[Communication from the local area] Overcoming the abandoned line of the JR Sane Line, the bustle has returned (Kawamoto Town, Shimane Prefecture)

This is the second installment of the series, "Good Travel ⇌ Communication from the Locals". This article is from Mr. Hara of the Kawamoto Town Tourism Association, Shimane Prefecture. I came across Kawamoto Town when the editorial department was investigating the area around "Hagi-Iwami Airport".
Shortly after the closure of the JR Sanjiang Line, which had been running for 88 years, an initiative began. Where it seemed to be lonely due to the abandoned railway, Kawamoto Town was different. It seems that there is a remarkable event in the spring. Please consider a trip to Kawamoto Town (editorial department).

Hello dear readers! My name is Hara from the Kawamoto Town Tourism Association.
Kawamoto Town is a small town with a population of about 3,000 located in the center of Shimane Prefecture. The JR Sane Line, which runs through the center of such a town, was abandoned about five years ago. The abolition of all railway lines of more than 100 km has become a hot topic as the first case in Honshu, including the JNR era.
Did the town become deserted after the line was abandoned? Not at all!
In this episode of "Communication from the Locals," we will introduce the story of how the community came together to overcome the closure of the JR Sanjiang Line.

What is Shimane's navel "Kawamoto Town"?

Kawamoto Town flourished as the gateway to the Iwami Silver Mine in ancient times due to the water transportation of the Gokawa River, the largest river in the Chugoku region, and developed as a post town. From the Edo period to the Meiji period, the production of iron and copper was recorded, and it is a town formed mainly by commerce.
The population is about 3,000. It is the smallest area in Shimane Prefecture excluding remote islands, and it is a compact town that can be circled in a few hours. Located in the center of the prefecture, which can be said to be the navel of Shimane, it is a 30-minute drive to the Iwami Silver Mine, a World Heritage Site, and 1 hour and 30 minutes to Hiroshima City and Izumo Taisha Shrine, making it convenient for access to nearby sightseeing spots.

If you are coming by plane from the Tokyo metropolitan area, it takes about 2 hours by car from Hagi-Iwami Airport in the western part of the prefecture, Izumo Matchmaking Airport in the eastern part of the prefecture, and Hiroshima Airport.
You can also enjoy traveling by JR or bus. For example, it may be a little hectic, but on Saturday morning, I moved from Haneda Airport to Hagi-Iwami Airport and stayed overnight in Kawamoto Town to visit the Iwami Silver Mine or Yunotsu Onsen, which flourished as a port for shipping silver. On Sundays, you can travel to Hiroshima, take a city tour, and then return from Hiroshima Airport, which is also possible! In addition, Hagi-Iwami Airport is running special campaigns such as spot subsidies for fares and discounts on rental cars. Please check the website in advance.

Thank you Sanjiang Line

The JR Sane Line, which runs along the Eno River, is one of the most local lines in Japan, boasting a magnificent natural beauty that keeps you from getting tired of seeing it, and has become familiar to residents along the line and many railway fans. On the other hand, it is also a line that has been threatened with abandonment many times as the railway with the fewest users in Japan.
The notification of discontinuation of the railway business of the JR Sane Line was submitted by JR West Japan in September 28. With this notification, it was decided to discontinue the JR Sane Line on April 1, 30. After the decision was made, railway fans from all over the country flocked to catch a glimpse of its bravery, and it was crowded with many passengers every day. On the last day of operation, commemorative ceremonies were held in various places along the line, and many participants saw off the last train with a sad farewell. For about 88 years since the opening of a part of the line, the curtain has fallen on the history of the Sanjiang Line, which has walked together with the cities and towns along the line.

Climb over the abandoned railroad and start the rail bike!

There was a rattling sound in the silent station...! The Kawamoto Town Tourism Association started a "rail bike riding experience" in June 30 with the aim of utilizing abandoned railroad tracks. Rail biking is a new kind of "abandoned track activity" in which you drive yourself on the tracks where the train was actually running. You can enjoy an exciting and exciting extraordinary experience as if you were a driver. In March of the 4th year of Reiwa, a new 2km course appeared in addition to the previous 400m course. It is popular for its variability in curves and scenery, and for its rewarding ride, and when it is busy, more than 100 people ride the rail bike a day. Considering that the average number of passengers per day at the former Iwami Kawamoto Station in Heisei 29 was 18, it may be said that it is busier than before.

The rail bike event is run by tourism association staff and volunteer staff. Students from Shimane Prefectural Shimane Chuo High School in the town and university students who are active in Aso Lab, an organization that works to create a place for children in the town, are also working together to liven up the event. In addition, with the support of former JR employees, we are holding events that can only be experienced in Kawamotocho, such as switching points on tracks that are normally inaccessible and printing special tickets using a Dutching machine.

