Takachiho Amaterasu Railway

Takachiho, a town where myths and legends live and famed as a true power spot, is home to mountains, valleys, and beautiful rural scenery that changes with each season. The Amaterasu Railway is a unique attraction for all visitors to experience the views the town has to offer from the sky.

The attraction runs for 30 minutes on a renovated abandoned railway that travels over the Iwato River. The single-track railway is situated 105 meters above the valley, offering riders a truly spectacular view of Takachiho Gorge as well as the surrounding rice farms, forests, and mountains from the tallest rail bridge in Japan. During the winter, the two tunnels also have special illumination set up and is one of the most beautiful illumination sites around. The open-topped passenger train also has a floor that is partly glass so riders can also get a view of the gorge below, a unique sight that cannot be found anywhere else.

The former Takachiho Railway stopped operations because of damages caused by a typhoon in 2008. This closure was met with sadness from locals, tourists, and train enthusiast who enjoyed the beautiful views that were possible from the windows of the train. Thanks to several entrepreneurs, the railways was converted into a tourist railway, allowing for a 30-passenger train to run on the tracks to run 5.1 km. With 10 departures a day and additional departures on weekends and holidays, the attraction continues to be flourish and is a hit to all those who enjoyed the sights of the former train line.