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- Resort Shirakami
Debuting in 1997 at the same time as the Akita Shinkansen, the Resort Shirakami is a train operating with three configurations, named the Aoike, the Buna and the Kumagera. The Resort Shirakami runs from Akita along the Gono Line to Hirosaki, then turns around before continuing northward along the Ou Line to Aomori. Most of the Resort Shirakami route is along the Gono Line, which is 147.2 kilometers of coastline track. The train travels through the countryside with beautiful vistas of the Japan Sea and the Shirakami Sanchi highlands, as well as expansive panoramas of the Tsugaru Plain. Onboard, local events take place and specialty bento (lunch boxes) are available for passenger enjoyment. Check dates and times of operation for further details.
Special Promotion
We would like to present the Resort Shirakami. With an advanced hybrid engine system, travel is more environmentally friendly than ever.
The Train Line-up
- Series HB-E300
The Aoike (Hybrid)
- Series 48
The Kumagera in spring
The Resort Shirakami: Akita – Hirosaki / Aomori
The Buna in summer
Interior Layout of Cars
The Resort Shirakami (Aoike) Series HB-E300: 4-car trains
Notes: All seats on the Resort Shirakami are by advance reservation only.
The Resort Shirakami (Buna) Series 48: 4-car trains
Notes: All seats on the Resort Shirakami are by advance reservation only.
The Resort Shirakami (Kumagera) Series 48: 4-car trains
Note: All seats on the Resort Shirakami are by advance reservation only.
Places of Interest
- The Shirakami Sanchi highlands are a vast mountainous region some 130,000 hectares in size. Primarily composed of virgin forestland of Japanese beech, the mountains range from 1000 to 1200 meters in altitude. In 1993, Shirakami Sanchi was designated as a World Heritage Site for its importance to nature. Trails for trekking are provided in parts of the Shirakami Sanchi highlands to allow hikers to enjoy the wilderness.
Access: Take the Gono Line to Akitashirakami Station and other nearby stations. 
- In northern Japan, some festivals feature gigantic figures carried along the procession. In the city of Goshogawa, the Goshogawara Tachi Neputa can be seen in the summer festival occurring in early August and may exceed 20 meters in height. For visitors coming at other times of the year, three Goshogawara Tachi Neputa are on display year-round at the Tachi Neputa-no Yakata. Another event for an exciting adventure is the Blizzard Tour, which gives visitors a chance to experience the harsh wintery climate.
Access: Take the Gono Line to Goshogawara Station. 
- Hirosaki originally flourished as a castle town. The many structures including the Hirosaki Castle donjon, temples, and Renaissance-style Western buildings provide a look back into older times and add a historical feel to the town. For cherry blossoms, a visit to Hirosaki Park is an excellent choice, and from there, Mount Iwaki can be seen, a mountain so beautiful it is sometimes called the Mount Fuji of Tsugaru (Aomori).
Access: Take the Ou Line to Hirosaki Station.