Oykot
Iikawa Iisora Iiyama Line
Hometown trip to return to that day
Hometown of the Japanese heart
Along the Chikuma River (Shinano River), the Iiyama Line is lined with idyllic rural landscapes such as satoyama (satoyama), fields, and houses. As a local line that represents the "hometown of the Japanese heart", it is a new concept train that imagines the desire to provide peace and healing to all visitors.
Oikotto
In order to make it familiar to a wide range of customers, we have named it "Oikotto Atendant" in hiragana, along with the name of the vehicle.
*"Oikotto Atendant" may not be on board. In that case, on-board sales will also be cancelled.
A train on the opposite side of Tokyo
In order to convey the image of the hometown (countryside) that Japanese people envision, such as rural scenery, rivers, and mountains, we reversed the English notation TOKYO and expressed it in hiragana as "Oikotto" in the sense that it is the exact opposite of Tokyo. . By expressing it in hiragana, we made it accessible to a wide range of people.
- Debut year
- April 2015
- Service area
- Shinano Railway North Shinano Line/Iiyama Line Nagano Station to Tōkamachi Station
Travel Guide
In various places along the line where Oikotto runs
We will introduce recommended spots.
Tatsuyuki Takano Memorial Museum
Tatsuyuki Takano, who wrote songs such as "Furusato", "Momiji" and "Oborozukiyo", is from Nakano City along the line. The interior and exterior of Oikotto are scattered with marks of rabbits, mountains, and rivers in the lyrics of "Furusato". Valuable materials are displayed in the memorial hall.
- Access
- About 10 minutes by bus from Kaesa Station, about 1 minute on foot after getting off
Temple tour
Iiyama City is known as the "Town of Temples". There are over 20 temples in the city. Around Iiyama Station, you can visit temples and visit the Seven Lucky Gods.
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is a place where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a hot spring town and 13 outdoor baths with 100% natural hot springs. "Oyu" in the center of the hot spring town is the symbol of Nozawa Onsen. The beautiful bathhouse architecture is eye-catching.
- Access
- About 25 minutes by bus from Iiyama Station
Maguse Hot Spring
Maguse Onsen is located in the upper reaches of the Maguse River in Kijimadaira Village. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Northern Alps. A relaxing hot spring.
- Access
- About 20 minutes by taxi from Iiyama Station
Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum
The Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum, famous for dolls that express the warmth and kindness of the locals, is one of Iiyama's tourist attractions.
- Access
- About 5 minutes on foot from Kita-Iiyama Station
Akiyamago
Akiyama-go is a general term for 13 villages scattered along the Nakatsu River between Mt. Naeba and Mt. Toriko. Known as an unexplored region where the legend of the Heike no Ochudo has been handed down, it retains its own unique culture.
It is also known for hunting and slash-and-burn farming, and you can see the materials in the folklore reference room "Tonenbo".
- Access
- Bus transfer from Tsunan Station
*Because the number of trains is limited, please pay attention to the operating period and operating hours.
Sunflower Square
Speaking of summer in Tsunan Town, sunflowers are famous. Sunflower Square is a place where you can enjoy the sunflowers spreading all over. The sight of the large sunflowers in full bloom is a sight to behold.
*The best time to see the flowers is from late July to mid-August. Please pay attention to the opening period.
- Access
- About 15 minutes by taxi from Tsunan Station
Echigo-Tsumari Exchange Center KINARE
The Echigo-Tsumari Exchange Center KINARE is the main stage of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale held every three years.
On the 1st floor, there is a bathing facility with an open bathroom and rest room, and on the 2nd floor, you can appreciate contemporary art from Japan and abroad at the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art [KINARE].
- Access
- About 10 minutes on foot from Tokamachi Station
Chikuma River and Mt. Kosha
Between Kaesa and Iiyama, there is a view point where you can see Mt. Kosha and the Chikuma River. There are many sections that run parallel to the Chikuma River between Togari Nozawa Onsen, Morimiya Nohara, and Tsunan, so you can leisurely enjoy the view of the Chikuma River (Shinano River).
Hegisoba
You can enjoy Hegisoba, a local dish from the Uonuma region of Niigata Prefecture, which uses funori seaweed as a binding agent, near Tokamachi Station.
Couple Dosojin
On the platform of Togari-Nozawa Onsen Station, there is a statue of a married couple.
