Naoki Aikawa 
High Rail 1375 arrives at Kobuchizawa Station on March 5, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa)
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The rhythmic sound of the High Rail 1375 echoed pleasantly as silver snowfields rushed by outside the window. Swaying gently in the two-car diesel train, I found myself immersed in an inviting space that made me forget the city's hustle and bustle.
My journey began at Sakudaira Station in Nagano Prefecture, where I boarded a blue two-car diesel train that smoothly glided into the platform. The first leg of the journey took us south to Kobuchizawa Station in Yamanashi Prefecture, the terminus of JR East's Koumi Line.
Local Delights
The train I boarded, the High Rail 1375, was remodeled for tourism in 2017. It now runs three times a day on weekends and holidays. The interior is decorated in silver and blue, evoking a spaceship-like feel, while the wood-patterned floors and tables provide a cozy atmosphere.
In car number one, the solo seats are angled outward, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic views. There are also pair seats and box seats offering stunning vistas of the Yatsugatake Mountains. In car number two, a gallery inspired by the starry sky over Yatsugatake creates a quiet, library-like ambiance.
On board, I enjoyed wine from the Yatsugatake Grandvert Vineyard in Hokuto City, paired with locally made cheese and cake.
Rui Senuma, a winemaker at the vineyard, shared, "Hokuto City has long sunlight hours, high altitude, and low temperatures, making it ideal for [grape] cultivation."
I spread out the treats on a small table by my seat and savored them slowly. Both my eyes and taste buds were thoroughly entertained throughout the journey.
The Highest JR Station
About an hour into the trip, we arrived at Nobeyama Station in Nagano Prefecture, the highest Japan Railways (JR) station in Japan. The train stopped for about 20 minutes.
Stepping off the train, I felt the air was even colder than at Sakudaira Station. The station was quiet, with only passengers and the train, creating a sense of solitude.
As the train departed, the conductor announced: "Soon, on the right side of the train, you'll see the marker for the highest point on all JR lines, at an elevation of 1375 meters [about 4,511 feet]."
As the train slowed down, passengers gathered on the right side to glimpse the marker. The "1375" in the train's name refers to this elevation.
After passing the highest point, the final destination was only about 30 minutes away. Despite the cloudy sky, I enjoyed a view of the snow-capped Southern Alps from a large curve near Kobuchizawa Station. Upon arrival, station staff greeted us, and we transferred to a bus bound for my hotel, the Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake.
A Future Tourism Initiative
Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture plans to launch a tourism tour along the JR Koumi Line, which connects Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures, starting in winter 2026. I was part of a press tour held from March 5–6, 2025.
The Koumi Line, which runs from Komoro Station in Nagano Prefecture to Kobuchizawa Station in Yamanashi Prefecture, spans 78.9 kilometers. It travels through highland areas like Kiyosato and Nobeyama, earning it the nickname "Yatsugatake Highland Train."
Rural lines, including the Koumi Line, are facing challenges such as depopulation and declining ridership. The section between Nakagomi Station in Nagano Prefecture and Kobuchizawa Station is particularly affected by financial deficits due to depopulation along the route.
Since it's difficult to recover business through regular use, Hokuto City has focused on tourism. They plan a 1-night, 2-day tour that combines travel on the Koumi Line with visits to local wineries, art museums, and other attractions to draw visitors.
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Author: Naoki Aikawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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