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Yanase Forest Railway
Ride the train which carried wood for decades.
The train was used in the Chugei area (Nahari Town, Tano Town, Yasuda Town, Kitagawa Village, and Umaji Village) in eastern Kochi Prefecture, which prospered from the forestry industry. A 400-meter course is now set up around Maruyama Park, and visitors can enjoy riding the train mainly on Sundays and holidays.
In 1907, timber transportation by track began in Chugei, and in 1921, locomotives began to be used to carry the timber. But the forest railway was discontinued in 1963, and part of the track was turned into a car road, giving its role to trucks.
“From the Forest Railway to Japan's greatest Yuzu Road—the sights and food culture of the Chugei Region in Nangoku Tosa” has been recognized as a Japan Heritage by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The Nomura locomotive, one of component of Heritage, is also on its display.
Visitors can experience not only riding but also operating the locomotive. The train makes two slow laps around a 400-meter course, beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. It will be a special experience and one for fine travel memories.
Highlights
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Ride the Forest Railway train amid beautiful nature.
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Learn about important forestry industry that once prospered the Chugei Region.
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Create special memorable moments operating the train.
Photos
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![A restored car resembling the original old train pulls along a passenger car
Photo by Public foundation of Kochi Visitors & Convention Association]()
A restored car resembling the original old train pulls along a passenger car Photo by Public foundation of Kochi Visitors & Convention Association
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 魚梁瀬森林鉄道
- Postal Code
- 781-6202
- Address
- Maruyama Park, Yanase, Umaji Village, Aki-gun, Kochi Prefecture
- Telephone
- 0887-43-2055 (Yanase Communal Center) *Weekdays only
- Close
- Weather dependent
- Hours
- 10:00 am -12:00 pm and 1:00-3:30 pm on Sundays and national holidays (operates on Saturdays in August)
- Fare
- Adults 400 yen, 3 years old to elementary school students 200 yen
- Access
- 1 hour and 15 minute by bus from Yasuda Station on the Gomen-Nahari Line of Tosa Kuroshio Railway. 2-minute walk from Maruyama Bus Stop.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)