JR Central will operate the “Iida Line Hikyo-eki go” express train, a total of 11 times over six days from October to November 2025. The train will frequently stop at “hikyo-eki” (unexplored stations) with few residential areas and few passengers.
Enjoy the top-ranked unexplored stations in a row!
The Hikyo-eki trains, which connects Toyohashi Station and Iida Station on the Iida Line, one of Japan’s longest local lines, uses the same three-car 373 series train as the “Inaji” limited express train that regularly runs on the same section. However, its unique schedule allows it to stop at each unexplored stations that the express train passes through. Trains are scheduled to stop for approximately 10 minutes at each stop so that passengers can enjoy the unexplored station platforms, station buildings, and surrounding nature. At scenic spots on the Iida Line, such as the “S-shaped railway bridge,” the train will slow down and announce the details onboard. On operating days, a commemorative stamp for the Hikyo-eki trains will be placed at Iida Station, commemorative certificates will be distributed on board, and local specialties will be sold at select stations.
The entire journey takes 5 hours and 40 minutes for the northbound train (departing Toyohashi Station at 9:50, arriving at Iida Station at 15:30), and 4 hours and 49 minutes for the southbound train (departing Iida Station at 13:05, arriving at Toyohashi Station at 17:54), making this train ideal for those looking to enjoy a leisurely train journey filled with an extraordinary feeling. Stations vary depending on the direction, but both trains stop at stations ranked highly as unexplored stations, such as Kowada Station, Nakaisamurai Station, Tamoto Station, and Kinno Station. On October 25 (Sat), only northbound trains to Toyohashi Station will operate, but on November 8 (Sat), 9 (Sun), 15 (Sat), 22 (Sat) and 29 (Sat), one train will operate in each direction.
Savor Ina Valley sake and the Southern Alps from the train window
As a special feature this fall, a special train will be launched on October 25 (Sat), offering a journey through the Ina Valley region of southern Nagano Prefecture while tasting its sake. Kasuga Sake Brewery and Miyajima Liquor Brewery in Ina City are participating in the project, along with Honbo Shuzo (Mars Komagatake Distillery) in Miyata Village. On board, passengers can hear about the craftsmanship behind sake brewing from brewers and distillers, and enjoy sake and distilled spirits while taking in the scenery of the Southern Alps unfolding outside the train window. The train will depart Inashi Station (approximately 10:57 AM) as a special group train using the same carriages as the Hikyo-eki trains, and will continue to operate as the Hikyo-eki train from Iida Station (arriving approximately 12:26 PM) to Toyohashi Station.
There are two ways to ride the Hikyo-eki trains: by purchasing an express ticket and reserved seat ticket at JR stations nationwide in addition to a regular ticket, or by signing up for a tour package with a travel agency (JTB, Club Tourism, Hankyu Travel International). Tickets for the special train tasting Ina Valley sake are not sold, and only those who purchase a travel package (JTB, Hankyu Travel International) that connects the special train and the Hikyo-eki train can ride. JR Central supports the “Southern Alps Nurtured Forest” forest conservation project being carried out by local residents in Oshika Village, Ina City, and Iida City, Nagano Prefecture. Taking advantage of the CO2 absorption achieved through this project, JR Central will hold “Zero Carbon Days” on Saturday, October 25th and Saturday, November 8th, during which Iida Line trains, including the Hikyo-eki trains, will operate with virtually zero CO2 emissions.
