Exploring Japan’s Hidden Gem: A Solo Train Journey on the Watarase Keikoku Line

Embarking on a journey can be both thrilling and reflective, and the recent travel vlog about a solo train expedition through the Japanese countryside encapsulates that sentiment beautifully. The inspiration for this voyage came from the film “Our Little Sister” directed by Hiroshi Kore-eda, which led to an unexpected yet delightful discovery of the Watarase Keikoku Line and Ashio Station.

Many travelers are often drawn to Japan’s bustling metropolises, overlooking the serene beauty found in its lesser-known rural areas. This vlog serves as a reminder of the unique charm offered by the country’s quiet corners. The journey commences in Kiryu City, a place that, like many regional cities in Japan, faces the challenges of depopulation and abandonment. The speaker’s poignant feelings regarding this desolation set a reflective tone for the adventure ahead.

Riding the Watarase Keikoku Line presents an opportunity to explore small, quaint stations that contrast sharply with the grandeur of urban transport hubs in Tokyo. Each station, while simple, carries a unique story, and Ashio Station, famed as “the station where you can see the Japanese serow,” exemplifies this charm. The traveler captures the quintessential sounds of summer in Japan, immersing viewers in the serene experience of rural life.

On the journey, a sense of urgency accompanies the traveler’s early start to catch the first train. Along the way, brief moments of wildlife observation—including an elusive glimpse of the Japanese serow—add an element of excitement and connection to nature. Each fleeting encounter and picturesque landscape reflects the beauty of Japan’s countryside, offering a meditation on both nature and human impact.

As the traveler documents this poignant experience, it highlights not only the allure of Japan’s rural landscapes but also invites viewers to appreciate the slowing down of life found in such journeys. Exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations like Ashio and appreciating the simplicity of smaller train lines can rejuvenate the spirit and enrich one’s understanding of a culture that beautifully blends nature with nostalgia.