A Small History Private Inquiry; Shin-etsu Main Line
Hi, this is Fe@NJ , who has passed Second Grade of Timetable Test in Japan.
It is the stop of a new “More Abundant Life by Railway Trip” Series.This theme is a trip of Shin-etsu Main Line of JR between Takasaki and Yokokawa, approximately eighteen miles long.Shin-etsu Main Line between Takasaki Station, Gunma Prefecture, and Nao-etsu Station, Niigata Prefecture, was inaugurated on April 1, 1893 during Meiji Era.Then, since the start of Hokuriku Shinkansen between Takasaki Station and Nagano Station, on October 1, 1997, the section between Yokokawa Station and Karuizawa Station of Shin-etsu Main Line, whereas quadruple-tracked should be unnecessary, was discontinued and it was converted to the bus service.
◎A blue bold line shows Shin-etsu Main Line from Takasaki to Yokokawa.
A replica of Tako Monument was exhibited in concourse in Takasaki station, the starting station.It is the one of the Three Stelae of Kohzuke, ancient monument group in Gunma Prefecture, while the famous Jomo Karuta (Card) says “The Old Monument of Tago tells us of ancient times.”Also, note that the stelae are added to the Memory of the World by UNESCO in October 2017.
(1) Replica in Tago Monument
“SL Train“, by a tow of a steam locomotive (all seats are reserved) runs focusing on a weekend in a sightseeing season between Takasaki and Yokokawa.
(2) SL Train, passing through Nishimatsuida Station
The Kamameshi is well-known as potted lunch, which is produced by Oginoya founded in 1885, in Yokokawa station, the terminal. Its mini edition is now available at a convenience store throughout.
(3) The rice ball set projected by Oginoya
The bus stop for Karuizawa is in front of Yokokawa station. As of today, November 21, 2017, only seven rounds of the local bus are daily serviced between Yokokawa and Karuizawa. The standard duration is 34 minutes.
(4) The bus from Yokokawa for Karuizawa
“Usui-toge railroad culture village” is located in front of Yokokawa station. As railway vehicles are exhibited variously, visitors may experience the operation of the electric locomotive (must pass the exam in writing) and/or enjoy its simulation. Those locos had been actually serviced between Yokokawa and Karuizawa before the discontinuation.
(5) The double electric locomotives
I am given special training in back, namely, acting reverse. I sit down the seat on this side and back to the other side. The other end is approximately 135 feet ahead! It’s a difficult art to hold the back at a designated stop while watching backside.
(6) The simulator of the operation between Yokokawa and Karuizawa
A recreation trail of approximately three and half miles length, between Yokokawa and Kumanotaira signal station, which is already closed, is maintained along the discontinued track.
(7) Meganebashi Bridge, approximately 100 yards length
The bridge has been designated as an Important Cultural Property in our country and was a part of Shin-etsu Main Line from 1893 to 1963.
(8) The end of the trail, ex-Kumanotaira signal station in a haze; looks like that a train is about to arrive.
Finally, once back to Yokokawa station, took the bus to Karuizawa station.The autumn leaves of Karuizawa were superb!
(9) Kumoba-ike Pond in Karuizawa
Thank you and have a nice trip in Japan!