WHAT TO SEE

Founded in 1912, Ichibata trains first started running in 1914 as a way to help tourists access sites like Ichibata Yakushi Temple. Ichibata Electric Railway, affectionately called “Bataden” by locals, is now the only train servicing the Izumo Taisha area, connecting it to JR Izumoshi Station and Matsue at the Kawato transfer station. While some residents depend on this train to travel to school and work, it is a very useful way for visitors to not only reach a variety of tourist destinations, but also to appreciate the local countryside on the north side of Lake Shinji. If you have a bike with you, it is even possible to bring the bike onto the train for a small fee.

There are several different types of train car, so the ride might feel different every time you get on the train! Special events such as the “Beer Train,” “Sweets Train,” and seasonally decorated cars also provide unique rail experiences. Those who have always wanted to operate a train can make their drams come true at the Unshu Hirata Station. A special train driving experience allows participants to drive the oldest functioning train in Japan, a Dehani Type 50, along a dedicated stretch of track.

In media, Ichibata Electric Railway was featured in a 2010 film called “RAILWAYS,” which tells the story of an overworked Tokyo man who returned home to Shimane and became a train driver at 49 years old. The movie was filmed at various real stations, including Ichibata-guchi Station, Inonada Station, Unshu Hirata Station, and Izumo Taisha Mae Station.