• Let’s ride the Aputo style train!
• A strange station in the middle of nowhere
• Let’s walk along the rainbow bridge!
• The best view point from the opposite side!
• Going home from the Sessokyō-Onsen Station.
• More about this area
• Map

Let’s ride the Aputo style train!

After a good rest at the Suikouen inn, we got on the bus going to Okuizumi Station.
A red train welcomed us: The Southern Alps Aputo Line can climb the steepest hills in Japan, and also has a cute exterior! This train can also be taken from Senzu station.

We enjoyed the wind in our face while going up the mountain and the conductor explained the views during our journey.
The nature seen from the train is really beautiful.

It’s like Patagonia in Japan! There are people who enjoy canoeing on the lake.

A strange station in the middle of nowhere

We stopped in the middle of a bridge and I enjoyed the view from the train. There was a train station in the middle of the red, 70-meter high bridge!

Okuooi Kojou station is an unmanned station positioned on the bridge.
You can see a nice emerald green scene surrounded by mountains from the station.

Let’s walk along the rainbow bridge!

After the train passed, the station became quiet. You can wait till the next one comes, but the area is great for a short hike.

I felt like I was in the movie, “Stand by me”, with Ben. E King’s music playing in my head. You can’t walk directly on the bridge, but alongside it.
You might feel a bit terrified if you look down from the bridge, but it is paved with wood, so it’s ok.

The best view point from the opposite side!

After passing the steep mountain path and looking back, there is a long railway stretching across the lake. I felt that I had traveled very far and almost forgot that I was in Japan. I found a road and entered the tunnel.

The scenery of the vivid green lake and red rainbow bridge surrounded by the green foliage is absolutely beautiful!
It was so beautiful I didn’t want to leave.
You can see the station in the middle of the bridge and it’s literally isolated.

◆The best view point◆

Going home from the Sessokyō-Onsen Station.

To take the train back, head to Sessokyo-Onsen Station. On the way back, you can follow the short hike trail called Yabashi Romance Road. It’s a very path during which you’ll cross 8 different bridges various in styles.

The next train was coming and I headed to the Sessokyō-Onsen Station.
I greeted the local people and travellers, and passed through a tea farm. I finally reached the small station, but I didn’t want to leave.

More about this area

If you missed my previous articles about the hidden beauties of Shizuoka, here they are:

• – To learn how to ride an old steam train, click here
• – To learn how to visit the ‘bridge of dreams’ click here
• – To see our onsen recommendation in the area click here
• – To see our lodging recommendation in the area click here

Map

84 Umeji, Kawanehon-chō, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture 428-0401