Taking the Train to Japan's LEAST POPULAR Prefecture

@Brandon Mosconi

Brandon Mosconiyoutubethe post

Embark on a multi-train journey from Kyushu to Shimane Prefecture, Japan's least visited region, exploring unique train lines and unexpected sights along the way, including a steam train fair.

1 plan · 9 places · 3 experiences

Plan · 5 places · Chugoku, Japan

Kyushu to Shimane Train Journey

“This journey takes you from Kyushu, through Yamaguchi, and into Shimane Prefecture, showcasing the diverse train lines and unexpected sights along the way.”

1
Kurate Station
Train station · Kurate
3.4 (32)
Creator's voice
My local train station, not particularly interesting unless you like grapes or a PS4-shaped town hall. It's the starting point for this journey.
Kurate Station, Omaki, Kurate, Kurate District, Fukuoka 807-1311, Japan
2
Kokura Station
Transit station · Kitakyushu
3.8 (4,032)
Creator's voice
The second biggest city in Kyushu, often underrated. It's a very crowded station, especially on a long weekend holiday.
Kokura Station, 1 Chome-1-1 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0001, Japan
- Shinkansen Green Car · ¥1200 — The first-class carriage of the Shinkansen, offering a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience. It's usually quite expensive, but for a 90-minute journey, it was only about 1,200 yen extra.
Experience · 2 places
Riding the Shinkansen Green Car
From Kokura Station, I hopped on the Shinkansen to Shin-Yamaguchi. I splurged on the green car, which is like first class, because that's what a man like me deserves! It was only about 1,200 yen extra for the 90-minute ride. The Shinkansen never gets old; it gives you an amazing sense of adventure, even for the short 20-minute leg I was on. It's insane how quickly you cover the distance.
2
Kokura Station
Transit station · Kitakyushu
3.8 (4,032)
Creator's voice
The second biggest city in Kyushu, often underrated. It's a very crowded station, especially on a long weekend holiday.
Kokura Station, 1 Chome-1-1 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0001, Japan
Shinkansen Green Car · ¥1200 — The first-class carriage of the Shinkansen, offering a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience. It's usually quite expensive, but for a 90-minute journey, it was only about 1,200 yen extra.
3
Shin-Yamaguchi Station
Train station · Yamaguchi
3.8 (471)
Shin-Yamaguchi Station, 1-chome-2-１ Ogorireiwa, Yamaguchi, 754-0041, Japan
3
Shin-Yamaguchi Station
Train station · Yamaguchi
3.8 (471)
Shin-Yamaguchi Station, 1-chome-2-１ Ogorireiwa, Yamaguchi, 754-0041, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Discovering a Steam Train Fair
During my 40-minute transfer at Shin-Yamaguchi Station, I stumbled upon a free-entry steam train fair just around the corner! I wasn't expecting to see one so soon. It was absolutely awesome, with various models and a turntable. Even though it was October, it was still 30°C, but it was totally worth walking in the baking hot sun to see all these magnificent trains.
4
Sangi Railway Steam Train Fair
Rail museum · Albuquerque
4.8Closed · opens 9 AM
New Mexico Steam Locomotive, 1833 8th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Old steam trains — Various models of old steam trains on display at the fair, including one that is known as the most manufactured and famous Japanese-made steam train for its reliability. They look like they're still in use, and it's a very cool sight for any train enthusiast.
Experience · 2 places
Riding the Super Oki to Shimane
After the steam train fair, I boarded the Super Oki Limited Express from Shin-Yamaguchi. This train is a special express, and I believe it's one of the longest local rail express trains in Japan. It's comprised of two cute little diesel carriages. I didn't take it all the way to Tottori, but got off at Tsuwano Station, the southernmost station in Shimane Prefecture. The view from the train was absolutely beautiful, a great introduction to Japan's least visited prefecture.
3
Shin-Yamaguchi Station
Train station · Yamaguchi
3.8 (471)
Shin-Yamaguchi Station, 1-chome-2-１ Ogorireiwa, Yamaguchi, 754-0041, Japan
5
Tsuwano Station
Train station · Tsuwano
4.2 (346)
Creator's voice
The southernmost train station in Shimane Prefecture, known for its very stylish architecture. It's the gateway to Tsuwano, a 'little Kyoto' town.
Tsuwano Station, Ushiroda, Tsuwano, Kanoashi District, Shimane 699-5605, Japan
5
Tsuwano Station
Train station · Tsuwano
4.2 (346)
Creator's voice
The southernmost train station in Shimane Prefecture, known for its very stylish architecture. It's the gateway to Tsuwano, a 'little Kyoto' town.
Tsuwano Station, Ushiroda, Tsuwano, Kanoashi District, Shimane 699-5605, Japan

Also in this video

6
Fukuhoku Yutaka Line
train-line
7
Kokura Monorail
Transit station · Kitakyushu
3.8 (4,032)
Creator's voice
The second biggest city in Kyushu, often underrated. It's a very crowded station, especially on a long weekend holiday.
Kokura Station, 1 Chome-1-1 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0001, Japan
8
Super Oki Limited Express
Train station · Yamaguchi
3.4 (1,434)
Creator's voice
A limited express train that runs from Shin-Yamaguchi to Tottori, covering about 380 km in just over 5 hours. It's believed to be one of the longest local line limited express trains in Japan, comprised of two cute diesel carriages (one reserved, one non-reserved).
Yamaguchi Station, 2 Sōdayūchō, Yamaguchi, 753-0042, Japan
9
Tsuwano
Tsuwano
Creator's voice
Known as one of Japan's many 'little Kyoto' towns, it's the first main settlement from the south of Shimane Prefecture. The creator plans to explore it further in a future video.
Tsuwano, Kanoashi District, Shimane, Japan

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