• Table of Contents
• Don't worry if you miss this flight! There are only two chances a year!
• "Mimasaka Slow Life Train"
• Full of highlights! Special "hospitality" events at each stop
• Experience retro railway heritage at Tsuyama Station and Mimasaka-kamo Station!
• A tour of Showa and film locations! Takano Station and Mimasaka-takio Station
• Revealing precious facilities in the mountains! Mimasaka-kawai Station and Nagi Station
• Ticket enquiries and other information

Don't worry if you miss this flight! There are only two chances a year!

The Mimasaka Slow Life Train is actually not a once-a-year event. It normally runs twice a year, in spring and autumn (mainly around May and November), so even if you miss this November run, you'll have a chance to ride it again the following spring . Operation dates and detailed information are regularly announced on the official websites of JR West and Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum, so be sure to check them out and plan your next Mimasaka Slow Life Train trip!

Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum | Official website

[place_master_id=10791 show_photos embed id="qFZXI7c46k"]

"Mimasaka Slow Life Train"

This train is a three-car train with all reserved seats, and will operate as the "Mimasaka Slow Life Train" between Tsuyama Station and Nagi Station (between Nagi Station and Chizu Station it will operate as a local train with all unreserved seats). At each station the train stops at, warm local "omotenashi" (welcoming and service) events will be held, attracting visitors.

The outbound journey departs Tsuyama Station at 11:50 and arrives at Chizu Station at 14:45.

The return journey is scheduled to depart Chizu Station at 14:53 and arrive at Tsuyama Station at 16:35.

Please note that the stop time at Nagi Station is short.

Full of highlights! Special "hospitality" events at each stop

At each station where the Mimasaka Slow Life Train stops, you can enjoy various events, exhibitions, and gourmet food sales that make use of the local characteristics (※Event content may be subject to change).

Experience retro railway heritage at Tsuyama Station and Mimasaka-kamo Station!

Tsuyama Station: A steam locomotive welcomes you

At Tsuyama Station, a C11 steam locomotive is on display in the rotary. Additionally, about a 10-minute walk away is the Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum, where you can learn about the history of Japanese railways.

Stop times: Departure at 11:50 on the outbound journey, arrival at 16:35 on the return journey.

Mimasaka-kamo Station: Enjoy the precious semaphore and gourmet food

This station is a treasured spot for railway enthusiasts, as it was the last station in Japan to use semaphore signals (old-fashioned mechanical signals).

Items for sale : Pound cake, pie choux, apple pie (outbound trip only), wild vegetable rice, curry, jerk chicken burger, udon, wagyu beef skewers, yakitori, hot coffee, chai, etc.

Event: When shopping on the way there, you can participate in a lottery, and if you win, you can exchange it for local specialties on the way back (there is no lottery on the way back).

Stop time: 36 minutes on the outbound journey, 17 minutes on the return journey.

A tour of Showa and film locations! Takano Station and Mimasaka-takio Station

Takano Station: Experience the nostalgic "Showa" era

Exhibition: The "Nostalgic Showa Exhibition" will be held only on the 8th. Here, home appliances and movie posters from the Showa(1926-1989) will be on display.

Stop time: 5 minutes on the way there.

Mimasaka-takio Station: A film location and a cultural property station building

The wooden station building, which was built in Showa and retains its original appearance, is registered as a "Registered Tangible Cultural Property" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

This place is famous as the location for the final installment of the popular Japanese film "Otoko wa Tsurai yo," and in recent years it has also been used as the location for the graduation song of a former member of the popular idol group "Nogizaka 46."

event :

The theme song for "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" will be performed (only on the 9th).

Local bands will perform (9th only).

You can enjoy taking photos with staff dressed as the film's main character, Tora-san, and with a face-in panel.

Items for sale: Lunch boxes (8th and 9th), yakisoba (9th only), railway goods (Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum goods, etc.), original Slow Life Train panel magnets, etc.

Stop time: 34 minutes on the outbound journey.

Revealing precious facilities in the mountains! Mimasaka-kawai Station and Nagi Station

Mimasaka-kawai Station: Tour of the manual turntable and experience operating it

This small station, nestled quietly in the mountains near Monomi Pass, still retains a valuable manual turntable (a manual device for changing the direction of locomotives).

event :

Visit the manual turntable, a heritage site of modern industrial development.

