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Release: 23.12.18

If you want to see trains, go here! Recommended stations for parents and children who love trains

Recommended stations to visit with children who love trains and trains [Yamanashi]

A train that captures the hearts of children. Many moms and dads spend their holidays watching trains along the railroad tracks for their children who love trains.
For such parents and children, we will introduce recommended stations for watching trains and the best train viewing spots at those stations!
Parents and children should enjoy the impressive sight of trains that can only be seen at that station.

table of contents

Trains along the Chuo Line

  1. Nirasaki Station
  2. Ryuo Station
  3. Kofu Station
  4. Yamanashi Station
  5. Katsunumabudokyo Station
  6. Otsuki Station

Trains along the Chuo Line

The Chuo Main Line connects central Tokyo to Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. There are 25 stations in Yamanashi Prefecture, from Uenohara Station to Kobuchizawa Station, and their history dates back to the Meiji era.
Currently, in addition to passenger trains such as the limited express Kaiji and Azusa, a variety of other vehicles are in operation, including the freight train that runs between Negishi Station in Kanagawa Prefecture and Sakaki Station in Nagano Prefecture, and the ``TRAIN SUITE Shikishima,'' which only runs a few times a year.

Trains running on the Chuo Main Line (within Yamanashi Prefecture)

  • E353 series (Limited Express Azusa, Limited Express Kaiji, Fuji Excursion)
  • E257 series (Temporary Limited Express Azusa/Limited Express Kaiji)
  • 211 series (normal)
  • E233 series (Central express)
  • E001 series (TRAIN SUITE Shikishima)
  • EH200 series (freight train)

Rules for watching trains

  • When viewing on the home page, look inside the yellow dotted line.
  • When viewing from the platform, be careful not to get in the way of people getting on and off the train.
  • At the home, hold hands with your parents as much as possible and do not spread out to the left or right.
  • Don't run inside the station
  • don't throw things on the tracks
  • When looking near a railroad crossing, if the alarm goes off, never enter.

Nirasaki Station

Nirasaki Station exterior

A major station in the Kyohoku region that opened in 1903 (Meiji 36). As this is an elevated station where the platform is higher than the station building, you can see the dynamic appearance of the train from diagonally below from the station rotary, and from the platform you can enjoy an open view of the cityscape and mountains in the distance along with the train.
In fact, Nirasaki Station is known among train enthusiasts as having the longest platform in the JR East Hachioji branch area. Each top and bottom line has a completely different scenery, so it's fun to compare them!

<If you want to see trains, this is the place! >

Nirasaki Station train view spot

Tip of the platform upbound

When you look up from the platform, you can see Mt. Fuji towering over you! The route in front of Nirasaki Station is a straight line, and the collaboration between the train approaching from a distance and the majestic Mt. Fuji standing behind it is an irresistible sight for railway fans.
Along with this scenery, you can also see the siding track used for waiting for trains, so it is recommended for serious railway enthusiasts.

Nirasaki StationNirasaki Eki

Address 1-1 Wakamiya, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture
  • Restroom

Ryuo Station

Ryuo Station exterior

The station opened in 1903 (Meiji 36) and was renovated in 2008 with a new station building designed by architect Tadao Ando.
It is also the only JR freight station in Yamanashi Prefecture, and it is also the only station in Yamanashi Prefecture where you can see container cargo being connected and released and oil being replaced. On the working tracks, there are tractors dedicated to moving freight vehicles, and it is also attractive to see trains that are a little different from passenger vehicles.

<If you want to see trains, this is the place! >

Ryuo Station train view spot

North-south free passage

The north-south free passageway in front of the ticket gate has glass walls all along the east side, giving you a great panoramic view of the inbound direction! There are multiple railroad tracks lined up below, and the moment when stylish passenger trains such as Limited Express Kaiji and Limited Express Azusa and freight trains whose mechanical coolness tickles your heart pass each other, it's thrilling! !

