This unstaffed Japanese train station is like a Ghibli anime come to life

Little-known gem has one of the vital stunning views in Japan.

If you happen to’ve seen Studio Ghibli’s 2001 characteristic anime Spirited Away, you’ll possible keep in mind the practice journey that takes protagonist Chihiro and her magical companions throughout the water, stopping off at stations that appear to be they’re floating in the midst of the ocean.

There’s one thing splendidly magical in regards to the notion of a quiet seaside practice station, and right here in Japan they don’t simply exist in animated motion pictures, they exist in actual life — for individuals who know the place to search out them.

Our reporter Udonko lately heard whispers of considered one of these little-known practice stations charming locals in Niigata Prefecture, so she made the journey on the market to test it out.

▼ The picturesque station is named Arimagawa.

Because the waves on the signal point out, this line, run by personal railway operator Echigo Tokimeki Railway, runs alongside the seaside in Joetsu Metropolis.

▼ The Nihonkai Hisui Line overlooks the Sea of Japan.

Aramigawa Station is likely one of the most gorgeous locations to cease on this route — not solely does it boast wonderful views of the ocean, the agricultural station itself is completely unstaffed so while you step off the practice right here, you’ll really feel such as you’re the one individual in existence.

Gazing out in direction of the ocean from the platform on a sunny day like this one, you would be forgiven for pondering you had been in a tropical location like Okinawa, and the encompassing surroundings is so picturesque you is likely to be tempted to pinch your self to examine you haven’t stepped into an anime movie.

▼ A surprisingly surreal setting.

Rail passengers can transfer between the 2 platforms by strolling over a small railroad crossing. After all, the platform proper beside the ocean is probably the most interesting of the 2, so Udonko spent a while right here within the ready room.

The house was cosy and alluring, and Udonko couldn’t imagine she had all of it to herself. Fortunately, she’d deliberate forward so she was capable of sit for some time having fun with the sandwiches she’d introduced along with her.

▼ Like a picnic by the ocean.

Udonko couldn’t assist however really feel as if she had been the star of her personal anime film, and as she ate, she pictured her actions as in the event that they had been animated on display.

After sprucing off her stress-free lunch, Udonko spent a while exploring the remainder of the station, stopping to admire the country woodwork on the principle constructing…

▼ …and the quaint entrance, which seems out in direction of the ocean.

Udonko was notably charmed by the heat of the handwritten “Arimagawa Station” signal above the doorway.

There aren’t any public bogs or merchandising machines within the neighborhood, and the closest comfort retailer is about six kilometres (3.7 miles) away. With just one practice arriving each hour at every platform, apart from peak durations within the morning, afternoon and night, you’ll need to plan forward earlier than you go to.

If you happen to’re eager to slide into the sluggish life and don’t thoughts ready an hour or so for the subsequent practice, you’ll love the tranquil serenity at this seaside station. The one factor that interrupts the quiet is the noise of freight trains, which typically cross by the station.

Udonko totally loved her go to to Arimagawa Station, the place she was capable of really feel a rejuvenating sense of calm wash over her as she gazed out on the mild waves throughout the way in which.

Regardless of dwelling in Japan all her life, Udonko had no thought a seaside sanctuary like this existed. It’s definitely off the crushed observe so it’s not a spot you’ll discover in journey guides, and that’s precisely how she likes it.

So let’s maintain this place a secret between us, we could? Similar to we did with the opposite beautiful seaside railway station over in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Station data
Arimagawa Eki / 有間川駅
Handle: Niigata-ken, Joetsu-shi, Oaza Arimagawa, Aza Hirahama 1075
新潟県上越市大字有間川字平浜1075
Website

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