Experience driving a track bicycle (cancelled in case of rain).

Event hours: 11:00-14:30.

Participation requirements : Elementary school students and above (elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). When the train stops (13:58-14:14), only those on the Slow Life Train can participate.

Items for sale : Fried chicken, mochi, abaokowa (rice cakes), aba apple pie, ginger tsukudani (simmered in soy sauce), etc.

Stop time: 17 minutes on the outbound journey.

Nagi Station: Old memories and Yosakoi dance performance

This station is located at the foot of Monomi Pass on the Tottori side, and the stairs leading up to the platform are decorated with photos of old memories.

event :

Performance by a Yosakoi group (9th only, from 14:35).

You can enjoy the hospitality for approximately 35 minutes until the return journey from Chizu Station.

For sale: Persimmon leaf sushi, handmade baked goods, local specialties, etc.

Stop time: 2 minutes on both the outbound and return journeys.

Ticket enquiries and other information

All seats on the Mimasaka Slow Life Train are reserved, so tickets must be purchased in advance.

For ticket inquiries :

JR West Customer Service Center: 0570-00-2486

*Please check the JR West official website or the "Midori no Midori" ticket counter for purchasing methods. For foreign visitors tourists, it is convenient to purchase tickets on the JR West official website (English version, etc.) or at a travel agency.

Events, hospitality enquiries :

Mimasaka Local Railway Tourism Executive Committee Secretariat (Tsuyama Learning Railway Museum): 0868-35-3343

Don't miss this opportunity to experience Japan's railway heritage and interact with the warm-hearted local people!

JR Odekake Net

• Table of Contents
• Shimanto River Bus Course Description
• Shimanto River Bus Tour Map
• Shimanto River Bus Route
• Shimanto River Bus Stopover Spots
• Want to know more about Shimanto River Bus?
• Want to know more about Shimanto City?

Shimanto River Bus Course Description

Tour A course 1,000 yen/person

In the morning, we went to three sunken bridges and took a sightseeing boat ride along the Shimanto River!

Departs Nakamura Station at 7:50 and arrives Ekawasaki Station at 10:40

*Trains bound for Kochi, Osaka, and Matsuyama depart from Ekawasaki Station.

Tour B course 1,000 yen/person

Stop for lunch and visit two sunken bridges along the way!

Departs Ekawasaki Station at 11:00 and arrives Nakamura Station at 15:00

Plenty of AB course 1,600 yen/person

Take the A&B course to visit four submerged bridges and have lunch. Enjoy the Shimanto River to the fullest!

Departs Nakamura Station at 7:50 and arrives Nakamura Station at 15:00

Stopover C Course

Get off at Kawarakko and enjoy a canoeing experience, then hop back on the bus and head back to the station!

Departs Nakamura Station at 7:50 and arrives Nakamura Station at 15:00

Shimanto River Bus Tour Map

Shimanto River Bus Route

Shimanto River Bus Stopover Spots

AB JR Ekawasaki Station

The pop art designed by Gravityfree, based on the motif of "The Tosa Amano River of Nishitosa, the Town of Shimanto River and Starry Skies," is painted on the walls and ceiling of the waiting room inside the station. It's sure to look great in photos!

AB Roadside Station Tosa

Tosa Roadside Station is home to fresh local vegetables and local specialties. You can also enjoy grilled sweetfish and sweets made with local ingredients.

AB Iwama Submerged Bridge

This submerged bridge often appears on posters and television. There is also a monument to the song of singer Hiroshi Miyama in the nearby parking lot. The view from the nearby Iwama Shimanto Teahouse is also recommended! You can park your car in the parking lot and take your time sightseeing.

ABC Shimanto Canoe and Camping Village Kawarakko

Shimanto Canoe and Camping Village Kawarakko is located on the banks of the clear Shimanto River, surrounded by lush nature.

Just down from the campsite, you can see the gentle flow of the Shimanto River, where even beginners can enjoy a casual canoeing experience. We have approximately 100 canoes and SUP boats available for activities. This is an auto campsite where you can fully enjoy the Shimanto River.

If you get off on Course C, you can enjoy canoeing and SUP at Kawarakko (additional charge).

Those taking Course A and Course AB will have approximately one hour to stroll around here.

You can take a sightseeing boat or go for a walk along the riverbank!

