Let's explore Misugi Town on the Meimatsu Line! Introducing photo spots and sightseeing model courses
掲載日：2022.02.08
The Meimatsu Line is a railway that connects MatsusakaCity and Misugi-TsuCity, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season from the train window. In this article, we will introduce the history of the Meimatsu Line, photo spots, how to enjoy the park and ride, and model sightseeing courses!
Mie photographer ``Fugamaru-chan'' and his partner ``Cham'' bring you information that will make you love Mie even more. This article is about the Meimatsu Line, a local line that takes you to unexplored regions.
▼Table of contents
- Get to know the Meimatsu Line
- What is Meimatsu Line?
- route map
- Timetable/Fares
- Meimatsu Line scenery
- Gongenmae Station - Isehatta Station (rice field)
- Isshi Station - Iseki Station (Higanbana)
- Ise Kawaguchi Station - Sekinomiya Station (rural scenery)
- Iejo Station - Ise Takehara Station (autumn leaves)
- Iejo Station - Ise-Takehara Station (cherry blossoms x reflection)
- Ise-Takehara Station - Ise-Kamakura Station (light ink cherry blossoms)
- Ise Takehara Station - Ise Kamakura Station (tea plantation)
- Ise Kamakura Station (iron bridge x river)
- Ise Yachi Station - Hitsu Station (autumn leaves)
- Hizu Station (Mitsumata)
- Ise Okutsu Station (SL water tower x Hanamomo x cherry blossoms)
- Ise Okutsu Station (SL water tower x blue sky)
- Enjoy sightseeing on the Meimatsu Line
- What is Park & Ride?
- Enjoy the Meimatsu Line with Park & Ride
- Model course for cycling around Misugi Town
The FugamaruMeishōsen is a JR Tokai line that runs through areas rich in nature. The sight of a local train crossing mountains and rivers is truly an unexplored region!
This articleis packed with information that will help you understand the charm of the Meimatsu Line! We will also introduce beautiful scenery and photo spots along the line, so please read until the end.
Get to know the Meimatsu Line
We will introduce basic information about the Meimatsu Line, such as its origin and history, riding sections, fares, and timetables.
What is Meimatsu Line?
The Meimatsu Line is a JR Tokai line that connects 43.5km from Matsusaka Station to Ise-Okutsu Station. There are no express or limited express vehicles, and the route to the end takes about 80 minutes each way.
Origin of “Meisho Line”
It was named the Meimatsu Line because it was planned to connect Matsusaka to Nabari, but due to reasons such as the opening of a competing railway, the terminus was changed to Ise-Okutsu Station in TsuCity (then Yahata Village, Isshi District). became.
Risk of abolition due to typhoon disaster
In 2009, there was a period when some railway lines were suspended due to typhoon damage. Because it was a route with few users, it was in danger of being abolished, but a petition campaign for its restoration bore fruit, and with financial cooperation from the prefecture, city, and JR Tokai, it was fully restored in 2016.
The Meimatsu Line Protection Association, whose parent organization was TsuCity Federation of Neighborhood Associations, which carried out the signature campaign at the time, continues to carry out volunteer activities such as mowing grass and other environmental improvements along the Meimatsu Line in order to promote the use of the Meimatsu Line. Masu.
citizen group “Society to revitalize the Meimatsu Line” We are also carrying out activities to revitalize the Meimatsu Line to prevent the line from being abandoned, and at Mie Prefectural Hakusan High School, "Meisho Line Support Team" We have launched a project to promote the Meimatsu Line.
route map
There are 15 stations on this line from Misugicho, TsuCity MatsusakaCity City, with 12 stations in TsuCity and 3 stations in MatsusakaCity.
ChamuIt is unique in that there are 7 stations with names that include Ise. Ise-Kamakura Station is called the unexplored station among railway fans.
Timetable/Fares
*This is the timetable as of January 2022.
*Please be careful about schedule changes.
