Resort Shirakami (Buna / Aoike / Kumagera)

Route Map

in search of a superb view
Take a trip on the Gono Line

Breathtaking view from the train window

The Gono Line "Resort Shirakami" runs through the World Natural Heritage Shirakami Mountains and the scenic Sea of Japan.
Please enjoy the seasonal scenery that spreads out from the train window.

Superb view and gourmet
“A trip that can only be enjoyed here”

"Gonotabi (Receipt Trip)"

This is a service that allows you to reserve and pay for products from delicious shops along the line in advance from your smartphone, and receive them at the station platform, etc. on the day of boarding.

Symbiosis with nature

Aiming for coexistence with nature, the "Resort Shirakami 'Buna' formation", which uses a hybrid system, expresses the grove of moss trees in gradation, and has a design that makes you feel the gentle sunlight filtering through the shades of natural green. The interior uses plenty of wood from the railway line, such as Akita cedar and Aomori hiba, to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Resort Shirakami (Buna/Aoike/Kumagera) [Aomori Prefecture, Akita Prefecture]
Route Map
Debut year
Aoike: April 1997 (renewed in December 2010)
Maki: April 2003 (renewed in July 2016)
Kumagera: March 2006
Service area
Between Aomori Station and Akita Station

Travel Guide

Along the lines where Resort Shirakami runs
We will introduce recommended spots.

Operation Route Map of Resort Shirakami (Buna/Aoike/Kumagera)
  • Spot along the line 1: Shayokan
  • Spot along the line 2: Senjojiki
  • Spot along the line 3: An unforgettable view of the sunset once you see it
  • Spot along the line 4: Furofushi Onsen
  • Spot along the line 5: Juniko trekking
  • Spot 6 along the line: Shoot at home
  • Spot along the line 7: Akita Citizen Market
  • Spot along the line 8: Senshu Park
  • Spot 9 along the line: Akita Prefectural Museum (main building)
  • Spot 10 along the line: Godzilla Rock
  • Spot along the line 11: Junsai no Yakata
  • Spot along the line 12: Kumagera Waiting Room
  • Spot along the line 13: Resort Shirakami ``Buna organization'' Akita cedar model
  • Spot along the line 14: Hachimori Isaribi Onsen "Hatahatakan"
  • Spot along the line 15: Isaribi no Yakata
  • Spot along the line 16: Aoike
  • Spot along the line 18: Engakuji Temple
  • Spot along the line 19: Senjojiki Beach
  • Spot 21 along the line: Tsugaru Global Village
  • Line Spot 22: Wooden Station
  • Spot along the line 23: Tachineputa no Yakata
  • Spot along the line 24: Tsurunomai Bridge
  • Spot 25 along the line: Itayanagi Town Furusato Center
  • Spot 26 along the line: Shiratori Fureai Square
  • Spot 27 Along the Line: Roadside Station Inakadate "Yayoi no Sato"
  • Spot 28 along the line: Hirosaki Park (nationally designated historic site)
  • Spot 29 along the line: Aomori Museum of Art
  • Spot 30 along the line: Aomori City Cultural Tourism Exchange Facility<br>"Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse"
Photo: Shayokan
Shayokan
Photo: Shayokan

Shayokan

Change to the Tsugaru Railway at Tsugaru Goshogawara Station next to Goshogawara Station and visit Shayokan, the birthplace of Osamu Dazai.

Access
Change to Tsugaru Railway from JR Gono Line "Goshogawara Station" and walk 7 minutes from "Kanagi Station"
Photo: Senjojiki
Senjojiki
Photo: Senjojiki

Senjojiki

This rocky beach was created by the earthquake in 1792, and has been certified as one of the 100 Best Sunsets in Japan for its scenic view of the Sea of Japan. Long ago, the lord spread 1,000 tatami mats and held a banquet on the vast rock ledge.

Access
About 1 minute on foot from JR Gono Line "Senjojiki Station"
Photo: An unforgettable sunset view
An unforgettable sunset view
Photo: An unforgettable sunset view

An unforgettable sunset view

The gently curving coastline, the ocean as far as the eye can see... Fukaura area where you can enjoy a magnificent view from the train window. Resort Shirakami runs at reduced speed in some sections. Fukaura is also famous as the "Town of Sunset" which was selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Sunsets". It is also recommended to check the sunset time in advance and enjoy the sunset viewing.