A Shimanto River Sightseeing Boat Nattoku *Boarding time varies, additional charges apply

Shimanto River Sightseeing Boat Nattoku

Deep green mountains and a beautiful, clear blue river. There's nothing else like it. That's why it's called the Shimanto River.

Everyone who visits will be impressed.

A Takase Submerged Bridge

This is a valuable livelihood route for local residents. If you're lucky, you might be able to see a houseboat passing under the bridge.

The fireflies in early summer are a sight to behold.

BC Sada Submerged Bridge

Located at the lowest point of the Shimanto River, this is the longest submerged bridge and the most famous of the many submerged bridges.

At Hotori Coffee, located at the foot of the sunken bridge, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while being surrounded by the sound of the gently flowing river and the beautiful scenery.

BC Dragonfly Nature Park Shimanto River Academic and Play Center Akitsuio

Shimanto River Academic Museum Akitsuio is comprised of a dragonfly museum and a fish museum located within Dragonfly Nature Park, the world's first dragonfly nature reserve. It is a museum where you can have fun and see dragonfly and insect specimens from around the world, as well as exhibits of creatures that live in the Shimanto River.

Nakamura Station

Nakamura Station is the gateway to Shimanto City. The station building was renovated in 2013 and has become a place of relaxation for not only tourists but also local residents.

Nakamura Station Coffee has also opened inside Nakamura Station, and although it is a station kiosk, you can use the waiting room as if it were a cafe.

The Shimanto City Tourism Association, which is full of tourist information about Shimanto City , is located nearby.

Want to know more about Shimanto River Bus?

Click here for the Shimanto River Bus special website !

Want to know more about Shimanto City?

The Shimanto City Tourism Association also offers bicycle rentals!

Please feel free to contact us for any inquiries regarding Shimanto City tourism or to request brochures.

Mikasa Hokkai Bon Odori: A Live Music Event

Mikasa City, located in central Hokkaido, is an hour drive away from Sapporo. From Shin-Chitose Airport, the drive takes an hour and a half. The city, which can be used as a hub for sightseeing in the area, is easy to access, and perfect as a day trip destination. Mikasa has a history of hosting a Bon odori event, accompanied by live music.

Bon odori derives from a Buddhist ritual to send off the spirit of our ancestors. It has become a summertime attraction, and a place for community interaction, as well. The unique development of Mikasa Hokkai Bon Odori was also influenced by the folk culture of coal miners.

It is held at Mikasa Chuo Park. Visitors from out of town, along with the locals, annually gather at the event to join the circle of traditional dancing accompanied by live music.

This article is about the highlights of Mikasa Hokkai Bon Odori, and the appeals of the host city.

History, Highlights, and Event Period

Mikasa City is known as the birthplace of Hokkai Bon-uta, a Japanese folk song. The history of the local coal mine is related to the song.

For 110 years from 1879 to 1989, Mikasa prospered as a coal town. People gathered from all over Japan to work at the mine. Betcho-bushi, a folk song sung at the annual Bon odori, supported the hard work of the miners.

After WWII, Kozan Imai, known as the godfather of Hokkaido folk songs, arranged the music and lyrics of Betcho-bushi and released a song titled Hokkai Tanko-bushi. It was later recorded as Hokkai Bon-uta, which became famous all over Japan, and Mikasa was widely acknowledged as its place of origin.

The current event is held over 3 days, from August 13th to 15th. Various events, such as a coal-carrying race, summer fireworks display, and a romantic lantern procession are scheduled, along with the traditional Bon odori.

The yagura, a three layered structure, is about 8 meters in height, with the singers and musicians performing from the top floor. There is a rental yukata service at Mikasa Civic Hall, located next to the park. As of August 2025, the charge is 1,500 yen. Those who have just happened to drop by will still be able to enjoy the atmosphere.

Join the Locals and Dance

During the daytime, unique events such as a coal-carrying race, imitation show, and an idol performance will be held. The music for the Bon odori starts around 17:00.

The three-layered, 8-meter-tall yagura will be decorated with lanterns, creating a dreamy scene at sunset. The Hokkai Bon-uta singer, along with musicians playing the Japanese flute and drum, will be providing the music with powerful song and rhythm resonating continuously throughout the venue.

While some people may be overwhelmed by the atmosphere, join the circle of locals who are dancing happily with smiles, and you'll find yourself moving along to their movements.

