South Hokkaido Railway (“Donan Isaribi Tetsudo” railway)｜What to See & Do｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

South Hokkaido Railway (“Donan Isaribi Tetsudo” railway)

Enjoy the view of the ocean from the train windows and stopovers

The "Donan Isaribi Railway" runs along the coast with a view of the Tsugaru Straits. This popular local train runs 37.8 km from Kikonai Station to Goryokaku Station. From Goryokaku Station, the train connects to the JR line and runs to Hakodate Station.

The sparkling horizon stretches far out from the train windows, enticing passengers. In the evening, the sea turns a fantastic orange color. If the time is right for fishing boats to go out to sea, you may even be able to see fishing fires (isaribi).

There are also many places along the line that you may want to stop by! Misogihama, a scenic spot overlooking the Tsugaru Straits, Mount Hakodate, and the Shimokita Peninsula; Trappist Monastery, Japan's first Catholic convent for men; Hekirichi Camp Site of the Matsumae Domain, a beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot with a tunnel of cherry trees; and Goryokaku Site, a special national historic site.

With an "Isaribi One-Day Ticket," which allows unlimited rides for one day, enjoy the scenery from the train windows and make occasional stops along the route to fully enjoy a relaxing trip along the line.