Photo: Furofushi Onsen
Furofushi Onsen
Photo: Furofushi Onsen

Furofushi Onsen

Furofushi Onsen is located at the tip of Koganezaki facing the Sea of Japan on the Henashizaki coast of Fukaura Town on the Sea of Japan side. Hot springs have been gushing out in this area since ancient times, and it is said that the locals dug rocky areas like bathtubs and used them as baths. In 1971, it was named "Fuyoufushi" because "If you take care of yourself here, you will not grow old or weaken." In the surrounding area, there are places such as "Tsubakiyama" introduced by Kunio Yanagida as the northernmost colony of thicket camellias, and "Engakuji" where the eleven-faced Kannon believed to have been made by Prince Shotoku is enshrined.

Access
About 5 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Gono Line "Wespa Tsubakiyama Station" (reservation required)
Photo: Juniko trekking
Juniko trekking
Photo: Juniko trekking

Juniko trekking

Juniko is dotted with lakes and marshes of various sizes. Kotoba Pond in autumn is a popular spot. Buses are operated according to the departure and arrival of some Resort Shirakami.

Access
Approximately 15 minutes by car from Juniko Station on the Gono Line
Photo: shoot at home
shoot at home
Photo: shoot at home

shoot at home

Noshiro is a basketball town with a prestigious high school basketball school. After stopping at the platform, experience shooting at the basketball goal.

Photo: Akita Citizen Market
Akita Citizen Market
Photo: Akita Citizen Market

Akita Citizen Market

The kitchen of Akita citizens has everything from fresh fish, dried foods, vegetables, meat, sake, and souvenirs.

Access
5 minute walk from Akita Station
Photo: Senshu Park
Senshu Park
Photo: Senshu Park

Senshu Park

The castle ruins of the Satake clan, who ruled the Akita domain (Kubota domain) during the feudal era.

Access
About 15 minutes on foot from Akita Station
Photo: Akita Prefectural Museum (Main Building)
Akita Prefectural Museum (Main Building)
Photo: Akita Prefectural Museum (Main Building)

Akita Prefectural Museum (Main Building)

Archeology, history, folklore, geology, and creatures are displayed in an easy-to-understand and fun way. There are plenty of experiential items that you can touch and learn, as well as extensive research materials by Masumi Sugae, a travel writer from the Edo period.

Access
About 20 minutes on foot from Oiwake Station
Photo: Godzilla Rock
Godzilla Rock
Photo: Godzilla Rock

Godzilla Rock

Shiosezaki is a famous spot where rough rocks spread out on the beach. The silhouette of this rock looks just like Godzilla, and when the sky is dyed in the setting sun, it becomes even more visible.

Access
About 20 minutes by car from Oga Station
Photo: Junsai no Yakata
Junsai no Yakata
Photo: Junsai no Yakata

Junsai no Yakata

Junsai-no-sato, which produces about 90% of the domestic production, sells special products and restaurants are popular. Processed junsai that can be eaten all year round is recommended as a souvenir.

Access
About 10 minutes by car from Moritake Station
Photo: Kumagera Waiting Room
Kumagera Waiting Room
Photo: Kumagera Waiting Room

Kumagera Waiting Room

On the platform of Higashi-Noshiro Station, there is a waiting room modeled after the "Resort Shirakami Kumagera". There is a Kiha 58-23 driver's seat inside, and you can enjoy the feeling of being a driver.

Photo: Resort Shirakami ``Morning organization'' Akita cedar model
Resort Shirakami ``Buna organization'' Akita cedar model
Photo: Resort Shirakami ``Morning organization'' Akita cedar model

Resort Shirakami ``Buna organization'' Akita cedar model

A model of Resort Shirakami's ``Buna Kumiai'' made of Akita cedar will be exhibited at Noshiro Station. The total length is about 4 meters, and the width is about 15 centimeters, which is 1/20 the size of the real thing.

