If you like, please repeat it out loud in Japanese.
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2025年12月10日。
December 10, 2025.
今日は、「こんな列車、世界中のどこにある？」と思わせるような話をお届けしたいと思います。
Today, I’d like to share a story that will make you wonder, “Where in the world is a train like this?”
想像してみてください。
Imagine this.
走る列車の中で、真っ赤に燃え盛るダルマストーブ。
A red-hot potbelly stove blazing bright red inside a moving train.
頭上からはスルメを焼く香ばしい香りが漂ってきます。
The fragrant aroma of grilling dried squid wafts from overhead.
これはすべて本当の話です。
This is all true.
「ストーブ列車」は、青森県の津軽鉄道が運行しています。
The “stove train” is operated by the Tsugaru Railway in Aomori Prefecture.
運行期間は毎年12月1日から3月31日までの冬季限定。
It operates only during the winter, from December 1 to March 31 each year.
日中は津軽五所川原駅と津軽中里駅の間を3往復のみ、ゆっくりと走ります。
During the day, it makes only three slow round trips between Tsugaru-Goshogawara Station and Tsugaru-Nakazato Station.
しかし、この列車が愛される理由はただ一つ。
But there’s only one reason this train is so beloved:
「車内そのものが冬の体験」になっていることです。
“The inside of the train itself is a winter experience.”
揺らめく炎、ストーブの暖かさ。
The flickering flames, the warmth of the stove.”
パチパチと音を立てる炎さえも、旅の一部となります。
Even the crackling flames become part of the journey.
外の雪景色と、車内のオレンジ色の炎。
The snowy scenery outside and the orange flames inside.
この「ギャップ」が、あなたの五感を一瞬にして津軽へ連れていきます。
This “gap” will instantly transport your five senses to Tsugaru.
ストーブ列車は、鉄道は単なる移動手段ではないことを教えてくれます。
The stove train teaches us that railways are more than just a means of transportation.
「冬を味わうための乗り物」だということです。
They are “vehicles for savoring winter.”
さて、冬野菜が甘みを増す季節。
Now is the season when winter vegetables become sweeter.
今朝はほうれん草のおひたしや、里芋の味噌汁なんていかがでしょうか？
How about some boiled spinach or taro miso soup this morning?
朝食の温かさに、ありがとう。
Thank you for this warm breakfast.
🚂 Tsugaru Railway Stove Train: Essential Information
Line and Stations
- Operating Company: Tsugaru Railway (Tsugaru Tetsudō)
- Operating Section: Between Tsugaru Goshogawara Station and Tsugaru Nakasato Station
- Total Distance: 20.7km
- Main Stop: Kanagi Station (The station is near the Shayōkan, the birthplace of famous author Osamu Dazai.)
📅 Operating Schedule
- Operating Period: Limited to the winter season, generally from December 1st to March 31st every year.
- Number of Trains: 3 round trips per day (The Stove Train is a special car attached to certain regular diesel train services.)
- Travel Time: Approximately 50 minutes one way.
🔥 Onboard Experience (The Appeal)
- Heating System: Each car is equipped with a traditional Daruma-style coal-burning stove. These are authentic heaters where real coal is burned to keep the car warm.
- Food & Drink:
- You can buy dried squid (surume) and rice cakes (mochi) onboard and roast them right on top of the stove!
- Local sake (jizake), Tsugaru regional dishes, and snacks are also available for sale on the train.
- How to Ride:
- In addition to the regular fare ticket for your journey (e.g., about ¥1,400 from Goshogawara to Nakasato), you must purchase a Stove Train Ticket.
- The Stove Train Car is typically connected to the regular diesel train car during the winter season.
🧣 Tips for a Fun Trip
- Grab a Seat Near the Stove: This is the best way to feel the warmth directly and enjoy the atmosphere, especially when people are roasting surume.
- Savor Local Flavors: Buy the dried squid and local sake onboard for an authentic taste of a Tsugaru winter.
- Enjoy the Contrast: The greatest charm is the “warm gap” between the heavy snowfall outside the window and the cozy, orange glow of the stove fire inside the car.
- Chat with the Staff: The conductors and attendants often provide local information and commentary, sometimes in the unique Tsugaru dialect (Tsugaru-ben), which adds to the experience.
📅 Tsugaru Railway Stove Train Timetable (Winter 2025)
The Stove Train runs three round trips per day at the times listed below.
Operating Period
- General Dates: December 1st – March 31st annually.
Timetable (Selected Stations)
| Train No. | Type | Direction | Tsugaru Goshogawara (Depart) | Kanagi (Arrive/Depart) | Tsugaru Nakasato (Arrive) |
| 1 | Stove Train | Down | 10:15 | 10:39 / 10:40 | 11:06 |
| 2 | Stove Train | Up | 11:45 | 12:11 / 12:12 | 12:36 |
| 3 | Stove Train | Down | 13:00 | 13:24 / 13:25 | 13:51 |
| 4 | Stove Train | Up | 14:20 | 14:46 / 14:47 | 15:11 |
| 5 | Stove Train | Down | 15:50 | 16:14 / 16:15 | 16:41 |
| 6 | Stove Train | Up | 17:05 | 17:31 / 17:32 | 17:56 |
⚠️ Important Note:
- These times are subject to minor changes due to regular schedule revisions.
- The service may be canceled or delayed during severe weather or the New Year’s holiday period. Always check the official Tsugaru Railway website or call ahead for the latest information.
Fares Required
To ride the Stove Train, you need two items:
- Base Fare Ticket: The standard fare ticket covering the distance you travel (e.g., about \1,400 between the termini).
- Stove Train Ticket:
- Cost: ¥500 (Flat rate for both adults and children).
- Notes: This is a supplementary ticket, not a seat reservation. It can be purchased from the conductor or at the Tsugaru Goshogawara Station window.
Attractions Along the Line
- Kanagi Station: Osamu Dazai’s birthplace, the Shayōkan, is about a 7-minute walk away. The Tsugaru Shamisen Hall is also nearby.
- Tsugaru Nakasato Station: The station building contains the local product center, the Nakadomari Town Community Center “Parunas,” where you can buy local specialties.
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