The Resort Shirakami is one of Japan’s most scenic sightseeing trains, connecting Akita and Aomori along the coast of the Sea of Japan via the famous Gono Line. The journey offers spectacular views of rugged coastlines, fishing villages, and the forests of the Shirakami-Sanchi World Natural Heritage area.

Because the Resort Shirakami is a popular sightseeing train, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during spring, summer, autumn foliage season, and Japanese holidays.

Do I Need a Reservation?

Yes. All seats on the Resort Shirakami are reserved. Passengers must obtain a seat reservation before boarding.

If you are traveling with a Japan Rail Pass or an eligible JR East rail pass, the train fare is covered by the pass, but you still need to reserve a seat. Travelers without a rail pass must purchase both the basic fare ticket and a reserved-seat ticket.

How to Reserve Resort Shirakami from Overseas

Travelers can reserve seats online before arriving in Japan.

Passengers who purchased their Japan Rail Pass through the official JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation website can make seat reservations through the same system.

Those traveling with eligible rail passes purchased through authorized overseas travel agencies can use the JR-EAST Train Reservation system. Travelers without a rail pass can also purchase tickets through this service.

*Reservations generally become available one month before the departure date.

Collecting Your Ticket in Japan

After completing your reservation online, be sure to collect your ticket before boarding.

Tickets can be issued at JR ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) and reserved-seat ticket machines at major JR stations throughout Japan. Ticket collection is not available at every station along the Resort Shirakami route, so travelers should complete the process at a major JR station that provides ticketing services before their journey.

To avoid delays on your travel day, it is a good idea to collect your ticket in advance whenever possible.

Visiting Aoike Pond

Many visitors ride the Resort Shirakami to explore the Shirakami-Sanchi area and the famous Aoike Pond.

To visit Aoike, get off at Juniko Station. From the station, local transportation provides access to the Juniko Lakes area, where visitors can enjoy walking trails through the beech forests and visit the remarkably blue waters of Aoike Pond.

Explore Beyond the Train

The Resort Shirakami is more than a scenic train ride. It is also a gateway to unique experiences found along the Sea of Japan coast and in the rural communities of northern Akita.

By getting off at stations along the route, travelers can explore nearby towns, cultural attractions, natural landscapes, and local experiences that are not found on the train itself.

Passengers who get off at Akita-Shirakami Station can explore the surrounding Happo area, known for its seafood from the Sea of Japan and regional cuisine. Nearby, Hatahata-kan offers hot spring bathing with views of the coastline. During spring, Goshonodai Park becomes a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing, combining seasonal beauty with panoramic ocean scenery.

Those who stop at Noshiro Station can discover one of Japan’s most famous basketball towns. In the city, visitors can try a basketball shooting challenge inspired by Noshiro’s long basketball tradition. The area also offers opportunities to experience Kumiko woodworking, a traditional Japanese craft that creates intricate geometric patterns without nails. Travelers interested in Japanese culture can also participate in Buddhist temple experiences, including meditation, incense making, sutra copying, and bracelet-making workshops guided by local monks.

Higashi-Noshiro Station serves as an important gateway to inland northern Akita. Travelers wishing to explore Fujisato, one of the principal gateways to the Shirakami-Sanchi World Natural Heritage area, can transfer to the Ou Main Line and continue to Futatsui Station. From there, visitors can access the forests, hiking areas, and nature-based experiences associated with Shirakami-Sanchi.

Higashi-Noshiro Station is also a convenient transfer point for travelers flying from Odate-Noshiro Airport. The airport can be reached either by rail via Takanosu Station or by a shared taxi service operating between Higashi-Noshiro Station and the airport with advance reservation.

These destinations offer a chance to discover a different side of Japan—one shaped by local traditions, nature, craftsmanship, and everyday life. For travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the Akita Shirakami region provides memorable encounters that can easily be combined with a journey on the Resort Shirakami.