It costs 860 yen one way from Matsusaka Station to the final stop, Ise-Okutsu Station. The fare between stations varies depending on the distance and is approximately 190 yen.
If you look at the timetable, the trains run approximately every two hours. Be careful not to confuse the times on the upper and lower lines.
The last train at Ise-Okutsu Station, the last stop of Fugamaru, is at 6:58 p.m., so keep that in mind for peace of mind.
Meimatsu Line scenery
Along the line, the scenery changes throughout the seasons, and it is attracting attention as a scenic local line. Please take a look at the atmospheric railway scenery of the Meimatsu Line.
- Precautions when photographing railways, etc.
- ① Do not enter the railway tracks to take pictures as it is dangerous.
- ② Do not lean towards the tracks from the station platform or railroad crossing, as it is dangerous.
- ③ Please obtain permission before photographing on private land.
- ④ Be considerate and careful of residents, pedestrians, and cars when taking photos.
- ⑤ Be sure to take home any trash you generate during filming.
Gongenmae Station - Isehatta Station (rice field)
The rural scenery spreads out along the line from Gongenmae Station to Ise Hatta Station, and from July to August, you can see the train running through grasslands.
Shooting date: July 21, 2019 15:21
Setting value: F6.3・184mm・1/500 second・ISO200
From aroundthe end of August, the rice ears turn golden yellow, and the scenery of Meimatsu Line and rice ears becomes picturesque♪
Isshi Station - Iseki Station (Higanbana)
There are photo spots in the area between Isshi Station and Iseki Station where countless red spider lilies bloom along the railroad tracks.
Shooting date: September 22, 2018 15:30
Setting values: F11, 106mm, 1/320 seconds, iso100
FugamaruIf you want to take pictures of Meimatsu Line and Higanbana, this is the place! However, in recent years, the number of red spider lilies blooming has decreased. I hope it blooms a lot this year...
Ise Kawaguchi Station - Sekinomiya Station (rural scenery)
A section with rural scenery and wooden houses. There is a sidewalk right next to the railroad tracks, so you can see the Meimatsu Line cars up close.
Shooting date: August 5, 2019 17:47
Settings: F11, 300mm, 1/500 seconds, ISO1000
FugamaruI wanted to take a photo of the train with the clouds in the background, so I found this section. The wooden houses are spread out, giving it a nostalgic atmosphere.
Iejo Station - Ise Takehara Station (autumn leaves)
The Meimatsu Line crosses kumozu many times on iron bridges, and the riverbed around Iejo Station is particularly rich in nature.
Shooting date: November 18, 2018 12:23
Setting values: F11, 106mm, 1/320 seconds, iso100
Chamuko's place is called Ieshiro Line and is a valley with many rugged rocks. In autumn, you can take pictures of the Meimatsu Line and the autumn leaves.
Iejo Station - Ise-Takehara Station (cherry blossoms x reflection)
The rows of cherry blossom trees and trains reflected in the water are picturesque. This is a photo of the cherry blossom trees and train at River Park kumozu, Mami River Park, where you can play in the river and camp on the Kumoide River.
Shooting date: April 7, 2019 7:57
Setting values: F8, 50mm, 1/640 seconds, iso250
From 7am to 8am in Fugamaruis a time when strong winds are less likely to occur, making it easier to take pictures of reflections on the water.
Ise Takehara Station - Ise Kamakura Station (tea plantation)
A photo taken from near a tea plantation in Takeharachi, Misugi Town. Behind the train, a peaceful landscape spreads out. *Please do not enter the tea plantation when taking pictures.
Shooting date: May 4, 2018 12:37
Setting values: F8, 40mm, 1/320 seconds, iso200
Fugamaruthis is Misugi! I think this is a scene where you can say that. A huge poster with the same composition as this photo is displayed at Michi-no-eki. My photography journey on the Meimatsu Line began when I saw that giant poster.
