Sightseeing Train "NAGARA" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nagaragawa Railway's Sightseeing Train "NAGARA", which connects Mino-Ota Station to Gujo-Hachiman Station and Hokuno Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train between the Nagara River and Gujo Hachiman, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The Sightseeing Train "NAGARA" is operated by the Nagaragawa Railway, connecting Mino-Ota Station with Gujo-Hachiman Station and Hokuno Station. Designed by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, the train features a high-quality interior. It runs along the clear waters of the Nagara River, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful river scenery from the windows. Reservations are required in advance as each plan has a limited capacity. Some plans include meals, allowing passengers to enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. Gujo Hachiman is a castle town known for its Gujo Odori dance and its waterways. Since there are similar names for trains and destinations, it's a good idea to check the departure information display before boarding.

What is "NAGARA"?

The Sightseeing Train "NAGARA" is operated by the Nagaragawa Railway. The Nagaragawa Railway is a third-sector railway that took over the former JNR Etsumi-Minami Line. The Etsumi-Minami Line runs north from Mino-Ota Station along the Nagara River to Hokuno Station. The Nagara River is a pristine river that is counted as one of Japan's three most beautiful rivers. "NAGARA" has several train cars, such as the "Mori-go" and "Ayu-go," each with a different interior design.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of the "NAGARA" train lies in the fact that you can enjoy the clear waters of the Nagara River from the train's high-quality interior. The train's interior is a calm space with abundant use of wood, allowing you to spend a relaxing time. The train may slow down in sections with good views. With meal plans, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients on board. Gujo Hachiman is known for the "Gujo Odori," one of Japan's three major Bon dances. The Gujo Odori is held intermittently throughout the summer, and there are also all-night dances. Gujo Hachiman Castle is known for the beautiful view from its keep, which stands on the mountaintop. Mino City is known as a production area for Mino Washi paper, and its Udatsu-lined townscape is preserved. Checking the stations and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose. Cormorant fishing is a summer tradition on the Nagara River. Gujo Hachiman is also known as the birthplace of food samples. Hokuno Station still has a turntable, which is cherished as a railway heritage site.

"NAGARA" Timetable

*The "NAGARA" train operates only on specific days.

Downbound (towards Gujo Hachiman Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Mino-Ota Station) Timetable

The "NAGARA" train operates only on select days (mainly Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, but the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "NAGARA" train operates mainly on weekends and holidays. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it. Meal plans vary depending on the train.

"NAGARA" Operating Sections

Main Sections

• Mino-Ota Station to Seki Station (Etsumi-Minami Line)
• Seki Station to Mino-shi Station (Etsumi-Minami Line)
• Mino-shi Station to Gujo-Hachiman Station (Etsumi-Minami Line)

Gujo Hachiman Station is the gateway to the castle town of Gujo Hachiman. The townscape of Gujo Hachiman is crisscrossed with waterways, and the sound of water is constant. Sogi-sui is a spring that was selected as the first of Japan's 100 Famous Waters. Gujo Hachiman Castle is built on a mountaintop, and from the keep you can enjoy a panoramic view of the castle town. Mino City's Udatsu-lined townscape is a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Mino Washi paper is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Seki City is world-renowned as a production center for cutlery. Since travel to surrounding tourist attractions is mainly by bus or on foot, it's a good idea to check local transportation options beforehand. Tourist information centers are sometimes located around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it's reassuring to check the return train and bus schedules as well. Mino-Ota Station connects to the JR Takayama Main Line. Seki cutlery is a traditional industry with a history of over 700 years.

"NAGARA" Stations

Main Stations

• Mino-Ota Station
• Seki Station
• Mino-shi Station
• Gujo Hachiman Station
• Hokuno Station

*Stations vary depending on the train.

"NAGARA" Fares

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Ticket and Plan Fares

Since "NAGARA" is not a Limited Express train, there is no Limited Express surcharge. For the View Plan, you will need a boarding ticket in addition to your base fare for the section you will be traveling on. Meal-inclusive plans are sold as travel packages that include meals and seats, and fares vary depending on the plan. Before purchasing, please check whether the fare of the plan you will be using includes the base fare.

About Meal-Inclusive Plans

Some "NAGARA" trains offer meal-inclusive plans. You can enjoy lunch and sweets made with local ingredients on board. Meal-inclusive plans require advance reservations and have limited seating. There are also trains that offer only transportation without meals.

How to Buy "NAGARA" Tickets

Advance Reservations

Seats for the "NAGARA" train can be purchased at the Nagaragawa Railway's reservation counter or through designated reservation methods. Since the number of seats is limited, early reservations are recommended. When making a reservation, you will need to specify the date of travel, section of travel, train name, and number of passengers to select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to certain conditions and fees.

 

 

Purchase at Station Ticket Offices

If seats are available, you may be able to purchase tickets at station ticket offices. Meal plans require advance reservations. Ticket machines are often multilingual, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies may offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in Gujo Hachiman with train travel.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The "NAGARA" train is operated by the Nagaragawa Railway and is therefore not covered by the JAPAN RAIL PASS. A separate base fare and seat fare are required for boarding. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it's advisable to check before traveling.

Is Ticket Issuance Required?

If you have made a reservation, please pick up your ticket using the specified method before your departure date. All seats are reserved, so you will not be able to board without a seat ticket. If you are receiving a paper ticket, it is best to pick it up with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before departure. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payment?

The Nagaragawa Railway does not accept IC cards. You will need to prepare to pay in cash. IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the areas where they can be used are determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*IC cards cannot be used. Please purchase fares and seat fares in advance.

"NAGARA" Seating Information

Seat Types

All seats on the "NAGARA" train are reserved. It features a high-quality interior that makes use of wood. Since the number of seats is limited, it is best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between a window seat or an aisle seat when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companion, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The train's interior is a calm and relaxing space, with abundant use of wood. From the counter seats facing the Nagara River, you can fully enjoy the scenery of the clear stream. The interior design differs depending on the train car, allowing you to enjoy a different atmosphere in each. For plans that include meals, seats with tables are provided. The view changes depending on the direction of travel, so it's a good idea to check the seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's best to check the seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-Free Facilities

If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Nagaragawa Railway in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and configuration.

 

 

Ekiben and Onboard Gourmet on "NAGARA"

On the "NAGARA" train, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients as part of a meal plan. Nagara River ayu (sweetfish) are a specialty from early summer to summer. In Gujo Hachiman, Keichan (chicken dish) and Meihō ham are well-known specialties. Gujo food samples are another specialty that you can make at an experience workshop. Onboard sales vary depending on the train and season, so it's best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it's a good idea to stop by early. If you eat or drink on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "NAGARA"

The "NAGARA" train operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so advance reservations are required. Meal plans have limited seating, so early reservations are recommended. IC cards cannot be used, so be sure to bring cash. Gujo Hachiman is extremely crowded during the Gujo Odori festival. The station and trains are crowded during high season, so allow plenty of time. Before boarding, check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since the number of trains is limited, be sure to check the return train schedule as well. It's a good idea to check the train status for the day on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

The Sightseeing Train "NAGARA" is operated by the Nagaragawa Railway, connecting Mino-Ota Station with Gujo-Hachiman Station and Hokuno Station. Enjoy the scenery of the clear Nagara River from the high-quality interior designed by Eiji Mitooka. Since it operates on limited days and all seats are reserved, be sure to check the operating dates and make your reservation in advance.

Enjoy a trip to Gujo Hachiman on the "NAGARA" train, which follows one of Japan's three most pristine rivers.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.