POINT1

Departing on the hybrid train "Buna"

The tourist train "Resort Shirakami" debuted in 1997. It operates in three formations: "Kumagera," inspired by the black woodpeckers that live in the Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains and the sunsets along the Gono Line; "Aoike," inspired by the horizon of the Sea of Japan and Aoike Pond in the Juniko Lakes; and "Buna," inspired by the beech forests of the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Site, which we rode on this time. "Buna" features a beech forest design on its body. The interior is made up of wood from the area along the line, including the symbolic beech tree, Akita cedar, and Aomori cypress. The seats, accented with warm colors, are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom.
Cars 1 and 4, where the driver's seat is located, have observation rooms, furnished with wooden crafts and chairs made in Aomori and Akita. You can enjoy the scenery from the large windows. Car 2 has four-person box seats with tables. Some seats can be fully flat, so even those traveling with children can enjoy a safe train journey. All reserved seat on Resort Shirakami are reserved, so you can choose your seat position and type when making a reservation. The direction of travel changes in some sections, but if you want to see the scenery along the Sea of Japan, we recommend Seat A on the ocean side. All box seats are located on the ocean side. However, don't worry, you can still enjoy the view even if you sit on the mountain side. You are free to use the observation room during the ride, so please be considerate of others.

POINT 2

Use mobile ordering to accompany your train journey

If you want to enjoy gourmet food while traveling, try using mobile ordering. You can make reservations and payments in advance on your smartphone, and then conveniently pick up your order at any station on the Resort Resort Shirakami. The lineup includes everything from bento boxes made with local ingredients to sweets and drinks.

[How to order]
Please make your reservation in advance using your smartphone through the Gono Line Mobile Order "Gonotabi" order screen (Japanese only).
https://maas-portal.com/uketrip/tickets/3768Opens in a new window

POINT3

The Sea of Japan where you can see port towns and strange rock formations

Resort Shirakami departs Akita Station and heads north on the Ou Main Line. There are monitors on board that provide passengers with tourist information about the area. The train changes direction when it arrives at Higashi-Noshiro Station. Here, there is a platform waiting room modeled after the Kumagera train, and part of the driver's cab is on display, so it's a good idea to take a look while the train is stopped. Noshiro City is known as the "City of Trees" and "City of Basketball," and there is a basketball hoop on the platform at Noshiro Station, the next stop. Give it a shot!
The train heads towards the Shirakami-Sanchi, a World Heritage Site. After crossing the prefectural border into Fukaura Town in Aomori Prefecture, the Gono Line's unique ocean views continue. Between Iwadate Station and Ōmagoshi Station, the train slows down so you can take in the scenery. After passing a small fishing port and a rugged rocky coastline, the spacious rock shelf "Senjojiki" and the eye-catching, oddly shaped rock formation "Kabutoiwa" appear.

POINT4

View Mount Iwaki and experience the traditional culture of Tsugaru

Admiring the scenery along the Sea of Japan, we arrived at Ajigasawa Station. The train headed inland toward Hirosaki, and people carrying string instrument cases boarded, transforming the observation deck into a stage. A live Tsugaru shamisen performance began. For the approximately 30 minutes until Goshogawara Station, three or four Tsugaru folk songs, including "Ringobushi" and "Tsugaru Jongara Bushi," were played. The performers were led by Mr. Sasaki, chairman of the Takiei-kai association. "Only veterans can perform on a swaying train. They are all excellent performers, with awards at the Tsugaru shamisen competition level," he told us. The Tsugaru shamisen players played with a unique rhythm, striking the strings with their plectrums, varying the dynamics. The sudden acceleration of the tempo was captivating, and the powerful sound resonated throughout the body. When the performance ended, spontaneous applause broke out, and the train was filled with smiles. Resort Shirakami is known for its spectacular views, but many tourists also board the train to enjoy the live Tsugaru shamisen performances.
The section up to Hirosaki Station is filled with apple orchards, and you can see apple blossoms in the spring and ripe apples hanging from the windows in the fall. You can also see the majestic Mount Iwaki towering over the plains with clear views. Additionally, each train has a different commemorative stamp inside the "Resort Shirakami" car.

• *Events at stations may change depending on operational conditions.
• *Due to various circumstances, it may not be possible to hold performances or demonstrations on board the train.

POINT5

A vibrant hub that is beginning to carve out a new chapter in history

Arriving at Hirosaki Station, we head to the Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum, which opened in 2020. The museum, which was renovated by architect Tsuyoshi Tane, exhibits contemporary art pieces that explore the history and culture of Hirosaki and the Tohoku region.
This building, the Yoshinomachi Brick Warehouse, was built at the beginning of modern Japan. Built as a sake brewery during the Meiji and Taisho periods, it was the site of Japan's first cider production. After cider production ceased, it was used as a government rice stockpile warehouse. However, in the 2000s, the building attracted attention after an exhibition by Hirosaki-born contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara was held there, leading to its acquisition by Hirosaki City. Development into an arts and culture facility began, and the building has been reborn as a beautiful structure thanks to advanced seismic reinforcement and a design that preserves the existing brick walls inside and out.
In the annex, "cafe & shop BRICK" offers a menu using ingredients from Aomori Prefecture and cider made from apples grown in the prefecture. There is also a museum shop, and you can see the sake brewery, "A-FACTORY Yoshinomachi Cider Workshop," through the glass. Why not stop by after enjoying the art at the museum?

POINT 6

Visit Hirosaki's famous cherry blossom spot

Hirosaki Park, located in the center of Hirosaki City, is a symbol of Hirosaki residents alongside Mount Iwaki. Widely known for the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, during cherry blossom season, the park is filled with approximately 50 varieties of cherry blossoms, blooming one after the other, from first bloom to full bloom, and then the petals falling and covering the moat in flower rafts, creating a long, beautiful viewing period. The park also has a botanical garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers from spring to autumn, and in autumn, the Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival is held. In winter, the outer moat is illuminated with pink lights from sunset for the Winter Cherry Blossom Light-up. When the cherry blossom branches are covered in snow and the moat is covered in snow, it creates a mysterious feeling that you are viewing cherry blossoms at night.

POINT7

A selection of exquisite products packed with the charm of Tsugaru

After enjoying the art, architecture, and strolling through the park, we headed back to Hirosaki Station. We headed to BRICK A-FACTORY, a concept shop promoting Tsugaru products and local culture. We recommend the original apple pie, created by a long-established Western-style pastry shop in Hirosaki. It's finished with a generous drizzle of cider syrup and baked in the store's oven, giving off the sweet aroma of butter and apples.
The store also displays a wide variety of ciders. You can also try the naturally sparkling fresh cider made at the A-FACTORY Hirosaki Yoshinomachi Cider Workshop, located in a separate building of the Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum, which we visited earlier. There are also many products related to apples, a local specialty, making for a fun shopping experience.

• *Some of the photos have been provided with the cooperation of the facilities featured.

Article created by: Akita Town Information