Feb 192013
 

Good afternoon, everyone!

The rain from yesterday has let up, but it’s colder than ever now! It seems spring is still teasing us.

Do you know about the JR Oito Line? The Oito Line runs from Itoigawa Station through the Himekawa Gorge to Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture. The region it runs through receives a great deal of snowfall throughout the winter season. Enough so that it must occasionally be closed to allow for snow removal.

Waiting for the Train in Snow

To make the best out of a bad situation, on Saturday, February 23rd, JR workers will host the “Snow Removal and Snow Play Tour.”  Adults and children alike are invited to ride the Oito Line from Itoigawa Station to Hiraiwa Station to play in the deep snow…

Playing in the Snow

 

…and see the snow removal trains in action! (all pictures are from last year’s event)

Snow Removal Train

 

‘Tonjiru’ pork soup will be served for lunch and after the event participants are invited to bathe in the hot springs at nearby Hotel Kunitomi. It should be a fun day for adults and children alike, so if you’re interested, please stop on by!

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Time: Saturday, February 23rd
Meet at JR Itoigawa Station at 7:50am

Location: Hiraiwa Station and Hotel Kunitomi

Cost: Adults 1500 yen, Children 12 and under 700 yen, Infants free
(Children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

Limit 80 people on a first-come basis

Please bring the following: Gloves, winter clothing, boots, and a light lunch.