Okuoikojo Station

Name: Okuoikojo Station
Address: Inuma, Kawanehon, Haibara District, Shizuoka 428-0402, Japan
Rating: 4.6

4.6 Train StationTransit StationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Okuoikojo Station is a hidden gem perched on a mountainside in Shizuoka Prefecture. Known as one of Japan's most picturesque and secluded train stations, it sits on the Oigawa Railway, surrounded by dense forests and overlooking a stunning reservoir. This station, often called the “station in the sky,” offers breathtaking views that change with the seasons—spring brings cherry blossoms, summer paints the landscape lush green, autumn sets the forest ablaze with fiery colors, and winter blankets the area in snow.

The station itself is tiny, with a single platform, but the journey to get there makes it special. The train ride to Okuoikojo winds through tunnels crosses bridges, and clings to cliffs, offering travelers an unforgettable experience. The station is a popular spot for photographers, who are drawn by the striking contrast between the vivid blue reservoir and the surrounding greenery.

The area

Address

Inuma, Kawanehon, Haibara District, Shizuoka 428-0402, Japan

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What other travelers are saying about Okuoikojo Station

Most visitors reach Okuoi-Kojo Station by train, but since I traveled with my dog, we drove to the nearby Okuoi-Koji Station Parking Lot. From the parking lot, we followed the signs and trail uphill and then descended on the other side. We crossed the Okuoi Rainbow Railway Bridge using the pedestrian walkway alongside the tracks. If you plan to access the station by train, it's important to note that the train runs only once an hour, with a total of five runs per day. Having arrived early in the morning by car, my dog and I explored the station on foot, taking our time to savor the lush, verdant forests, the breathtaking view of the lake from the bridge, and the serene movement of low-lying clouds and mountain mist. The defining characteristic of Okuoi-Kojo Station lies in its enduring simplicity. The station has remained largely unchanged for the past 33 years, offering visitors a nostalgic journey back in time, away from the glitz and glamor of Tokyo's modern train stations. Perched on a bluff behind the station, you'll find the Kojo Station Cafe (湖上駅カフェ; lit. “station-above-the-lake cafe”). This cafe offers ample seating providing weary travelers with a chance to relax and enjoy a variety of drinks and sweet snacks. For additional Google Maps links and a wealth of helpful references to enhance your understanding of this location, I encourage you to explore the Pix4Japan blog.