The singer's strong voice, accentuated by the drum, and the merry air created by the locals, will make a wonderful memory.

There are various Bon odori programs, such as the adorable children's Bon odori, the incredibly popular children's costume Bon odori, and Mikasa Hokkai Bon Odori, which is for people of all ages. Participants can take a break between dances or join a program they prefer, enjoying the event at their own pace.

Food Stalls

Mikasa Chuo Park will be divided into west and east areas, with the yagura located at the former, and food stalls at the latter. There will be about 50 booths, providing fragrant and colorful looking dishes to brighten the festive summer night.

Along with staple dishes such as yakisoba, cotton candy, and churros, popular local eateries, including Mikasa Wine, will also be present.

While the wine can be purchased at Roadside Station Mikasa and liquor shops, they will be specially on sale at the event. The grapes are cultivated from the hilly area of Mikasa, nurtured by the region's coal-mining history and soil that contains ammonite fossils from tens of millions year ago.

On the day of the event, wine samplings will be available before purchase.

The following is a list of popular local eateries that will have food stalls at the event. It'd also be fun to visit their physical stores after the event.

2 Beans Coffee: A Mobile Coffee Stand

2 Beans Coffee, established in 2019 and based in Mikasa City, is a food truck serving freshly brewed coffee.

The most popular menu at the event is the Mikasa latte, made in the image of a coal mine. The black and white drink is quite picturesque. It is stylish, and perfect for those who want to taste something delicious during the trip.

Rire-Sourire, a specialty store handling financier, is an affiliated eatery located in Mikasa. They serve confections which are ideal as souvenirs, made from Hokkaido products.
[place_master_id=17140 show_photos embed]

[place_master_id=17141 show_photos embed]

Namae ga Nai Pan-ya: Popular With the Kids!

Namae ga Nai Pan-ya (A Bakery with No Name) started as a store where children can buy bread with their allowance. All products, with the exception of sandwich bread, cost no more than 200 yen.

Fried bread, Kouign-amann, along with seasonal vegetable buns filled with zunda or pumpkin paste, are the popular products. This is a bakery for people of all ages.

The breads are freshly baked with Hokkaido wheat. Be sure to check them as a snack, or a souvenir.

[place_master_id=17142 show_photos embed]

Omusubi Kororin: A Specialty Shop Using Local Rice

Omusubi Kororin, which opened in 2025, is a specialty store offering onigiri (omusubi) made with Mikasa rice.

They serve periodic menus such as autumn salmon and butter omusubi, or seaweed rice and salted mackerel omusubi, along with seasonal miso soups, which can be purchased as a set menu.

This local cuisine is ideal for a snack or breakfast. Omusubi Kororin runs as a food truck with its location and business hours posted on their Instagram account.

[place_master_id=17143 show_photos embed]

Amaimono Club: Freshly Prepared Homemade Treats

Amaimono Club, which opened in 2021, is managed by the patissier Sota Tanaka. The colorful, cute meringue cookies, which have a soft, melting texture, are popular items sold at the event.

Their physical store also offers kamayaki pudding, made with Hokkaido products, and financier, which is perfect for a souvenir. In the daytime, Amaimono Club serves snacks, coffee and tea, while serving liquor and light meals at night.

[place_master_id=17165 show_photos embed]

Visit Ichikishiri Shrine Before the Festivities

From Mikasa Chuo park, it is a 15 minute walk to Ichikishiri Shrine. Ichikishiri is the former place name for Mikasa.

In the Meiji Period, it started from a small shrine in the pioneer days of Hokkaido, and developed as the guardian deity of the area. The main building and the torii gate stand out against the backdrop of lush trees and flowers.

A sacred forest, a place to welcome the deities, stands behind the shrine. It is famous as a forest where owls raise their chicks, so if the time is right, visitors may be able to enjoy birdwatching.

Before the worship, be sure to follow the procedure mentioned below, at the chozu-ya.

1. Use the water ladle with your right hand and wash your left hand.

2. Wash your right hand with the ladle in the left.

3. Use the ladle with your right hand again, pour some water into your left hand, and rinse your mouth.

4. Wash your left hand one more time and cleanse the ladle handle.

During certain seasons, flowers may be floating on the water basin, which is a sight to behold.