It is said to be the god of marriage and children. (The bus will stop for about 3 minutes on the return trip.)
JR Japan's highest snowfall point
In 1945, a heavy snowfall of 7.85m was observed near Morimiyanohara Station, the highest snowfall in Japan on a JR line. The sign is erected right next to the station. (The outbound bus will stop for about 13 minutes.)
Train Details
The exterior design is inspired by the fusuma and shoji screens of a private house with a thatched roof, reminiscent of a hometown or grandma's house. Also, the song "Furusato" (Lyrics: Tatsuyuki Takano: I was born in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture.
Origin of the name
As a train that runs on the Iiyama Line, which can be said to be a local line that represents the hometown of the Japanese heart, the concept is to provide peace and healing to all visitors.
In order to convey the image of the hometown (countryside) that Japanese people envision, such as rural landscapes, rivers, and mountains, the English notation of TOKYO is reversed (OYKOT) in the sense that it is the exact opposite of Tokyo, so that a wide range of people can be familiar with it. "Oikotto" was expressed in hiragana.
Car interior
exterior
The exterior design is inspired by the fusuma and shoji screens of a private house with a thatched roof, reminiscent of a hometown or grandma's house. Also, the song "Furusato" (Lyrics: Tatsuyuki Takano: I was born in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture.
Interior
The interior design is like an old private house that makes you feel nostalgic and fun.
Car layout
Make the most of your train ride
In addition to enjoying the tranquil countryside scenery from the train windows, passengers can take in [Japan’s Heartland] through various on-board events.
Hospitality
About the attendant
We will help you with your trip, such as sightseeing announcements on the train, guidance along the railway line, and taking commemorative photos.
Attendants will also carry out in-car sales. Some of the products we handle are related to the local area. There will also be sales of Oikotto original products.
About the name of the attendant "Oikotto Atendant"
In order to make it familiar to a wide range of customers, we have named it "Oikotto Atendant" in hiragana, along with the name of the vehicle.
- *"Oikotto Atendant" may not be on board. In that case, on-board sales will also be cancelled.
Narration
Narration by Fujio Tokita
Inside the Oikotto train, there is a narration by the late Fujio Tokita, who was born in Kijimadaira village along the line. The familiar voice of "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" is perfect for the atmosphere of Oikotto. Please enjoy it.
Tokita Fujio
Born in Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture (now Kijimadaira Village). Appeared in many famous stage performances, including theater activities. He has also worked as a filmmaker, narrator, and reporter. For many years he worked as a voice actor for the anime "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi".
Providing sightseeing information along the railway lines
On the in-vehicle monitor, we will broadcast sightseeing information along the line. Take in the sights of the local area from the comfort of your vehicle.
On-board events
Inside the train, local people talk, play musical instruments, and provide information along the route.
- *Event content and event sections may vary depending on the day of operation. For details, please see the "In-train Events List (PDF: approx. 115KB)".
- *In-car events may be canceled due to circumstances.
In-car event schedule (PDF: approx. 115KB) (Japanese only)
Station event
Oikot Marche
At Iiyama Station, you can shop for local food and local products.
Commemorative ride
Commemorative photo
We will prepare an original commemorative photo board in the car. You can also take a picture wearing the "sugeboshi" (also known as a straw hat or straw hood) worn by a character inspired by Oikotto's "Yukinko".
The "Sugeboshi" inside the train is handmade in Tsunan Town along the line.
Uchiyama Paper Oikotto Original Bookmark
On the return trip (Tokamachi→Nagano), we will hand out one Oikotto original bookmark made of Uchiyama paper, a local handicraft, to each passenger.
Timetable & Calendar
How to Board
How to purchase tickets
Basic fare ticket + reserved seat ticket
Oykot is a train with all reserved seat. In addition to a boarding ticket, you will need seat ticket.
(If you are using a JR EAST rail pass such as the JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR EAST PASS within the free area, you can reserve reserved seat without paying an additional fee. Please reserve reserved seat (free of charge) at the ticket office.)
Seat reservations are available from 10:00 one month before the departure date at the ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or reserved seat ticket vending machine of key stations, or from the JR-East Train Reservation website. (*Reserved seat ticket vending machines open at 10:10 a.m.)
Recommended information
