The ultimate guide to the Nagaragawa Railway
Have you enjoyed my four-part series following the Nagara River? The journey began in Gifu City, where I experienced the 1,300-year-old tradition of the Nagara River Cormorant Fishing (Following the Nagara River – Part 1). Next came a long-awaited ride on the Nagaragawa Railway, taking in the spectacular scenery along one of Japan’s most beautiful rivers (Part 2). From the railway’s northern terminus at Hokunō Station, I travelled to Itoshiro to visit Hakusan Chūkyo Shrine, before continuing the following day to Nagataki Hakusan Shrine to discover the rich history of the Hakusan faith (Part 3). Finally, the journey concluded with a stroll through the charming streets of Gujo Hachiman, the historic water town (Part 4).
As I’ve introduced throughout the series, the Nagaragawa Railway is a scenic local railway that follows the crystal-clear Nagara River through the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture. Along the line are many fascinating places worth stopping off to explore, including Mino, Seki, Gujo Hachiman and Hokunō.
In this bonus guide, I’ve brought together practical information to help you plan your own journey. Along with the highlights of the railway, you’ll find suggested itineraries for enjoying the ‘Nagara’ sightseeing train, advice on choosing the most suitable services depending on your destination, and information on money-saving rail passes.
Following the Nagara River Part 1 – 4
Highlights Along the Nagaragawa Railway
Running through the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture, the Nagaragawa Railway passes through an area with a long history of craftsmanship. Along the line, you’ll find a remarkable variety of traditional industries, including Mino washi paperand Seki cutlery, both of which have earned international recognition for their quality and craftsmanship.
Mino City – Mino Washi Paper and the Historic Udatsu District
Mino City is best known for Mino washi, one of Japan’s finest traditional handmade papers. The area has long been suitable for papermaking thanks to the cultivation of kōzo (paper mulberry), the primary raw material for washi. During the Edo period (1603–1868), papermaking flourished here, with artisans making use of the abundant clean water supplied by the Nagara River and its tributary, the Itadori River.
Mino washi is also known internationally through the AKARI lighting series. In 1951, the sculptor Isamu Noguchi visited Gifu and was deeply impressed by the craftsmanship and beauty of the traditional Gifu paper lanterns made from Mino washi.
His experience inspired him to create the iconic AKARI collection, which continues to be celebrated around the world today.
The Udatsu Historic District offers a glimpse into Mino’s prosperous past. Its streets are lined with beautifully preserved merchant houses built by wealthy washi paper traders during the Edo period. Compared with Gujo Hachiman, the atmosphere here feels grander and more prosperous, reflecting the wealth generated by the paper trade.
The district is around a 15-minute walk from Mino-shi Station on the Nagaragawa Railway.
Seki City – Japan’s Renowned City of Blades
Seki is synonymous with fine blades. The city has been producing swords and edged tools for centuries, and today its knives and cutlery are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
One of the best-known manufacturers is KAI Corporation, which expanded into overseas markets at an early stage. I was even surprised to find a KAI concession in Harrods during one of my visits to London, a testament to the global reputation of Seki’s craftsmanship.
A good place to begin your visit is Seki Terrace, the city’s tourist information and community centre. Here you can pick up maps and travel advice before exploring the area. Nearby, the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum and the Seki Cutlery Hall offer fascinating insights into the history of swordmaking and the techniques that have made Seki one of Japan’s leading centres of blade production.
Seki Terrace is just a 3-minute walk from Sekiterasu-mae Station on the Nagaragawa Railway.
Minokamo – Ōta-juku, a Historic Post Town on the Nakasendō
Although not directly associated with the region’s traditional crafts, Ōta-juku is another worthwhile stop for those interested in historic townscapes. Once a post town on the Nakasendō, one of the five major highways of the Edo period (1603–1868), it has been carefully preserved and developed as a heritage destination where visitors can experience the atmosphere of old Japan.
I’ve written about Ōta-juku in more detail in the article below, so be sure to take a look if you’re planning a visit.
Travelogue: Riding the Nagaragawa Railway Along the Nagara River
Suggested Itinerary: Enjoying the ‘Nagara’ Sightseeing Train
When planning this trip, I spent quite a bit of time researching the Nagaragawa Railway. Although there is plenty of information available online, it is scattered across different tourist websites and attractions, making it surprisingly difficult to put together a practical itinerary.
To make things easier, I’ve suggested a few model itineraries below, depending on whether your main goal is to experience the Nagara sightseeing train or to explore the towns along the railway.
Option A: Day Trip on the ‘Nagara’ Sightseeing Train (Round Trip)
Best for: Visitors whose main goal is to experience the Nagara sightseeing train.
- 15:50 – Arrive back at Mino-Ōta Station.