I moved to Kawamoto Town after the closure of the Sanjiang Line. I still remember the first time I participated in the event, I was shocked to see high school and university students who were busy with their studies and club activities working together with adults to liven up the town. In Shimane Prefecture, many public high schools have dormitories attached to them, and they accept "Shimane international students" from all over the country. Approximately 36% of students at Shimane Chuo High School are from outside Shimane Prefecture, and the high school is engaged in learning through community-wide exchanges. (As of May 4, Reiwa) That's why a wide range of generations can work together to promote the revitalization of the town, but isn't this quite amazing? Personally, I'm quite proud.

March 5 is Sanjiang Line Day

March of the 5th year of Reiwa marks the 5th anniversary of the closure of the JR Sane Line. In order for many people to visit the town on this occasion, the Kawamoto Town Tourism Association is planning many events!
Starting with the Rail Bike Vita Stopping Championship held on March 5 (Sun) on "Sane Line Day", on March 25 (Sat) and 26 (Sun), a special stage will be set up in the station building to hold events in which the townspeople can participate, such as Iwami Kagura, Egawa Taiko Drums, and Brass Band. Last year, in the recording of a TV program, "Gambarruya" challenged us to the Vita Stopping Championship. It was surprisingly difficult to stop a pedal-type rail bike without brakes in place, and there was a lot of excitement that it would be selected for an Olympic sport someday. We look forward to your challenge.

Japan Sea TV Gambarruya's Weekend Migration Variety Crown Ruya
* The recording episode in Kawamoto Town is now available on Hulu and FANY Channel!

On Friday, March 31, the five-year anniversary of the closure of the line, we will hold a talk show by Mr. Nasuno, a former driver who was in charge of the operation of the last run of the Sanjiang Line, and an exhibition of treasure railway parts. Then, on Sunday, April 2, we will go on a business trip to the former Innohara Station and operate the Sakura Rail Bike. Event information will be announced on the Tourism Association website and SNS. Please take this opportunity to stop by Kawamoto Town.

There's more. What to see in the town

Spring Fairy Izumoko Baimo

Izumokobaimo is a perennial plant of the lily family and is designated as an endangered species in the Red Data Book of the Ministry of the Environment. In the Tando district of Kawamoto Town, there is a colony that has been rated as the best in Japan by experts, and local residents are taking the lead in conservation activities.

The plant height is 15~20cm, and one pretty downward flower blooms at the tip of the stem, but it dies after flowering and fruiting. The flowering time is from the beginning of March to the beginning of April, and you can observe the flowers that color the entire slope of the mountain cliff.
Every year for one month in March, the Izumoko Baimo Festival is held. During the period, guide guidance and study sessions are held, and many people come.

Satoyama Superfoods

Perilla is a plant of the Lamiaceae family. The seeds and leaves are edible, and oil can be obtained from the seeds. Perilla seeds are rich in α-linolenic acid, one of the essential fatty acids (omega-3), so they are attracting a lot of attention as a health food.

When α-linolenic acid is ingested into the body, it changes to DHA and EPA, prevents blood clots, lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood, prevents vascular disorders such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction, and suppresses allergic reactions. In fact, we have conducted joint research with Shimane University School of Medicine, and it has been proven that it is effective in preventing osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis.

Kawamoto Town produces and sells sesame oil, which is made by slowly exploiting carefully selected seeds under pressure, sesame tea made from leaves, processed foods and seasonings using sesame seeds grown in Kawamoto Town. Sesame duck, which grew up eating perilla seeds from Kawamoto Town, not only has the health benefits of perilla, but is also characterized by its chewy texture and juicy taste.

Hot spring flowing from the source "Mizanso"

Yutani Onsen Mizanso is a day-trip natural hot spring facility nestled in the mountains. It is said that this place was once a hot spring resort where warlords healed their wounds. It has the effect of relieving abrasions, joint pain, and skin diseases, and has a warm and moisturizing effect. You can enjoy a variety of baths such as medicinal baths, Shigaraki ware tsubo baths, dry saunas, and mist saunas.

At the attached restaurant, you can taste dishes made with sesame seeds and Iwami pork. The shop sells local specialties. Please stop by for a break from motorcycle touring.

One of the largest halls in Shimane Prefecture

Located in Kawamoto Town, "Yuyu Furusato Kaikan" is one of the largest halls in Shimane Prefecture with a maximum capacity of 1,000 people. Acoustic reflectors are attached to the high ceiling to surround the stage, creating a powerful sound. Light-emitting diode lighting allows for complex programmatic effects. It is also equipped with a famous Steinway grand piano.

Recently, performances by famous theater companies such as the Shiki Theater Company and the Music Theater were held, as well as public recordings with the participation of international competition winners such as Ms. Hyakon Hattori and Ms. Seiya Kamei. In Kawamoto Town, the town-based amateur brass band "Yuyu Furusato Brass Band" is engaged in activities rooted in the community. In February of the 5th year of Reiwa, the commemorative 20th regular concert was held.

The Kawamoto Town Tourism Association uses its website and SNS to provide local tourist information and event information. We will actively implement new initiatives so that many people will visit Kawamoto Town this year as well.
If you have read this article to the end, you will surely have a great match for Kawamoto. Be sure to follow us!