The "High Rail 1375" Train
High Rail 1375 train (JR East)
The train that'll put stars in your eyes
The "High Rail 1375" is a Joyful train offered by JR East to take its passengers to the highest point of a small line in the Japanese Alps, by day with beautiful scenery and by night to admire and get to know the stars and constellations.
1375 meters of happiness
First of all, let's take a look at the name of this special train: " High Rail 1375 ", which means that the line it takes, the Koumi, is the highest in Japan, since when you pass through Nobeyama and Kiyosato stations, you reach an altitude of 1375 meters on board your train. Now that's high rail!
The train, a KiHa110 series diesel, is made up of two cars, beautifully decorated in a way inspired by the Yatsugatake mountains, which the line skirts as soon as it leaves Kobuchizawa, anda huge starry canopy running the length of the train. A large round badge announces the name of the train, so you can be sure you're not mistaken.
High Rail 1375 Train (JNTO)
High Rail of the Stars
Inside, everything's pretty straightforward, with wide, comfortable seats featuring fabric inspired by the stars and constellations, in solo or duo mode, facing the landscape in car no.1, and a 'lounge' for four with a central table. A counter sells souvenirs related to the train and astronomy, as well as drinks and snacks.
In car n°2, the 2+2 seats are arranged in the classic way, in the direction of travel. The highlight is the " High Rail " gallery, in the form of an enclosed circular room with a dome-like ceiling onto which are projected images of the celestial vault, with the main constellations observable from Earth and especially from Japan. It's all as beautiful as it is educational. Books on astronomy, the stars and the constellations are displayed on the walls.
High Rail 1375 inside (JR East)
Day and night discoveries
First departure in the morning from Kobuchizawa station (on the Chuo line, accessible by the JR "Azusa" express train from Shinjuku) at 10:39 a. m . for a trip on the Koumi line, with its high mountains and natural surroundings. A 15-minute stop (11.16-11.34 a.m.) at Nobeyama station, the high point, for a stroll around the forecourt with its old steam locomotive on display. In autumn (October-November), the colors of the 'koyo' are magnificent. You arrive in Komoro at 12:53 pm. You can get off earlier at Sakudaira station (12:41 p.m.) for a connection with the Hokuriku Shinkansen and a quick return to Tokyo.
High Rail 1375 departs Komoro at 2:46 p.m., arriving at 4:59 p.m.
But the most exciting journey is the night-time High Rail Hoshizora, which departs from Kobuchizawa at 7:22pm. The train stops at Nobeyama station for 40 minutes. Everyone gets out and is shown the main constellations that can be seen directly in the sky, if the weather is clear, of course. If not, you'll be shown the constellations on board the train by our experienced and knowledgeable staff. In the heart of the mountains, at an altitude of over 1,300m, in the dark (bring your flashlight!), this is just the place for this kind of observation. And even if you don't understand Japanese, you'll still be amazed by nature's grandiose spectacle. Make sure you bring warm clothing to make the most of this nocturnal outing.
The train leaves again, your eyes full of stars; you arrive at the Komoro terminus at 9.59pm. It's best to book a hotel in advance, as there aren't many available. Otherwise, Sakudaira station at 9:47pm.
This train runs mainly on Saturdays and Sundays, sometimes also on Fridays and Mondays in autumn.
For daytime journeys, don't hesitate to reserve a special bentô, the 'Koumi-sen Kogen brunch', four days in advance, which will be given to you on the train shortly after departure. Nothing will be sold to you on the train without a reservation. To do so, visit the dedicated website. Alternatively, you can buy food at a station before departure.