Two bows, two claps, and one bow is the formal way to worship. The procedure consists of two deep bows, two loud hand claps in front of the chest, a prayer with eyes closed, and another deep bow at the end.

A visit to the shrine will surely cleanse and calm one's mind. Don't forget to drop by before joining the Bon odori.

Mikasa City Museum: Experience a World from 100 Million Years Ago

The Mikasa City Museum, which boasts one of the largest ammonite collections in Japan, is a must-visit spot for those visiting on a day trip. There are about 3,000 materials, including exhibitions regarding the city's history, approximately 600 ammonite samples, and a fossil of Ezo Mikasa-ryu (an ancient reptile), which is designated by the Japanese government as a natural monument.

Mikasa City is certified by the Japanese Geoparks Network. The city is well-known as the spot to experience a 100 million years of time in strata, from the Cretaceous Period (about 100 million years ago) to the modern, coal-mining days.

Stratum is crucial to any discussion of Mikasa. The ammonites, which used to swim in the sea, can be found from the 100 million years old stratum, and coal was mined from the 50 million years old stratum.

Step outside the museum and visitors can see actual strata, along with the former Ponbetsu Coal Mine. They can also experience a time trip to 100 million years ago. Please note that some areas are restricted to the public.

The Bon odori is the legacy of the coal miners, who danced during their short vacation. With the knowledge of the strata from the museum, visitors joining the dance will be able to experience Mikasa's culture even more deeply.

Enjoy the Japanese Summer in Mikasa

A trip to Mikasa offers a history tour of coal mining spanning 110 years, ammonites from 100 million years ago, and unique local cuisines. At the end, visitors can join the Mikasa Hokkai Bon Odori, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with the locals that will bring you smiles.

Mikasa, only an hour drive away from Sapporo, can be accessed easily. Take a summer trip to the city this year to enjoy the regional dishes and a Bon odori event accompanied by live music. It will liven both the mind and body.

Sponsored by Mikasa City Board of Education

Check out "Hotel Noum OSAKA" now!

Hotel Noum OSAKA is a city where you can feel nature. The River View King Room features large windows, allowing you to enjoy a variety of views throughout the day.

Read more

Midosuji illuminations

Approximately 4km of illuminations will decorate Osaka's symbolic street, Midosuji. The lights will be turned on in 2025 to coincide with the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, allowing visitors to see the vibrant colors.

--------------------------------------------

Venue: Midosuji (Hanshinmae intersection to Namba West Exit intersection)

Schedule: Until December 31, 2025

[Umeda] UMEDA SKY BUILDING Christmas 2025

The Christmas market will be held in the plaza on the first floor of Umeda Sky Building. A huge tree measuring approximately 25 meters in height and covered with approximately 130,000 LED lights will be set up inside the venue, creating a Christmas atmosphere.

--------------------------------------------

Venue: Umeda Sky Building 1F Plaza/Wonder Square

Dates: November 14th to December 25th, 2025

Admission fee: Free

[Tenmabashi - Nakanoshima Island Park] Winter Water City Osaka Week Nakanoshima Island EAST Waterfront Walk 2025

Enjoy the illuminations along the river from Temmabashi to Tenjinbashi. Part of Nakanoshima Island Park is lit up in the shape of a boat, and the light reflected on the water create a fantastical atmosphere.

--------------------------------------------

Venue: Tenmabashi Hachikenyahama and Nakanoshima Island Park

Date: Until January 31, 2026

[Sakurajima] Universal Christmas Joy

Universal Studios Japan, a popular theme park in Osaka, will be kicking off its Christmas event on November 19th! There will be decorations, special shows, and food menus that are perfect for this time of year.

--------------------------------------------

Venue: Universal Studios Japan

Dates: November 19, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Admission fee: Adults from ¥8,900, children from ¥5,700, etc.

*Prices vary depending on the admission date

[Tennoji] Christmas Market in Osaka Tenshiba 2025

This Christmas market is held right next to Tennoji Zoo, the Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Arts, Abeno Harukas, and more. It is lined with gourmet food, sweets, and Christmas goods.

--------------------------------------------

Venue: Tennoji Park Tenshiba/Tenshiba i:na

Dates: November 28th to December 25th, 2025

Admission fee: Free

Click here for information about the area around "Hotel Noum OSAKA"!

Please also check out the article below.

Make a reservation for "Hotel Noum OSAKA" here