- 10:45 – Depart Mino-Ōta Station on the No. 1 Lunch Plan or the View Plan.
- 12:16 – Arrive at Gujo Hachiman Station.
- Enjoy around two hours exploring the historic town of Gujo Hachiman.
- 14:13 – Return on the No. 2 Sweets Plan or the No. 2 View Plan.
| Travel tips – Although it is called the Lunch Plan, the meal is actually served before noon while the train is travelling through the scenic upper reaches of the Nagara River. You may therefore want to have only a light breakfast beforehand. – If you would rather not have a meal on board—or if the Lunch Plan is fully booked—the View Plan is a good alternative. Seat availability can also be checked online. – With around two hours between trains, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a leisurely stroll around Gujo Hachiman. – If you’ve booked the Sweets Plan for the return journey, it’s worth remembering that another substantial serving of food awaits you on board. Instead of stopping for a meal in town, you may prefer to spend your time browsing the local shops and picking up souvenirs.。 Recommended Ticket Combination If you plan to make the round trip on the same day, the No. 1 Lunch & No. 2 Sweets Set Plan offers the best value. It includes both journeys at a discounted price compared with booking the two plans separately. The set plan also includes a two-day unlimited travel pass for the Nagaragawa Railway, allowing you to make additional stops along the line if you wish. For the latest fares, operating dates and reservations, please refer to the official Nagara sightseeing train website. |
Option B: Overnight Trip on the ‘Nagara’ Sightseeing Train (Round Trip)
B-1: Stay Overnight in Gujo Hachiman
Best for: Visitors who would like to explore Gujo Hachiman at a relaxed pace while enjoying the ‘Nagara’ sightseeing train in both directions.
- 15:50 – Arrive back at Mino-Ōta Station.
- 10:45 – Depart Mino-Ōta Station on the No. 1 Lunch Plan or View Plan.
- 12:16 – Arrive at Gujo Hachiman Station and stay overnight.The following day, 14:13 – Depart Gujo Hachiman on the No. 2 Sweets Plan or No. 2 View Plan.
| Travel Tips – Staying overnight gives you a full day to explore Gujo Hachiman at a leisurely pace, without feeling rushed. – Be sure to check the operating dates of the Nagara sightseeing train before making your plans. Services typically run on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, so a Saturday departure with a Sunday return is often the most practical option. Recommended Ticket Combination The No. 1 Lunch Plan & No. 2 View Plan can be booked as a one-night, two-day itinerary, making it an excellent option if you wish to spend the night in Gujo Hachiman before returning the following afternoon. For the latest fares, operating dates and reservations, please refer to the official Nagara sightseeing train website. |
B-2: Stay Overnight North of Gujo Hachiman
Best for: Visitors planning to continue beyond Gujo Hachiman to destinations such as Gujō-Yamato, Mino-Shirotori, Hakusan-Nagataki or Hokunō.
- 10:45 – Depart Mino-Ōta Station on the No. 1 View Plan.
- 12:16 – Arrive at Gujo Hachiman Station.
- The train then continues north, stopping at Gujō-Yamato, Mino-Shirotori, Hakusan-Nagataki, and finally Hokunō, the northern terminus of the Nagaragawa Railway.
| 美濃太田 Mino-ohta | 郡上八幡 Gujo-hachiman | 郡上大和 Gujo-yamato | 美濃白鳥 Mino-shirotori | 白山長滝 Hakusan-nagataki | 北濃 Hokuno | |
| View plan | ||||||
| Arrival | 12:16 | 12:34 | 12:49 | 12:59 | 13:02 | |
| Departure | 10:45 | 12:22 | 12:23 | 12:52 | 12:59 | |
| Lunch plan | ||||||
| Time | 10:45 | 12:16 | ー | ー | ー | ー |
*Timetables are correct as of June 2026.
*Please check the official railway website for the latest timetable.
*Only major stations are included.
| Travel Tips – If you book the Lunch Plan, remember that the Lunch Plan carriage terminates at Gujo Hachiman Station. To continue further north, simply transfer to the View Plan carriage at Gujo Hachiman. – If you travel on the Lunch Plan on the first day, you can use the included two-day unlimited rail pass to explore the railway on the following day. Recommended Train Combination To make the most of your time at your destination, I recommend booking the outbound and return journeys separately. Outbound: No. 1 View Plan If your destination is north of Gujo Hachiman, the No. 1 View Plan is the recommended choice, as the Lunch Planterminates at Gujo Hachiman Station. Alternatively, you can combine the Lunch Plan with the View Plan. After enjoying lunch on board, simply transfer to the View Plan carriage at Gujo Hachiman Station to continue your journey north. Please note that a separate reservation is required for the View Plan carriage. Return: No. 2 View Plan The No. 2 View Plan operates all the way back to Mino-Ōta Station, making it the ideal return service for visitors staying north of Gujo Hachiman. |
Choosing the Right Train for Your Destination
Each town along the Nagaragawa Railway has its own unique character and attractions. Whether you’re planning to visit Mino-Ōta, Seki, Mino, Gujo Hachiman, Hakusan-Nagataki, or Hokunō, choosing the right train can help you make the most of your journey.
