The closest station to the sea in Japan
The coastal town of Futami in Iyo City is home to Shimonada Station, one of the stations on the Yosan Line that connects Takamatsu Station in Kagawa and Uwajima Station in Ehime, Japan. The station is operated by JR Shinkoku and has been in operation since 1935.
In 1981, the coast adjacent to the station was reclaimed for the construction of a national highway, making it “the closest station to the sea in Japan.” However, the number of passengers stopping here was quite small because the station was located in a deserted coastal area. Eventually, Shimonada Station removed its ticket inspectors. Since then, Shimonada Station has been called “the lonely station.”
Japan's closest train station to the ocean on a clear day. Photo credit: Ehime Box Content
This humble station became famous after appearing on the Seishun 18 Kippu train ticket poster for three consecutive years. Train photography enthusiasts flocked to the station to take pictures of the station and post them on social media, revealing the existence of beautiful Shimonada to the world.
In 2001, the animated film Spirited Away produced by Studio Ghibli won an Oscar and became the most popular anime film in Japanese history. Shimonada Station with its beautiful, crystal-clear water-filled railway track in a scene from the film was immediately searched for and introduced on social media by the travel community, causing great curiosity among domestic and international tourists.
After the success of “Spirited Away”, the station was also chosen by many comic book authors and film directors as the setting for their works. The film Hero (2007) starring actor Takuya Kimura also had scenes filmed here... With its increasingly strong appeal, Shimonada quickly became famous on the Japanese tourist map.
The natural picture changes at different times of the day.
The small canopy and white sign with the station name printed on it, the two simple waiting room benches placed amidst the vastness of the sky and earth, white clouds, and yellow sunshine make the station even more peaceful and poetic.
The poetic Shimonada Station through the lens of tourists. Photo source: Ehime Box Content
The station has its own beauty at every moment of the day. It is the original picture of the moment the sun gradually appears in the sky, the first rays of sunlight shine on the sea, creating sparkling patches of light at dawn or the vast picture with the harmony between the blue of the sky and the emerald sea at noon; the clouds are dyed a dreamy purple or a breathtakingly brilliant orange at sunset.
In summer, Shimonada Station is beautiful, but in spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom, the pink color of the flowers against the cloudless blue sky or the carpet of butterflies fluttering in autumn makes the natural picture even more vivid and colorful.
Not only can you admire the beauty of the vast and majestic nature, but when you come here, you also have the opportunity to experience the feeling of walking on the railway leading down to the sea like the character Chihiro in the movie "Spirited Away", sitting at the ticket office that is over 85 years old with a vintage color and stopping by the cute little coffee cart located opposite. The cute and lovely design of the cart has made visitors when arriving at the train station have to turn in to buy drinks, check-in and wait for the train.
85-year-old vintage ticket office. Photo source: Ehime Box Content
If you are physically fit, you can also choose to cycle along the coast on the Yuyake Koyake route - this route will pass through points such as Futami, Iyo, Ehime to Nagahama, taking in the poetic winding coastline. Those who want to enjoy the style while enjoying Ehime cuisine can book a ticket for the Iyonada Monogatari - a luxury sightseeing train that crosses the Iyonada Strait - to enjoy the Seto Inland Sea outside the window while savoring local delicacies. Note that you need to book early because many tourists also want to experience this tourist service!
Cycling on the Yuyake Koyake line is refreshing. Photo credit: Ehime Box Content
Note when coming to Shimonada:
You can get to Shimonada Station by local train on the Yosan Line and board at JR Matsuyama Station. The train ride takes about 50 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 630 yen (about 100,000 VND).
If you take the Iyonada Monogatari sightseeing train, the train will stop at Shimonada Station for about 10 minutes for sightseeing and to buy drinks. You can get off the train within 10 minutes or stay at the train station and wait for the next train.
Shimonada Coffee operates from 2:30 PM on weekdays, from 11 AM on weekends and closes at sunset at 6 PM. So if you come outside of these hours, you won't find the shop!
Futami Town is also famous for its beautiful sunsets, which you can watch from the train station. Watching Shimonada in the evening light is the best way to capture this place!
