What is the Tsugaru Railway Stove Train and when does it operate?

The Stove Train is a winter service with coal-burning stoves inside vintage railway cars, operating from December through March. It runs from Goshogawara to Tsugaru-Nakazato Station on the private Tsugaru Railway line. Separate tickets are required as JR passes are not valid.

What can I see near Goshogawara Station?

The Tachineputa Museum is within walking distance, displaying festival floats reaching 23 meters in height. The station provides access to Lake Jusanko and Kanagi town, where author Osamu Dazai's former residence operates as a museum.

Are luggage storage facilities available at Goshogawara Station?

Coin-operated lockers are available at the station. Basic facilities include a ticket office and waiting area.

Can I use my JR Pass on all trains from Goshogawara Station?

JR passes are valid on JR Gonō Line services to Aomori, Hirosaki, and Fukaura. The Tsugaru Railway is a private company requiring separate ticket purchases. IC cards work for JR services only.

Can I use my JR Pass on all trains from Goshogawara Station?

JR passes are valid on JR Gonō Line services to Aomori, Hirosaki, and Fukaura. The Tsugaru Railway is a private company requiring separate ticket purchases. IC cards work for JR services only.

Goshogawara Station

3.9 (218)Train StationTransit StationTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Goshogawara Station serves as the primary railway gateway to the city of Goshogawara in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Located approximately 40 kilometers west of Aomori City, the station functions as a crucial transportation hub connecting the region's conventional rail services with the unique Tsugaru Railway line. The station building reflects typical mid-20th century Japanese railway architecture, having been established as part of the JR East Gonō Line network that links coastal and inland communities across western Aomori.

The station's primary significance lies in its role as the departure point for the Tsugaru Railway, a privately operated local line famous for its seasonal Stove Train services during winter months. This nostalgic coal-stove heated train attracts visitors seeking authentic rural Japanese railway experiences. The station area also provides access to Goshogawara's main cultural attraction, the Tachineputa Museum, located within walking distance. This museum houses enormous festival floats reaching heights of 23 meters, used in the annual Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival held each August.

Visitors typically use Goshogawara Station as a base for exploring the surrounding Tsugaru region, including nearby Lake Jusanko and the historical port town of Kanagi, birthplace of renowned author Osamu Dazai. The station provides coin lockers for luggage storage and basic amenities including a small waiting area and ticket office. The surrounding station district contains local shops, restaurants serving Tsugaru regional cuisine, and business hotels catering to travelers.

Goshogawara Station is accessible via the JR Gonō Line from Aomori Station, with journey times of approximately 40 to 50 minutes depending on train type. The same line continues westward toward Fukaura and connects with services to Akita Prefecture. From Hirosaki, the journey takes roughly 35 minutes. The station accepts major IC transportation cards including Suica, though visitors planning extensive travel on the Tsugaru Railway should note that this private line requires separate tickets purchased at the station.

What other travelers are saying about Goshogawara Station

Simple, quiet, easy to access, nice people. Hotel Sun Route 3 minutes walk and good Izakaya 5 minutes walk.

Sake Sommelier

Jul 16, 2022

there are stamp in both stations here

This place is a perfect place for you in the winter. There're 2-3 heaters inside the station and you can go Stove Train from this Station. Must try/buy the "Coal" biscuit, the taste real goooooooood

I went there to ride the Stove Train. Unfortunately, it was out of service, so I took the Meros instead. The Stove Train itself was left at Goshogawara Station, and the attendant talked to me and grilled some dried squid. Although I couldn't ride the Stove Train while it was running, I still had a great time!

Although the heated train wasn't running that day, passengers could still ride for free. The grilled dried squid was inexpensive, and the staff would grill and shred it for you. You could soak in the atmosphere in the nostalgic carriage.