Photo: Hachimori Isaribi Onsen "Hatahatakan"
Hachimori Isaribi Onsen "Hatahatakan"
Photo: Hachimori Isaribi Onsen "Hatahatakan"

Hachimori Isaribi Onsen "Hatahatakan"

A unique hot spring inn with a boat-shaped open-air bath overlooking the ocean. They also have a wide variety of souvenirs.
*Closed on the 4th Tuesday of every month.

Access
About 3 minutes on foot from Akita Shirakami Station
Photo: Isaribi no Yakata
Isaribi no Yakata
Photo: Isaribi no Yakata

Isaribi no Yakata

An experience facility where you can stay overnight on a small hill with a great view. Ideal as a base for enjoying blue tourism.

Access
About 5 minutes on foot from Iwadate Station
Photo: Aoike
Aoike
Photo: Aoike

Aoike

It does not freeze even in the middle of winter, and in the winter when the sunlight does not penetrate, the surface of the water is dyed in indigo iron, and it is wrapped in mystery and silence.
*In winter (December 1st to March 31st), it is not possible to enter the Juniko without a professional guide such as Aone Shirakami Juniko. Also, please note that the route bus does not operate during the winter season.

Photo: Engakuji Temple
Engakuji Temple
Photo: Engakuji Temple

Engakuji Temple

It has a collection of 70 ship ema, including Japan's only "Hokkaido Ship's Ema". Every corner is worth seeing, including many temple treasures and a splendid mandala.

Access
About 20 minutes on foot from Fukaura Station
Photo: Senjojiki Beach
Senjojiki Beach
Photo: Senjojiki Beach

Senjojiki Beach

“Senjojiki” is said to be the place where the lord of Tsugaru held a large party on which 1,000 tatami mats were spread. Spacious rock pavements continue to the beach. Take a stroll during the 15-minute stop.

Photo: Tsugaru Global Village
Tsugaru Global Village
Photo: Tsugaru Global Village

Tsugaru Global Village

A playful theme park with lots to see! In addition to soaking in the hot springs on a day trip at the facility's Fujiyama Residence, the restaurant Ryan offers menus made with ingredients from Aomori Prefecture.

Access
About 5 minutes by car from Mutsu Morita Station
Photo: wooden station
wooden station
Photo: wooden station

wooden station

A shader clay figurine (nickname: A unique station building with a huge motif of Shako-chan (Shako-chan) on the outer wall.

Photo: Tachineputa House
Tachineputa House
Photo: Tachineputa House

Tachineputa House

A Tachineputa statue with a height of about 23m is on display. Tachineputa, which is actually in operation, is impressive. Don't miss the screen screening of the festival.

Access
About 5 minutes on foot from Goshogawara Station
Photo: Tsuru no Mai Bridge
Tsuru no Mai Bridge
Photo: Tsuru no Mai Bridge

Tsuru no Mai Bridge

Local Aomori cypress wood is used. With a total length of 300m, it is the longest wooden triple arched bridge in Japan. As the name suggests, Tsuruta Town is proud of its beauty, which looks like a crane spreading its wings.
*Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is open during winter from December 1st to March 31st. We are removing snow from the parking lot and the promenade to Tsurunomai Bridge, but it may be closed depending on the weather.

Photo: Itayanagi Town Furusato Center
Itayanagi Town Furusato Center
Photo: Itayanagi Town Furusato Center

Itayanagi Town Furusato Center

You can enjoy the whole day by learning, playing, and staying at the apple variety sample garden, picking experience, museum, craft experience, cottage, etc.

Access
About 5 minutes by car from Itayanagi Station
Photo: Shiratori Fureai Square
Shiratori Fureai Square
Photo: Shiratori Fureai Square

Shiratori Fureai Square

Fujisaki-cho where many swans come flying every year from December to March. You can get down to the immediate vicinity of the river and observe the swans up close. A perfect spot for taking pictures of the majestic view of Mt. Iwaki.

