[Japan Heritage] A Stopover Journey on the Wakasa Railway with the "Wakasa Railway Moriage-tai" (Cheer Squad)
~ A deep local train journey visiting a 100-year-old wooden station building, a traditional pottery kiln, and the wealthy farmer's estate "Ota Residence" ~
Price per person JPY11,000
Tour Overview
Opened in the early Showa era as a forest railway in the snow country, the local Wakasa Railway still retains the scenery from its opening days. 23 facilities, including station buildings and bridges, are designated as Japan Heritage and National Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.
In this tour, local volunteers who deeply love the Wakasa Railway, the "Wakasa Railway Moriage-tai" (Cheer Squad), will accompany you! Using a free pass, you will hop off at various stops, visiting a bakery, a pottery studio with a climbing kiln, and the normally closed wealthy farmer's estate "Ota Residence." We will guide you through a warm and deep itinerary of about 6 hours.
ABOUT
ROUTE AT A GLANCE
Duration
Approx. 6 hours 10 minutes
Difficulty
Beginner (Includes walking the distance of one station and town walking around each station)
Trail Conditions
Paved roads, station premises, walking paths within settlements
Location
Yazu Town and Wakasa Town, Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture
(Along the Wakasa Railway: Koge Station ~ Yazu-Koko-Mae ~ Inaba-Funaoka ~ Hayabusa ~ Tanpi ~ Wakasa Station)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Signature Guide by "Wakasa Railway Moriage-tai": Accompanied by members of the "Moriage-tai" who know the area inside out and love the Wakasa Railway. They will explain the history and hidden charms along the railway line in a fun, story-like manner.
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Sightseeing Train & Retro Station Building Designed by Master Eiji Mitooka: Retro and stylish sightseeing trains and wooden station buildings designed by Eiji Mitooka, a representative designer of Japan. The spaces retaining the appearance of about 100 years ago are full of photo spots.
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Encountering "Inkyuzan-yaki" Pottery & Local Gourmet on a 1-Station Walk: Take a walk for the distance of one station from Yazu-Koko-Mae Station. Stop by a local bakery frequented by local high school students and visit the historic "Inkyuzan-yaki Pottery," which houses a traditional climbing kiln.
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Special Viewing of Japan Heritage / National Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Ota Residence": A profound wealthy farmer's residence built in the Meiji era. Enjoy a careful appreciation with a guide's explanation at this special viewing spot that normally requires advance reservations.
ITINERARY
[Gathering at JR Koge Station]
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├──(Wakasa Railway)──► [Yazu-Koko-Mae Station]
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├──(1-Station Walk)──► [Inaba-Funaoka Station]
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├──► [Hayabusa Station (Free Lunch)]
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├──► [Tanpi Station (Special Viewing of Ota Residence)]
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└──► [Wakasa Station (Station Premises Paid Area Tour & Dismissal)]
Detailed Itinerary
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09:50 | Gathering at JR Koge Station "Platpia Yazu": Meet the Moriage-tai. Receive your 1-day free pass and start the journey!
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10:05 | Depart JR Koge Station (Board the Wakasa Railway): The retro sightseeing train journey begins.
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10:07 | Get off at Yazu-Koko-Mae Station ➔ 1-Station Walk: Stop by a local bakery frequented by high school students. Visit and observe the "Inkyuzan-yaki Pottery," which houses a traditional climbing kiln.
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12:08 | Depart Inaba-Funaoka Station: Continue the journey by train.
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12:11 | Get off at Hayabusa Station ➔ Free Lunch & Free Time: Enjoy lunch and a stroll around Hayabusa Station, also known as a sanctuary for motorcycle riders.
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13:32 | Depart Hayabusa Station: Continue the journey by train.
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13:48 | Get off at Tanpi Station ➔ Japan Heritage "Ota Residence" Tour: A special tour of the wealthy farmer's Ota Residence, which retains the vestiges of the Edo to Meiji periods. Experience the architectural style unique to the snow country.
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15:35 | Depart Tanpi Station: Continue the journey by train.
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15:42 | Arrive at Wakasa Station ➔ Station Premises Paid Area Tour: Enter the paid area of Wakasa Station. Observe the SL (steam locomotive) turntable and retro facilities.
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16:00 | Tour Ends / Dismissal at Wakasa Station: The tour concludes.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
What's Included
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Wakasa Railway free pass
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"Wakasa Railway Moriage-tai" guide fee
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Ota Residence (Ota-tei) admission fee
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Wakasa Station premises paid area admission fee
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Lunch
What to Bring / Attire
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Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking (Includes walking the distance of one station and strolling after stopovers)
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Drink
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Rain gear (folding umbrella or rainwear)
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
H002 / [Japan Heritage] A Stopover Journey on the Wakasa Railway with the "Wakasa Railway Moriage-tai"
Price
11,000 JPY Per Person
Min. Participants
2 people
Duration
Approx. 6 hour 10 minutes
Meeting Time & Place
09:50 in front of JR Koge Station "Platpia Yazu"
Dismissal Time & Place
16:00 at Wakasa Station
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