I hope this series has inspired you to explore some of these fascinating destinations for yourself.
If You’d Like to Explore Itoshiro
If you’re interested in the history of the Hakusan faith, I highly recommend staying in Itoshiro, where you can also visit Hakusan Chūkyo Shrine.
Travelogue: Visiting Itoshiro and the Sacred Shrines of Mount Hakusan
If you’re planning to visit Itoshiro by public transport, you’ll need to change to a demand-responsive bus at Hokunō Station, the northern terminus of the Nagaragawa Railway.
Advance reservation is essential. The bus must be booked by telephone with the operating company, Shirotori Kōtsū, at least one hour before departure.
Please note that the service operates only three times a day and does not run on Sundays. If you wish to take the first bus of the day, your reservation must be made by 5:00 pm on the previous day.
| 北濃 Hokuno | 6:05 | 12:30 | 17:50 |
| 石徹白 Itoshiro | 6:35 | 13:00 | 18:20 |
The return bus timetable is shown below.
| 石徹白 Itoshiro | 6:50 | 13:20 | 18:35 |
| 北濃 Hokuno | 7:20 | 13:50 | 19:05 |
*Timetables are correct as of June 2026.
*Please check the official railway website for the latest timetable.
*Only major stations are included.
| – The demand-responsive bus is scheduled to connect with regular Nagaragawa Railway services. However, it does not appear to be timed to connect with the Nagara sightseeing train. – If you take the Yurari Nagamete Seiryū Train, which arrives at Hokunō Station at 12:06, you’ll have enough time to catch the 12:30 bus to Itoshiro. By contrast, the Nagara sightseeing train arrives at 13:02, after the bus has already departed. – On the return journey, taking the 13:20 bus from Itoshiro will allow you to connect with the Yurari Nagamete Seiryū Train, which departs Hokunō Station at 14:05. |
If You’d Like to Explore Seki or Mino
If you’re planning to spend time exploring Seki or Mino, the View Plan is a better choice than the Lunch Plan, as the journey is relatively short and you won’t have much time to enjoy a full meal on board.
Alternatively, you may prefer to travel on the regular local trains. They operate more frequently, and the journey from Mino-Ōta Station to Mino-shi Station takes only around 30 minutes.
If You’d Like to Visit Gujo Hachiman
The Nagara sightseeing train is a wonderful way to experience the journey, but it requires advance reservations and operates only on selected days. If you’d rather travel on a more flexible schedule, the regular Nagaragawa Railway services are also an excellent option.
For a day trip from Mino-Ōta Station, the One-Day Pass offers slightly better value than buying two single tickets.
Recommended Value Ticket for Gujo Hachiman
One-Day Pass
The One-Day Pass costs ¥2,700 and allows unlimited travel on the entire Nagaragawa Railway for one day.
As a return ticket between Mino-Ōta and Gujo Hachiman costs ¥2,760, the pass is already slightly cheaper. It’s an even better deal if you plan to stop off in towns such as Seki or Mino along the way.
Gujo Hachiman One-Day Coupon
Another good-value option is the Gujo Hachiman One-Day Coupon, which includes admission to both Gujo Hachiman Museum and Gujo Hachiman Castle.
Price: ¥3,140 (adults)
One of the highlights of the Gujo Hachiman Museum is the opportunity to learn the basic steps of Gujo Odori, one of Japan’s most famous traditional summer dances.
| Return rail fare: ¥2,760 Museum & Castle combined admission: ¥750 Total: ¥3,510 At ¥3,140, the Gujo Hachiman One-Day Coupon saves you ¥370, making it a worthwhile option if you plan to visit both attractions. |
Final Thoughts: The Nagaragawa Railway Is Best Enjoyed One Stop at a Time
The Nagaragawa Railway is much more than a journey to its northern terminus at Hokunō. Along the way, towns such as Mino, Seki, and Gujo Hachiman each offer their own history, culture and local character, making the railway an ideal route for exploring at a leisurely pace.
If you’re travelling on the Nagara sightseeing train, consider staying overnight rather than making a day trip. With more time to explore the towns along the line, you’ll discover a side of the Nagara River that many visitors miss.
Travelling beside one of Japan’s clearest rivers, the Nagaragawa Railway offers a journey filled with memorable scenery and fascinating places. So don’t just head for the final destination—hop off along the way and discover your own favourite stop.
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