The Kurayoshi Line was an essential piece of transportation infrastructure until it shut down in the 1980s. Certain parts of the railroad were removed after this but other sections were transformed into some of the most famous attractions in Kurayoshi—a small city in central Tottori Prefecture (Japan’s least-populated prefecture). If you want to travel off the beaten path to find cherry blossoms, a bamboo grove or railway history, Kurayoshi is the destination for you.
The Railway’s Story
Photo by: PIXTA/ ばりろく Plans to expand the line stopped when declining passenger numbers forced the railway to close.
The Kurayoshi Line was first built in 1912 and extended twice, bringing its total length to 20 kilometers. Plans to expand the line stopped in 1985 when declining passenger numbers forced the railway to close. The Kurayoshi Line Railway Memorial Hall—a museum built atop one of the line’s former stations—houses photos, preserved trains and other artifacts from the railway’s heyday, telling its story to modern visitors and locals.
From Railroad to Cherry Blossom Lane
Photo by: PIXTA/ colors The main route is lined with cherry blossom trees from about late March to mid-April.
Part of the old Kurayoshi Line is now a cycling and walking route. This path starts at Road Station Nishikura—a small park featuring a preserved section of the railroad. About a 10-minute walk from here, you’ll reach the main route that is lined with cherry blossom trees from about late March to mid-April.
The Famous Bamboo Forest
Photo by: PIXTA/ KinkinMK The trail leads visitors into a bamboo grove—the most famous photo spot on the old Kurayoshi Line.
The best-known section of the old Kurayoshi Line is a remote trail where visitors can walk on the disused tracks. The Kyukokutetsu Kurayoshisen Haisenato (Former Kurayoshi Line) Information Centre offers convenient access to this trail along with public restrooms.
It takes 40 minutes one way to walk from the information center to the trail’s end. Trek along the old railway and you will reach the ruins of the Taikyuji station platform. From here, the trail leads visitors into a bamboo grove—the most famous photo spot on the old Kurayoshi Line. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Yamamori Tunnel, which is only accessible to visitors who join a guided tour with the Kurayoshi Tourism Mice Association.
