Wakasa Station (若桜駅)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This is the terminus of the Wakasa Railway's Wakasa Line (若桜線), and the wooden station building, which still retains the look of when it opened, remains in active use today. The yard preserves a hand-operated turntable that turns train cars by human power along with a water tower, and the station's facilities are registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property. You can view the displayed steam locomotive and nostalgic rolling stock up close, and simply walking the platform and yard is enough to soak in the atmosphere of old-time railways. The shop sells railway goods and commemorative tickets, making it a perfect starting point for a trip built around riding and photographing trains. Though it is a small terminal station, it is a rich space where railway fans can lose track of time.

Tips

Free parking is available around the station. Touring the yard may require a paid entry ticket, so check at the counter. Timing your visit with train arrivals and departures makes photographing the turntable and platform even more enjoyable. Weekends and holidays sometimes get lively with events.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 15 minutes. In the morning, light streams into the station building, and the yard is relatively uncrowded, allowing you to explore at leisure.

Access & map

〒680-0701 鳥取県八頭郡若桜町若桜