Access
About 5 minutes on foot from Fujisaki Station
Photo: Roadside Station Inakadate "Yayoi no Sato"
Roadside Station Inakadate "Yayoi no Sato"
Photo: Roadside Station Inakadate "Yayoi no Sato"

Roadside Station Inakadate "Yayoi no Sato"

The direct sales center sells fresh local vegetables, fruits, and specialty products. There are large combination playground equipment, putter golf, etc., which can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
*The playground equipment will be closed on the 3rd Tuesday of the month (the following day if it falls on a national holiday).

Access
About 28 minutes by train from Konan Railway Hirosaki Station, about 15 minutes on foot from Inakadate Station
About 5 minutes on foot after getting off at Tanbo Art Station (stops only from April to November)
Photo: Hirosaki Park (nationally designated historic site)
Hirosaki Park (nationally designated historic site)
Photo: Hirosaki Park (nationally designated historic site)

Hirosaki Park (nationally designated historic site)

The snowy scenery unique to winter is beautiful in the spacious park. The atmosphere is even richer during the Snow Lantern Festival. The lanterns with Neputa paintings are lit up, and the Tenshu, which has been moved by the floats, stands out against the background of Mt. Iwaki.
*Hirosaki Castle Keep and Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden will be closed for winter from November 24th.

Access
About 15 minutes by bus from Hirosaki Station
Photo: Aomori Museum of Art
Aomori Museum of Art
Photo: Aomori Museum of Art

Aomori Museum of Art

Many works by artists from Aomori Prefecture, such as the work of woodblock artist Shiko Munakata and artist Yoshitomo Nara, are collected. Until March 2021 (scheduled), all four of Chagall's giant stage background paintings "Aleko" can be viewed at once.

Access
Approximately 10 minutes by car from Shin-Aomori Station or 11 minutes by route bus Nebutan from Shin-Aomori Station East Exit ③ bus stop (get off at "Prefectural Art Museum")
About 20 minutes by car from Aomori Station or about 20 minutes by Aomori Municipal Bus from Aomori Station ⑥ bus stop (to "Sannai Maruyama Ruins", get off at "Prefectural Art Museum")
Photo: Aomori City Cultural Tourism Exchange Facility<br>"Nebuta House Wa Rasse"
Aomori City Cultural Tourism Exchange Facility
"Nebuta House Wa Rasse"
Photo: Aomori City Cultural Tourism Exchange Facility<br>"Nebuta House Wa Rasse"

Aomori City Cultural Tourism Exchange Facility
"Nebuta House Wa Rasse"

In addition to exhibiting the powerful large Nebuta floats that took part in the Aomori Nebuta Festival, the history and production techniques of Nebuta are introduced. You can also enjoy musical accompaniment and Haneto experience.

Access
Short walk from Aomori Station

Train Details

You can see beautiful scenery such as the majestic Shirakami Mountains and the Sea of Japan at sunset from the spacious interior of the car.
The interior uses plenty of wood from areas along the railway lines, such as the symbol tree, cedar from Akita, and Aomori hiba, so you can enjoy your trip while feeling the great outdoors.

"Buna" organization

Shirakami Sanchi, a World Natural Heritage site, the Sea of Japan where the sun sets...
On the Gono Line, which has a series of scenic scenes, the new train "Buna", which is a hybrid system that is friendly to the natural environment, debuts.
We will guide you on a journey surrounded by nature.

Design
Exterior

The design expresses a grove of beech trees in gradation, and the natural shades of green make you feel the gentle sunlight filtering through the trees.

Interior

You can see beautiful scenery such as the majestic Shirakami Mountains and the Sea of Japan at sunset from the spacious interior of the car.
The interior uses plenty of wood from the railway line, such as the symbol tree, cedar from Akita, and Aomori hiba.
You can enjoy a trip while feeling the great outdoors.

hybrid system

It combines a diesel engine and a lithium-ion storage battery, and uses an electric motor for driving power. When starting, the power stored in the storage battery is used, and when accelerating, the diesel engine operates to drive the generator, which in combination with the power stored in the storage battery rotates the motor. This system uses the motor as a generator during deceleration, converting braking energy into electricity and charging the storage battery.
In addition to reducing the fuel consumption rate and reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust by about 60% compared to the conventional "Buna" train, it can also reduce noise when stopping at a station and when departing. .

