese only, HERE is Koide Park’s map. It marks the promenade, hiking routes, and where you can find cherry blossoms and Dogtooth violet. The flowering information is updated on the Uonuma City Tourist Association’s website in spring.
In addition, Koide Park Spring Festival is held on May 5 each year. Every year, there are brass band performances by local students, playground equipment, mochi rice cake pounding, and stalls selling food and drinks. At 7 pm, fireworks are launched as a highlight of the day.
You can even pay to ride a helicopter to see the natural scenery from above!
How to Get to Koide Park
Koide Park is an 8-minute walk from JR Koide Station (小出駅).
Spa Komami (青島温泉 見晴らしの湯こまみ)
Koide Station is the last station on the scenic Tadami Line. After a long train ride, it would be nice to indulge in an onsen at the end of the day. If you don’t mind bathing with strangers, Spa Komami is a good place to stop by. The hot spring facility for day visitors only is next to Koide Park. You can see the magnificent Three Mountains of Echigo (越後三山) from the large window in the bathing area. After taking a bath, you can continue to admire the natural scenery from the facility’s community hall.
Spa Komami’s name is derived from its location. Situated at the foot of Mt. Komami (駒見山), it is a great place to adore the mountain’s significance. The facility has two hot spring sources. The hot spring is rich in chloride, your body won’t get cold as easy afterwards. Moreover, the spring water that is gentle on your skin will make it as smooth as a baby!
The two bathing areas also come with an open-air bath. The one without a roof is called Kobushi (こぶし). It is the one that offers a view of the Three Mountains of Echigo. The one with a roof is called Kikyō (ききょう). Although it doesn’t come with a partonomic view, it has a corner where you can massage the foot pressure points to relax your feet gently.
The gender assigned to each bathing area changes on Wednesdays weekly, so if you want to use the open-air bath, you might need some luck.
Things to Note Before Visiting Spa Komami
Note that towels aren’t provided for free at Spa Komami. You can either rent or purchase one on the spot if you need one. Also, while Spa Komami is getting fresh onsen from the spring source, the hot spring in the bathing area is circulated. Chlorine is used to disinfect the heated water.
Spa Komami’s Business Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Spa Komami is open from 10 am to 8:30 pm from Wednesday to Monday.
- The last admission is at 8 pm.
- Spa Komami is closed on December 31.
- The admission fee is
- 600 yen for adults
- 300 yen for children between 3 years old and elementary school students
- Spa Komami is a 20-minute walk from JR Koide Station (小出駅).
Uonogawa Sakurazutsumi Park (魚野川桜づつみ)
Further away from Koide Station, Uonogawa Sakurazutsumi Park is another cherry blossom spot not too far away from the station. Over 250 cherry trees line Uono River’s (魚野川) bank. It is a relaxing spot where you can enjoy a pleasant walk while listening to the water sound of the river. Your photo will also have the Three Mountains of Echigo (越後三山) as a backdrop.
The promenade in Uonogawa Sakurazutsumi Park is registered as one of Niigata Prefecture’s Healthy Walking Roads (新潟県健康ウォーキングロード). So, there might be a couple of locals jog past you when you adore the scenery.
If you read Japanese, HERE is a walking map you can refer to. The 7km loop course takes 90 minutes to complete.
In winter, photographers come to Uonogawa Sakurazutsumi Park for the fantastical view created by hoar frost and river fog.
- Uonogawa Sakurazutsumi Park’s cherry blossom season is usually between mid to late April.
- For the flowering condition on the Uonuma City Tourist Association’s website, refer to HERE.
- Hoar frost and river fog can be seen between January and early March.
- Uonogawa Sakurazutsumi Park is a 30-minute walk from Koide Station (小出駅).
Explore the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
Tadami Line is Japan’s most stunning train line. From the local train’s window, which runs through the mountains, breathtaking 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.
So, refer to our Tadami Line article for more information on expanding your itinerary to include a couple of scenic spots!
