Doai Station (土合駅, Doai-eki) is another unique and interesting railway station located in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, along the Joetsu Line (上越線). Doai Station is particularly famous for having one of the deepest underground platforms in Japan, making it an unusual and notable stop for travelers and railway enthusiasts. The station’s history and its deep location in the mountainous terrain give it a special character, and it’s a significant stop on the route between Jomo-Kogen and Minakami Stations.
Overview of Doai Station
Doai Station is located in a mountainous region of Minakami, which is famous for its natural beauty, hot springs (onsen), and outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and river sports. The station was originally built due to the challenging terrain in the area, and its underground platform makes it a unique landmark for travelers.
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Key Features and Highlights
- The Deep Underground Platform:
- Doai Station is widely known for its deep underground platform. It is located approximately 20 meters (66 feet) below ground level, which is remarkably deep for a train station.
- To access the platform, passengers must take a long escalator or a flight of stairs. The escalator is one of the longest in Japan, adding to the station’s distinctiveness.
- This underground setup was necessitated by the mountainous geography of the region, as building an above-ground station would have been more difficult and costly due to the steep terrain.
- Escalator Experience:
- One of the most memorable aspects of Doai Station is the ride down the escalator to the underground platform. The escalator, which takes about 90 seconds to descend, is often a point of interest for visitors. The underground platform feels quite spacious, and the experience of descending into it is a fun and unusual part of visiting the station.
- History and Construction:
- Doai Station opened in 1954 as part of the extension of the Joetsu Line. The construction of the station and its underground platform was largely driven by the challenges posed by the steep terrain in the region.
- The station was originally designed to handle both passenger and freight traffic, but over time, it has become primarily a passenger station, serving travelers who are visiting the Minakami area.
- Location and Accessibility:
- By Train:
- Doai Station is located along the Joetsu Line, which connects Jomo-Kogen Station with Minakami and other parts of Gunma Prefecture.
- It is situated between Jomo-Kogen Station (about 10 minutes by train) and Minakami Station (about 10 minutes by train).
- By Car:
- The station is also accessible by car, located about 30 minutes from Minakami Station. If you are traveling from Tokyo, it’s around 2 hours by car or train, depending on your route.
- It’s best to use Route 291 to reach Doai Station by car from the surrounding areas.
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- By Train:
- Surrounding Area:
- Natural Beauty: Doai Station is located in the mountainous region of Minakami, an area famous for its outdoor activities and beautiful natural landscapes.
- Hiking: The region around Doai Station is excellent for hiking and mountain climbing, with trails leading to scenic spots in the Tama River valley.
- Onsen: Minakami is renowned for its hot springs (onsen), and visitors to Doai Station can easily reach the local onsen resorts for a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich waters.
- Rafting and River Sports: The Tama River, which flows nearby, is a popular destination for rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
- Historical Sites: Minakami Town and the surrounding area also feature some historical and cultural sites, including shrines and temples, that can be explored.
- Natural Beauty: Doai Station is located in the mountainous region of Minakami, an area famous for its outdoor activities and beautiful natural landscapes.
- Facilities at Doai Station:
- Platform and Waiting Area: The station itself is quite basic, with a simple waiting area on the ground level. Since it’s a relatively small station, the facilities are minimal but adequate for travelers.
- Escalators: The long escalator that takes passengers down to the underground platform is one of the key features of the station.
- Ticket Machines: There are automated ticket vending machines, and the station also has a ticket office where passengers can purchase tickets.
- Restrooms: Basic restrooms are available at the station for travelers.
- Popular Among Railway Enthusiasts:
- Doai Station is particularly popular among railway fans due to its deep underground location, the unique experience of traveling to and from an underground platform, and the opportunity to see the station’s long escalator.
- The station is featured in many railway-themed guides and videos due to its distinctive architecture and engineering.
- Seasonal Scenery:
- The area around Doai Station is stunning throughout the year, with different seasonal highlights:
- Spring: Cherry blossoms in the region make for a picturesque visit.
- Summer: Lush greenery and cooler mountain temperatures make it a refreshing summer getaway.
- Autumn: The autumn foliage in the surrounding mountains is spectacular, with vibrant red and orange leaves.
- Winter: The winter season transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland, offering scenic views and outdoor winter activities.
- The area around Doai Station is stunning throughout the year, with different seasonal highlights:
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Practical Information
- Station Name: Doai Station (土合駅, Doai-eki)
- Location: Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
- Station Code: JO18 (Joetsu Line)
- Operating Hours: Like many smaller stations in Japan, Doai Station operates according to the regular schedule of the Joetsu Line. Trains typically run throughout the day, but services might be less frequent than at major stations.
- Ticketing: Doai Station is part of the Joetsu Line network, so tickets can be purchased from vending machines at the station or from the ticket office.
- Facilities: Basic station facilities include waiting areas, restrooms, escalators to the underground platform, and ticket vending machines. There are no large commercial facilities or stores at the station, so it’s best to stock up on supplies before arriving.
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Why Visit Doai Station?
- Unique Underground Platform: Doai Station is one of the few train stations in Japan with an underground platform, making it an interesting and distinctive place to visit for railway fans and curious travelers.
- Scenic Surroundings: The area around Doai Station is rich in natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, and rafting in the summer or winter sports during colder months. The Tama River and surrounding mountains are scenic spots for photography and relaxation.
- Cultural and Historical Context: Visiting Doai Station allows travelers to experience a slice of Japan’s railway history and understand how the station was built in response to the challenges of the mountainous terrain.
- Ideal for Short Visits: While Doai Station is small and primarily serves as a transport hub, it’s an excellent stop on the way to exploring the broader Minakami region. It provides access to the natural wonders of the area, and the underground platform is a fun and memorable experience.
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Conclusion
Doai Station in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, stands out as a unique and fascinating train station due to its deep underground platform and scenic location in the mountainous region of Japan. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast looking to explore one of Japan’s quirkiest stations, or a traveler on your way to enjoy the outdoor activities, onsen, and natural beauty of the Minakami region, Doai Station is definitely worth a visit. The station’s long escalator and its surrounding landscape make it a memorable stop for anyone passing through the area.