New Resort Shirakami "Buna" organization outline (HB-E300 series)
Organization 4-car train
Capacity 142 people (106 seats, 4 semi-private rooms x 9 = 36 people)
Main equipment Car no. 1

Seating/observation room/event space/symbol tree

Car no. 2

box seats

car number 3

Seat/symbol tree

car number 4

Seating/observation room/event space/symbol tree

Common to all vehicles

In-vehicle information display available / Liquid crystal display available / LED lighting

power diesel hybrid system

Car interior

Observatory/event space

No.1, No.4] <Buna>

The observatory installed in cars 1 and 4 is an event space that creates an extraordinary space with crafts and symbol trees from Akita and Aomori prefectures such as beech and Akita woodwork.

Ordinary car reserved seat

[Cars 1, 3, 4] <Buna>

The gorgeous warm-colored seats are designed with the image of a summer festival in the Tohoku region.

box seats

[Car 2] <Buna>

Box seats with a bright image have a better view than before, creating a space with a more open feeling. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. It is also equipped with beechwood lighting, providing a sense of warmth and comfort.

Car layout

Make the most of your train ride

In addition to enjoying the spectacular views of the magnificent Shirakami Mountains and the Sea of Japan,
In the train, we hold events where you can enjoy local performing arts along the line.
You can also use a mobile order service that allows you to reserve and pay for products from delicious shops along the line in advance and pick them up at the station platform on the day of boarding.

This service is for customers using Resort Shirakami.
How about making a reservation for delicious bento boxes, sweets, drinks, etc. at shops along the Gono Line?

Go to the Gonotabi service site (Japanese only)


At "Resort Shirakami", the "Fureai Sales", in which local people board the train and sell special products that can only be purchased locally, while interacting with customers, are very popular. Starting in April, we will be expanding our "contact sales" with the cooperation of local residents! Please enjoy the “contact sales” unique to the Gono Line on the Resort Shirakami train and on the station platform.

Fureai Sales Calendar (Japanese only)

JIN CARE Co., Ltd.
Freeze-dried red and orange apples

The red-red apples "Red Q" and "Eikou" are the new fruits. Less acidity and more sweetness. A rare breed that is not yet on the market. “Ima ga Tabetoki” is a special product of Goshogawara. Among the yellow apples that have been booming in recent years, they have a strong sweetness.

◆Between Fukaura Station and Goshogawara Station
◆500 yen each (tax included)

Tachineputa Dorayaki (Set of 3)

A set of 3, "2 apple dorayaki" with plenty of honey-filled Fuji apples and "1 red apple dorayaki" with a sour and refreshing apple "Goshogawara" that is sweet to the pulp.

◆Between Fukaura Station and Goshogawara Station
◆ 1 set 500 yen (tax included)

Click here for the homepage (Japanese only)

Noshiro Tourism Association
nightless city postcard

The large castle-shaped lantern "Tenku no Nightless Castle" is in operation in August. One of the two towers is 24.1 meters high. This is a gorgeous postcard of "The Nightless Castle in the Sky".

◆ Noshiro Station Platform 1
◆150 yen (tax included)

Nightless City Tenugui

The large castle-shaped lantern "Tenku no Nightless Castle" is in operation in August. One of the two towers is 24.1 meters high. Bright tenugui towels are popular as souvenirs.

◆ Noshiro Station Platform 1
◆ 600 yen each (tax included)

Akita Inu Strap

The "Akita Nudamon" series developed by Yonaizawa Chuo Printing in Kitaakita City. Akita Inu × Heart-shaped strap is very cute.

◆ Noshiro Station Platform 1
◆440 yen each (tax included)

Akita Inu Plush Toy

This is a plush toy of the famous Akita dog "Masaru" given to Alina Zagitova, a women's gold medalist in figure skating. It has an addictive texture.

◆ Noshiro Station Platform 1
◆3,300 yen (tax included)

Click here for the homepage (Japanese only)

Noshiro Woodwork Market
Various woodwork

The woodwork of Noshiro, a wood town that once prospered with wood, is attractive for its warm touch of Akita cedar.

