Satono
Relaxing train rides filled with
the warmth of a hometown
A view of the countryside as you gaze out the window. And all the local smells that greet you. Rural folk, food, and culture await.
Enjoy rich scenery and a warmth akin to a hometown on trains going through southern Tohoku.
Run through the majestic mountains of the Aizu region
Enjoy the magnificent scenery from the window of the "Aizu SATONO" train.
- Debut year
- April 2024
- Service area
- Kōriyama Station ⇔ Kitakata Station, Yamagata Station ⇔ Aterazawa Station
Travel Guide
Here are some recommended spots
along the Satono route.
Tsurugajo Castle
The graceful sight of the only Japanese castle tower to ever be retiled in red. The majestic appearance of this impregnable castle overwhelms the viewer.
- Access
- Take the Haikara-san loop bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to the Tsurugajo Castle stop and then walk about five minutes.
Shingu Kumano Shrine
Built as the worship hall of Kumano Shrine, the “nagatoko” is a vaulted structure with 44 thick pillars lined up in five rows at equal intervals without any walls or doors. During the autumn foliage season, golden leaves blanket the ground, creating a beautiful scene for visitors.
- Access
- About a 10 minute drive from Kitakata Station
Inawashiro Original Beer Brewery
The local beer, made with famed Mount Bandai spring water and ingredients prepared in Germany, has an authentic flavor. Pairs excellently with sausage.
- Access
- About a six minute drive from Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban-etsu-West Line
Lake Inawashiro
The reflection of Mount Bandai can be seen in the exceptionally clear water of Lake Inawashiro (also called “Lake Tenkyo”). Sightseeing by pleasure boat on this freshwater lake, the third largest in Japan, is highly recommended. Outdoor sports such as yachting, boating, and jet skiing are popular in summer.
- Access
- About a ten minute drive from Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban-etsu-West Line
Goshikinuma ponds
The Goshikinuma ponds are a group of beautiful lakes and marshes that characterize the Urabandai region. The nature trail is a convenient way to visit Bishamon-numa, Akanuma, Midoronuma, Tatsunuma, Benten-numa, Rurinuma, and Yanaginuma, including the literally shining blue Aonuma.
- Access
- About a 30 minute drive from Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban-etsu-West Line
Morohashi Museum of Modern Art
This is the finest collection in Asia of Salvador Dali, the Spanish master of Surrealism. The museum also holds many other historical masterpieces by Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, and others.
*Closed during winter
- Access
- About a 30 minute drive from Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban-etsu-West Line
Yamadera
Hojusan Risshakuji Temple (commonly known as "Yamadera") is a place of training and worship, with the entire mountain, made up of oddly shaped rocks and bizarre stones, and stunning scenery unfolds everywhere on the hour-long journey from the trailhead to Okunoin, where the Great Buddha Hall is located.
- Access
- 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Bunshokan
The Yamagata Prefectural Museum (nicknamed "Bunshokan") is a British Revival-style building built in 1916 (Taisho 5) and served as the prefectural office and assembly building until 1975 (Showa 50).
- Access
- 3-4-51 Hatagocho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Yamagata Sake Tour "Chetto"
"Yamagata Sake Tour" is a paid tasting corner that opened on April 1, 2024, where you can enjoy sake and wine produced in Yamagata Prefecture.
- Access
- 1-1-1 Jonancho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Kasumi Central 1F (inside the Yamagata Tourist Information Center)
Zao Onsen
One of Japan's oldest hot springs.
Zao Onsen is characterized by its abundant hot spring water and strong acidic sulfur springs. Steam rises all over the hot spring town, and many inns and hotels are lined up.
- Access
- Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Zao Ropeway
You can enjoy the spectacular views of the four seasons. The Zao Ropeway is a ropeway that connects Zao Sanroku Station, Juhyo Kogen Station, and Jizo Sancho Station in Zao Onsen, Yamagata City.
- Access
- 229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Train Details
The two-car diesel hybrid train "Resort Asunaro" has been reborn
as a new sightseeing train for the southern Tohoku region.
The green theme of car no. 1 reflects the colors of the countryside, mountains, forests, budding plants, and leaves,
while the blues of car no. 2 represent the colors of the sky, streams, ocean, and snowy landscapes.
These colorful cars pay tribute to southern Tohoku’s rich scenery.
Car interior
Car no. 1
Green Car 25 seats
The train is equipped with box seats and tables for enjoying meals on board.
Enjoy local specialties and traditional cuisine from southern Tohoku in a bento box that you can order through Uketorippu.
Car no. 2
Reclining Seats: 34 seats
Enjoying gazing out at the beautiful scenery of southern Tohoku from the large windows.
See different views depending on the route.
Car layout
Koriyama
Kitakata
-
Car no. 1｜Green Car Reserved Seats * This car is for passengers with green tickets. Box seat-focused layout
-
Car no. 2｜Ordinary Car Reserved Seats Reclining seat layout
- * Between Aizuwakamatsu and Kitakata, car No. 1 is on the Kitakata side.
Make the most of your train ride
Experience the rich nature and seasonal changes of the three southern Tohoku prefectures from the large train windows.
Experience the rich culture, people, and food of the Tohoku region.
You can enjoy a leisurely and leisurely train journey.
Aizu SATONO
Enjoy history, culture and food - A relaxing trip to your hometown
The interior of the car will be decorated with Akabeko, Okiagari Koboshi, and Aizu cotton, and SATONO's special aromas will provide a soothing space.
Enjoy the traditions of the Aizu region.
SATONO reception trip
To purchase, please use the advance reservation service "Uketrippu" from your smartphone.
-
*Reservation deadlines vary depending on the product.
*Please collect your product from the attendant in car no. 1.
*Tickets will not be sold on the day on board the train. -
Timetable & Calendar
How to Board
How to purchase tickets
Basic fare ticket + reserved seat ticket
SATONO 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.)
Relax in the Green Car
For even greater comfort and relaxation, we also offer the Green Car.
Tickets for a Green Car seat are available at JR-EAST Train Reservation, JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) at key JR stations, and seat Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines from 10:00 a.m. (*) one month prior to the date of use. (*Reserved seat ticket vending machines open at 10:10 a.m.)
・Reservation and application for reserved seats
- - Operating days and hours may be subject to change.
- - All images and diagrams are intended as an example.