Nagara River Railway – A Journey Along Life and Water
For centuries, rivers have played a vital role in everyday life in Japan.
People swam in them, caught fish, transported goods, and lived alongside the water with deep respect and care.
Even today, the Nagara River remains an essential part of local life.
Running quietly along this beautiful river is the Nagara River Railway, a small local train that offers one of the most authentic journeys in rural Japan.
From the train window, you’ll see crystal-clear water, green mountains, and timeless landscapes.
More than scenery, this journey allows you to glimpse the everyday lives of people who still live closely with the river—farming, working, and caring for their community just as they have for generations.
Along the route, you can stop at Mino, famous for its traditional washi paper, or Seki, renowned for its centuries-old blade-making craftsmanship.
Each station tells a story of Japanese culture shaped by water, land, and human hands.
The Nagara River Railway is not simply transportation.
It is a slow, meaningful journey into the heart of local Japan—where nature, tradition, and daily life flow together like the river itself.
Step aboard, and experience Japan as it is lived.
The town where we live and where this plan takes place is Gujo City, in Gifu Prefecture, located near the center of Japan. Gujo is home to rich natural surroundings and a historic castle town that preserves the charm of old Japan. There are only a few ways to access this area. As there is no JR line, it can be difficult for foreign travelers to reach. However, here we introduce the best way to get here.
Travel time is an important part of the journey. To make your trip truly special, we will suggest the best plan for you.
JR
08:30 JR Nagoya Station
08:43 JR Hida No.3(Nagoya~Takayama)
Nagaragawa Railway
09:23 Get off at Mino-Ota Station
09:56 Take the Nagara River Railway
10:13 Get off at Sekiterasumae Station
You will visit a cutlery museum.
11:52 Get on at Sekiterasumae Station
12:05 Get off at Mino-Shi Station
Let’s have lunch in the washi paper town.
13:27 Get on at Mino-Shi Station
14:30 Get off at Tokunaga Station
14:30 We will pick you up at the station.
From this moment on, you’re no longer a visitor.
Your deep and authentic satoyama experience starts here.
By following this timetable, even the journey itself becomes an experience to enjoy.
As you ride the Nagara River Railway, you’ll pass through a series of small towns, each with its own story shaped by the river and daily life along its banks. Let this be more than transportation—let it become a deeper journey into local Japan.
Today, this historic railway faces the risk of closure due to declining ridership.
By choosing to ride this train, you are directly supporting the lives of the people who live along the line and helping sustain their communities.
We believe this small, beautiful railway—rich with history and scenery—is worth protecting.
Your journey matters. Your choice helps keep this railway, and the lives connected to it, moving forward.
Let’s make it a meaningful travel day!
On the way from Nagoya City to Gujo City, you’ll pass through Seki, the town of blades, and Mino, the town of traditional washi paper.
We recommend getting off the train at each town and taking time to explore on foot.
For this kind of flexible journey, the Nagara River Railway’s unlimited hop-on, hop-off free pass is the perfect choice.
You can purchase it for 2,700 yen at the Nagara River Railway counter at Mino-Ota Station.
JR limited express HIDA train
From JR Nagoya Station, take the Limited Express Hida to Mino-Ota Station.
(https://touristpass.jp/assets/pdf/route_timetable/tt_alpine.pdf)
Nagaragawa Railway
Transfer to the Nagara River Railway at Mino-Ota Station.
Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum
Let’s stop by a museum near Seki-Terrace-mae Station to learn about Japan’s long and historic blade-making culture.
(https://www.sekikaji-mus.com/)
Mino City, famous for traditional washi paper
Let’s enjoy lunch while exploring a town lined with traditional Japanese buildings.
(https://minokanko.com/)
This railway offers very beautiful views from the train windows.
The greatest charm of the Nagara River Railway lies in the views from its train windows.
As the train gently follows the Nagara River—one of Japan’s three most beautiful clear streams—you can enjoy a slow and relaxing journey through the countryside.
Watch as the scenery gradually changes from urban landscapes to peaceful rural views.
This transition itself becomes part of the experience, offering a quiet moment to feel the rhythm of local life and the beauty of nature.
Sit back, look out the window, and enjoy a train journey that reveals a side of Japan you can only discover at a slower pace.