[Japan Heritage] Visiting the Railway and the Snowy Post Town: A Journey to Experience Life in Wakasa-juku
~ Inside Tour of the C12 Steam Locomotive and a Nostalgic Walk along Kariya Street and Kura Street with Clear Streams ~
Price per person JPY4,500
Tour Overview
Wakasa Station, the terminal of the Wakasa Railway. Here lies a wooden station building that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era, and a gleaming black steam locomotive (SL C12 167) that is still preserved in working condition (dynamic preservation).
This tour starts with a special guided viewing inside the SL by Wakasa Railway staff, followed by a stroll with a local guide through the townscape of Wakasa-juku, including "Kariya Street" and "Kura Street," where the unique ingenuity of the snow country and the murmuring of clear streams live on. It is a compact and dense guided tour of about 1 hour and 45 minutes to touch upon history and Showa-retro life.
ABOUT
ROUTE AT A GLANCE
Duration
Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
Difficulty
Beginner (A town walk anyone can easily join)
Trail Conditions
Paved roads, arcades (Kariya Street)
Location
Wakasa Town, Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture (Around Wakasa Station to Wakasa-juku)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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"Special SL Inside Tour" guided by Wakasa Railway Staff: Enter the station premises (paid area) and view the inside of the driver's cab of the dynamically preserved "Steam Locomotive C12 167" with a special explanation by railway staff.
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Clear Streams and Snow Country Wisdom "Kariya Street" & "Kura Street" Town Walk: A townscape with continuous "Kariya" (eaves) spaces designed to avoid snow, and Kura Street lined with earthen storehouses. Walk with a local guide while listening to the clear murmuring flowing through the waterways.
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Retro Culture Spots Visit: Stop by the "Wakasa Folk Crafts Museum," which gathers adorable Dorei (clay bells) from all over the country, and the "Showa Toy Museum," lined with nostalgic cheap sweets (dagashi) and toys.
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Enjoyable even after the tour! Charming Wakasa-juku: After the tour ends, there are plenty of spots for free strolling, such as a traditional sake brewery, a long-established steamed bun (manju) shop, a stylish station cafe, and a historic shrine.
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ITINERARY
[Gathering at Wakasa Station] ──► [Station Premises / Special SL Inside Tour] ──► [Kariya Street / Kura Street Walk] ──► [Folk Crafts Museum / Toy Museum] ──► [Dismissal (Free Strolling)]
Detailed Itinerary
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10:45 | Gathering in front of Wakasa Station: Meet the guide and information staff.
10:50 | Wakasa Railway Staff and Station Premises (Paid Area) & SL Inside Tour: Enter the ticket gate guided by Wakasa Railway staff. See the Steam Locomotive (SL C12 167) and the turntable up close, and experience the valuable inner structure of the SL.
11:30 | Wakasa-juku Town Walk with a Local Guide:
Kariya Street & Kura Street: Stroll while listening to the ingenuity of life in the snow country and the history of the waterways.
Wakasa Folk Crafts Museum: Admire a variety of "Dorei" (clay bells) gathered from all over the country.
Showa Toy Museum: Step into the world of a dagashi (cheap sweets) shop and toys with a Showa-retro atmosphere.
12:30 | Tour Ends / Dismissal at Wakasa Station or in Wakasa-juku: After dismissal, freely enjoy Japanese lunch in Wakasa-juku, sake brewery tours, cafe time, etc. -
[Recommended stop-by areas after the tour]
Ota Brewery: A historic sake brewery brewing traditional handmade refined sake.
Station Cafe & Manju Shop: Specialty Japanese sweets and coffee enjoyed between walks.
Wakasa Shrine: A solemn shrine watching over the post town.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
What's Included
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Professional guide accompanying fee (Explanation by Wakasa Railway staff, town walk guidance by local guide)
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Wakasa Station premises (paid area) admission fee
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Admission fees for each visiting facility (Wakasa Folk Crafts Museum, Showa Toy Museum, etc.)
What to Bring / Attire
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Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking (There is about an hour of town walking)
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Drink
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Rain gear (folding umbrella, etc.)
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Hat, sunscreen, etc. (Depending on the season)
Sustainability Efforts (Give Back)
A portion of the participation fee for this tour will be returned as conservation activity funds for Hatto Furusato no Mori and Funaoka Nature Farm, which are Ministry of the Environment "Nature Coexistence Sites", as well as funding for the maintenance of abandoned bamboo forests, a local environmental issue. Enjoying your trip directly supports the protection of Yazu Town's beautiful natural environment.
Course Number / Name
H001 / [Japan Heritage] Visiting the Railway and the Snowy Post Town: A Journey to Experience Life in Wakasa-juku
Price
4,500 JPY Per Person
Min. Participants
2 people
Duration
Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
Meeting Time & Place
10:45 in front of Wakasa Station
Dismissal Time & Place
12:30 at Wakasa Station or inside Wakasa-juku
Accommodation Info
Day trip
BOOKING & CONTACT
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Planning & Operation: El Bosque Inc.
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Email: info@hattofurusato.com
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Cancellation Policy Please note that cancellation fees will be charged as follows:
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3 days (72 hours) to 48 hours prior: 30% of the total fee
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Less than 48 hours prior: 50% of the total fee
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Less than 24 hours prior (or No-Show): 100% of the total fee