Watarase Keikoku Railway

(Source : pixta)

Watarase Keikoku Railway is the local line that runs from Kiryu Station in Kiryu, Gunma, to Mato Station in Nikko, Tochigi. Aside from the normal trains, two kinds of tram trains “Torokko Watarase Keikoku Go” and “Torokko Wasshi Go” run mainly on weekends and holidays (the schedule depends on season). The torokko train, which has no windows, runs through in the clean and beautiful valley. We especially recommend that you visit in spring and fall. There is also a hot spring at the station along this railway.

(Source: pixta)

Enjoy the beautiful valley

Spring and fall are great seasons to ride the Watarase Keikoku Railway. You can enjoy cherry blossoms and peach blossoms in spring and red leaves in fall from the train. Since you can feel the wind in your hair while you watch cherry blossoms and red leaves, it is very refreshing.

Cherry blossom in spring

(Source: pixta)

Red leaves in fall

(Source: pixta)

Mizunuma Station Onsen Center

On the Watarase Keikoku Railway, it’s possible to drop by a hot spring on your way. Mizunuma Station Onsen Center is the only facility in the Kanto area that has a hot spring inside the station. You can relax in an open-air bath, indoor bath, or sauna.

(Source: pixta)

Enjoy traveling with Ekiben

To eat delicacies unique to the area is one of the joys of travel. There are two kinds of Ekiben, bento boxex, in the train: Yamato-buta (pork) bento, and Torokko bento. It’s best to make a reservation in advance because the number of bento boxes is limited.