Ryuo StationRyuoueki

Address Ryuo Shinmachi, Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture
  • Paid parking lot (30 minutes free)
  • Restroom

Kofu Station

Kofu station exterior

Opened in 1903 (Meiji 36), this station boasts the largest number of users in Yamanashi. Two lines, JR East's Chuo Main Line and JR Tokai's Minobu Line, run through this station, and you can see vehicles running on each line from Koshu Yumekoji, which was built along the north exit of Kofu Station.
There are parks, commercial facilities, libraries, and other facilities around the station, so it's great that there are plenty of spots to stop by after watching the train.

<If you want to see trains, this is the place! >

Kofu Station train view spot

Pedestrian deck

The pedestrian deck near the escalator towards the north exit is an open glass-enclosed space, and from there you can see the trains running along with Maizuru Castle and the quaint buildings of Koshu Yumekoji. If your timing is good, you might be able to see the Chuo Main Line and Minobu Line express trains arriving and departing at the same time!

Kofu StationKoufueki

Address XNUMX-chome Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
  • Paid parking lot (30 minutes free)
  • Restroom
  • Stand

Yamanashi Station

Yamanashi Station exterior

The station opened in 1903 (Meiji 36) as Kusakabe Station, and in 1962 (Showa 37) it was renamed to JR East's first city station, Yamanashi City Station. Due to the complete renovation that began in 2017, the former one-story station building now has a modern and stylish appearance.
By the way, the building on the north exit side with a distinctive tongari roof is actually a public toilet! It is decorated with stained glass with fruit motifs, and is very typical of Yamanashi City, a fruit-producing region.

<If you want to see trains, this is the place! >

Yamanashi Station train view spot

North-south free passage

The north-south passageway inside the station building, which was installed during the station building renovation in 2017, is entirely glass-covered on the east side. There are also benches where you can sit and watch the trains come and go. It's also a limited express stop, so it's an irresistible viewing spot, especially for fans of the E353 series!

Yamanashi StationYamana shishiki

Address Kamijinnai River, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture
  • 無 料 駐 車場
  • Restroom
  • Stand

Katsunumabudokyo Station

Katsunuma Budokyo Station exterior

This station was created by upgrading the signal station built in 1913 (Taisho 2).
Adjacent Jinrokuzakura Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and part of the platform used at the old Katsunuma Station remains, where you can see the remains of switchbacks (a mechanism for trains to climb steep slopes). This is a popular spot among railway fans. In the spring, the station, which has been selected as one of the top XNUMX stations in the Kanto region, is crowded with people seeking the spectacular view of trains, cherry blossoms in full bloom, and hills of grapes.

<If you want to see trains, this is the place! >

Katsunuma Budokyo Station Train View Spot

Old Ohikage tunnel entrance

As you walk through the park along the inbound direction, you will see the old and new entrances to the Ohikage Tunnel, which are full of charm that you won't find at other train viewing spots. This is a place where you can experience both the old tunnel with a history of over 100 years and the impressive sight and sound of trains running through the new tunnel!

Katsunumabudokyo StationKatsunuma grape kyoueki

Address Hishiyama, Katsunuma Town, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
  • 無 料 駐 車場
  • Restroom

Otsuki Station

Otsuki station exterior

A station that opened in 1902 (Meiji 35) and serves the Chuo Main Line and Fujikyuko Line.
Because this station is the starting point for heading toward Mt. Fuji Station, you can see work that cannot be seen at other stations, such as separating vehicles heading toward Lake Kawaguchi on the limited express "Fuji Kaiyu," which runs three to four times a day. Also.
The JR station building, designed to look like logs put together, has been selected as one of the top XNUMX stations in the Kanto region due to its quaint appearance, and is also popular with tourists from overseas.

<If you want to see trains, this is the place! >

Otsuki Station train view spot

Platform 5 down line direction

Otsuki Station is the only place in Yamanashi Prefecture where you can see JR cars and private railway cars side by side! The Fujikyuko Line platform is located on the west side, so if you want to see it from the Chuo Main Line platform, it's best to view it from the direction of Kofu. In the early morning and evening, you can see the E233 series, which is extremely rare in Yamanashi Prefecture!

Otsuki StationOotsuki Eki

Address 1-1 Otsuki, Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture
  • Paid parking lot (30 minutes free)
  • Restroom
  • Stand
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