Japan is home to many lesser-known yet equally captivating train stations. Whether it’s a station seamlessly blending with nature or a remote stop that feels frozen in time, these locations will make you want to step off the train and soak in the breathtaking views.
JR East has carefully selected five hidden stations that can be accessed by train. If you’re looking to escape the bustling city, avoid crowded tourist spots, and embark on a unique and relaxing journey, these stations are definitely worth a visit.
For added convenience and flexibility, you can use the “JR East Rail Pass (Tohoku Area),” “JR East Rail Pass (Nagano, Niigata Area),” or “JR Tokyo Wide Pass” to make the journey to the destination station more comfortable and flexible.
5 JR East Stations with Stunning Spring Scenery
1. Shinonoi Line – Obasute Station (Nagano Prefecture)
Obasute Station on the Shinonoi Line is not only known for its unique name but is also considered one of the Three Most Beautiful Train Window Views in Japan.
This unmanned station sits over 500 meters above sea level and features a rare zigzag railway system to navigate steep slopes.
Thanks to its special location, stepping onto the platform offers a panoramic view of 2,000 Obasute rice terraces and the vast Zenkoji Plain.
Additionally, Obasute Station is recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Night Views and one of the best places to admire the moonlit sky.
Platform 2 has an observation deck and benches facing the Zenkoji Plain, making it the perfect spot for nighttime scenery.
No matter the season—lush green landscapes in spring or snowy scenery in winter—the station provides an unforgettable experience both day and night.
Travel Route:
- From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (~77 minutes) to Nagano Station
- Transfer to the Shinonoi Line (~40 minutes) to Obasute Station
2. Shin’etsu Main Line – Oumigawa Station (Niigata Prefecture)
Oumigawa Station on the Shin’etsu Main Line is an unmanned station and one of the closest stations to the sea in Japan.
Often referred to as a “station with its own scenic platform,” this stop provides breathtaking views of the vast blue ocean and sky immediately upon exiting the train.
The horizon stretches parallel to the tracks, and the waves of the Sea of Japan crash near the platform, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Springtime offers tranquil coastal views and a refreshing sea breeze, while the sunset paints the sea in shades of orange and red, resembling a poetic masterpiece.
This hidden yet charming station is also accessible via the JR East Joyful Train “Koshino Shu*Kura.”
Travel Route:
- From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen (~88 minutes) to Nagaoka Station
- Transfer to the Shin’etsu Main Line (~60 minutes) to Oumigawa Station
3. Joban Line – Hitachi Station (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Nicknamed “Japan’s Most Beautiful Station,” Hitachi Station is an architectural masterpiece with a modern, sleek design that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
This station has gained widespread attention on social media, both in Japan and internationally, and has won several prestigious awards, including the Good Design Award (2012) and the Brunel Award (2014) for railway architecture.
Designed by renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima, a native of Hitachi City, the station resembles a floating glass box above the ocean.
Inside, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
The station also features an observation hall and the “SEA BiRDS CAFE,” where visitors can enjoy a meal while admiring the stunning ocean scenery.
From clear blue skies to golden sunrises, pink-orange sunsets, and even dramatic storm waves, Hitachi Station presents a breathtaking view in all conditions.
Travel Route:
- From Tokyo Station, take the Joban Line Limited Express Train (~100 minutes) to Hitachi Station
4. Tokaido Main Line – Nebukawa Station (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Nestled in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Nebukawa Station is a charming stop along the Tokaido Main Line and is easily accessible from Tokyo Station or Odawara Station.
With a pastel blue station building, Nebukawa retains a nostalgic Showa-era charm and is perched on a cliffside overlooking the sea.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of Sagami Bay.
In spring, blooming cherry blossoms add a stunning contrast between the vibrant pink flowers and the station’s soft blue exterior, creating a scene reminiscent of a storybook illustration.
Travel Route:
- From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Main Line (~90 minutes) to Nebukawa Station
5. Gono Line – Todoroki Station (Aomori Prefecture)
Todoroki Station, located in Fukaura City, Aomori Prefecture, is an unmanned station on the Gono Line.
Surrounded by the vast Sea of Japan, this isolated station consists of nothing but a lone wooden hut near the beach.
As the train departs, the sound of crashing waves and the cold sea breeze create a deep sense of solitude, making it feel as if the world has disappeared.
Despite its abandoned appearance, five trains stop at Todoroki Station daily.
The platform features a “Sunset Calendar” and a “Sunset Clock,” attracting visitors during the golden hours.
Whether for a romantic sunset with a loved one or a peaceful solo retreat, Todoroki Station is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Travel Route:
- From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen (~178 minutes) to Shin-Aomori Station
- Transfer to the Ou Main Line to Kawabe Station
- Finally, take the Gono Line (~150 minutes) to Todoroki Station
Read:
Tateyama Hotel: The Best Spot in Japan to Watch the Sunrise and Stargaze
JR East Rail Pass Recommendations
JR East Rail Pass (Tohoku Area)
When traveling in the Tohoku region, using the “JR East Rail Pass (Tohoku Area)” allows you to explore Tohoku at a more affordable price.
This pass is available for 30,000 yen for adults and 15,000 yen for children.
It is valid for 5 consecutive days, offering unlimited rides on Shinkansen and limited express trains (reserved seats in ordinary cars) within the designated area.
You can also ride the “Joyful Train”! For more details, please visit the official website.
JR East Rail Pass (Nagano & Niigata Area)
When traveling to Nagano and Niigata, the “JR East Rail Pass (Nagano & Niigata Area)” offers a budget-friendly way to explore these regions.
The pass costs 27,000 yen for adults and 13,500 yen for children, valid for 5 consecutive days, allowing unlimited access to Shinkansen and limited express trains (reserved seats in ordinary cars) within the designated area.
You can also enjoy a ride on the “Joyful Train”! More details can be found on the official website.
JR Tokyo Wide Pass
For traveling in Tokyo and surrounding areas, the “JR Tokyo Wide Pass” is highly recommended.
The pass is available for 15,000 yen for adults and 7,500 yen for children, valid for 3 consecutive days, offering unlimited train rides within a specific area, including limited express trains and Shinkansen.
You can also freely ride the “Joyful Train” (some exceptions apply). Please check the official website for more details.
Official JR East Ticket Reservation Website – “JR-EAST Train Reservation”
Through the “JR-EAST Train Reservation” website, you can purchase tickets and reserve seats.
Reservations can be made before traveling to Japan, and tickets can be collected at the ticket machines before boarding the train.
This service is free to use after creating an account. Please refer to the usage guide for more details.
Now, travelers can also use the “Route Search & Reservation” feature on the official JR East website.
With this tool, you can search for travel routes from your departure point to your destination while purchasing tickets and reserving seats directly!
Don’t forget to take advantage of this convenient feature through the Route Search & Reservation link on the JR East official website.
Explore Hidden Stations in Japan in Spring 2025!
If Japafans want to avoid crowded tourist spots while visiting Japan this spring, exploring hidden stations can be an exciting option!
These five stations with breathtaking views can be reached using JR East trains or sightseeing trains.
By using the JR East Rail Pass (Tohoku Area), JR East Rail Pass (Nagano & Niigata Area), or JR Tokyo Wide Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel within the designated areas.
