[Gunma Tourism] Japan's No. 1 Mole Station: An Underground Adventure at Doai Station

An extraordinary space led by 486 steps! History and the mysteries of nature encountered underground Doai Station is an unmanned station on the JR Joetsu Line located in Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture, and is known as the "number one mole station in Japan" due to its unique structure. 📍Doai Station 🗺️218-2 Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture 🚉JR Joetsu Line local trains stop here, but the number of trains per day is limited, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance. ⭐️Underground platform The platform for the outbound line (towards Niigata) is located in the Shin-Shimizu Tunnel, about 82 meters underground, and it takes about 10 minutes to descend 486 steps from the station building on the ground. Iki Encyclopedia ⭐️Upbound platform On the other hand, the platform for the upbound line (towards Takasaki) is above ground, and you can use it while looking at the surrounding nature. 📕History When the Joetsu Line opened in 1931, Doai Station was established as a single-track above-ground station. Later, with the double-tracking of the line in 1967, a down line was installed in the newly excavated Shin-Shimizu Tunnel, and an underground platform was created. ⭐️Doai Station is a popular spot for railway fans and tourists due to its unique structure. In particular, the long staircase leading to the underground platform is worth seeing, but it is physically demanding, so you need to be well prepared and careful when visiting. ⭐️When planning a visit, we recommend that you prepare the necessary food and drink in advance and allow plenty of time as there are few shops and restaurants in the area. #FritabiWinter #0yenTrip