◆Between Noshiro Station and Fukaura Station, Platform 1 of Noshiro Station
◆Butter knife, coaster, chopstick rest: 300 yen (tax included)
◆ Spatula, pot stand: 400 yen (tax included)


Sekineya Co., Ltd.
Special Gyumeshi

This is a famous ekiben that has been produced since the founding of Sekineya.
Beef and thread konnyaku are slowly simmered in a secret soup and placed on white rice (Akitakomachi).

◆ Akita Station Platform 2
◆1,100 yen (tax included)

Click here for the homepage (Japanese only)

Hospitality

On-board events

Various events are held onboard.

Traditional Tsugaru Kintamamejo puppet show

"Kintazukura Puppet Theater" is an intangible folk cultural property of Nakadomari-cho, Aomori Prefecture, which is performed based at the Tsugaru Railway terminal station (Tsugaru-Nakazato Station). Please take your time to enjoy the comical comedy of "Kinta" and "Mamezou".

● Route 1 between Goshogawara Station and Hirosaki Station
Route 4 Between Aomori Station and Hirosaki Station
[Implementation date]
・August 26th and 27th
・September 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 13th
・October 15th, 21st, 28th, 29th
・November 11th, 12th, 19th, 25th
・December 3rd, 6th, 9th, 10th
·March 9

*The schedule after October will be announced sequentially.

Demonstration of Tsugaru dialect "Kataribe"

The folktales that have been handed down in Tsugaru for a long time are told in a gentle way in the local language. Listening to the Tsugaru dialect while looking out at the majestic Mt.

● Routes 3 and 4 between Mutsu-Tsuruda Station and Kawabe Station
[Implementation date]
・August 26th and 27th
・September 2nd to 13th, 16th to 18th, 23rd, 24th, 30th
・October 1, 7-9, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
・November 3-5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 30
・December 1-12

● Route 2 between Mutsu-Tsuruda Station and Kawabe Station
[Implementation date]
・December 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st
・January 1, 6-8, 13, 14, 18-30
・February 3, 4, 10-12, 17, 18, 24, 25
・March 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st

*There are two narrators.
*The schedule after October will be announced sequentially.

Tsugaru shamisen live performance

Experience live Tsugaru Shamisen performance at Resort Shirakami. They play representative folk songs such as "Tsugaru Jon Kara Bushi" by striking the drumsticks at a uniquely fast tempo.

● Routes 1 and 2 between Goshogawara Station and Ajigasawa Station
[Implementation date]
・August-November Resort Shirakami driving days
・December 1-12, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31
・January 1, 6-8, 13, 14, 18-30
・February 3, 4, 10-12, 17, 18, 23-25
・March 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st

*There are 2 performers.

  • *Please note that some days may not be available due to various reasons.

Route & Timetables / Calendar

How to Board

How to sell tickets

Purchase Locations

All seats on Resort Shirakami are reserved (non-smoking). A reserved seat ticket is required when boarding.
(If you use a JR East rail pass such as the JR EAST PASS, you can reserve a reserved seat without paying additional fees.)
Reserved seat tickets go on sale at JR-EAST Train Reservations, Midori no Madoguchi (Midori-no-madoguchi) at major JR stations, and reserved-seat ticket vending machines from 10:00 a.m. (*) one month before the date of use. (*Reserved seat ticket vending machines open at 10:10 a.m.)

access map

From Akita

From the metropolitan area, take the Akita Shinkansen "Komachi" to Akita Station. From Akita Station, transfer to Resort Shirakami and enter the Gono Line from Higashi-Noshiro Station. Looking at the Shirakami Mountains from the train window, head toward Aomori from the vicinity of Akita-Shirakami Station, gazing at the Sea of Japan on your left. At each station along the way, enjoy local gourmet dishes and hot spring bathing.

From Aomori

From the Tokyo metropolitan area, take the Tohoku Shinkansen "Hayabusa" to Shin-Aomori Station. Transfer to "Resort Shirakami" at Shin-Aomori Station and head for the Gono Line. From Hirosaki, enjoy a comfortable train journey with Mt.

Recommended information