Ise Kamakura Station (iron bridge x river)
A photo taken near Ise-Kamakura Station. The train running on the iron bridge over the river is very picturesque. The location of the green mountains and clear river provides an atmosphere unique to the Meimatsu Line, which runs through unexplored areas.
Shooting date: April 29, 2019 13:26
Settings: F8, 28mm, 1/500 seconds, iso3200
You can get close to the ChamuRailway Bridge and take photos, so it's really impressive to see the train passing right in front of you! If you bring your child who loves trains here, they might be very happy.
Ise Yachi Station - Hitsu Station (autumn leaves)
The section between Ise Yachi and Hitsu Station is where you can take beautiful pictures of the Meimatsu Line x Autumn Leaves. This photo was taken from the sidewalk of Prefectural Route 15, which is adjacent to kumozu.
Shooting date: November 17, 2019 15:18
Settings: F6.3, 87mm, 1/250 seconds, iso1600
FugamaruI took a photo of the moment the train came out of the tunnel. If you take a photo of a train on the up line (bound for Matsusaka), the headlights will shine and look cool.
Hizu Station (Mitsumata)
There is a famous spot for Mitsumata in Ishinagara, Misugi Town, but the best time to see Mitsumata is along the railroad tracks of Hizu Station. The golden Mitsumata and the nostalgic station building become picturesque.
Shooting date: March 17, 2020 13:09
Settings: F2.8, 131mm, 1/1250 seconds, iso100
FugamaruThis photo was taken from the sidewalk on the slope just beyond the railroad crossing at Hizu Station. The key is to blur the Mitsumata in the foreground ♫
Ise Okutsu Station (SL water tower x Hanamomo x cherry blossoms)
At the final stop, Ise Okutsu Station, the SL water tower, a remnant of the Meimatsu Line where steam locomotives once ran, has been preserved. There are cherry blossom and flowering peach trees around the area, and around the beginning of April, they bloom beautifully in red and white.
Shooting date: April 7, 2018 16:59
Settings: F5.6, 285mm, 1/100 seconds, iso100
The FugamaruSL water tower brings out the nostalgic atmosphere. This photo was taken using a super-telephoto lens from outside the railroad crossing near Ise-Okutsu Station.
Ise Okutsu Station (SL water tower x blue sky)
A photo taken near the SL water tower at Ise Okutsu Station. There are only three existing steel SL water towers in Japan, so it is a very valuable sight.
Shooting date: June 2, 2020 12:55
Settings: F6.3, 45mm, 1/400 seconds, iso200
FugamaruWe have introduced 11 photo spots on the Meimatsu Line. In addition to taking photos, please also enjoy sightseeing, such as buying souvenirs, eating, and riding the Meimatsu Line at Park & Ride ♫
Enjoy sightseeing on the Meimatsu Line
From here, we will introduce parks and rides where you can enjoy sightseeing on the Meimatsu Line! We will also introduce a model course for sightseeing in Misugi Town by cycling.
What is Park & Ride?
Park & Ride is a method in which you drive your own car from your home to the nearest station or bus stop, park your car near the station, and then transfer to public transportation.
TsuCity promotes the use of the Meimatsu Line for park and rides, and offers free parking in the parking lots closest to the station.
The following parking lots are available for free for park and ride purposes:
① Isshi Government Building south side parking lot (10 spaces) Click here for map
② Click here for a map of the parking lot in Hakusan Government Building (6 spaces)
③ Click here for the Ise Yachi Station parking lot (90 spaces) map
④ Click here for the JR Ise-Okutsu Station parking lot (11 spaces) map
Enjoy the Meimatsu Line with Park & Ride
Introducing what it was like riding the Meimatsu Line at Park & Ride! Please take a look at the many beautiful scenery seen from the train window.
① Parking ~ Receive numbered ticket
Park your car in the parking lot on the south side of Isshi Government Building and start the park and ride from Isshi Station!
The Meimatsu Line is unmanned except for the first stations, Matsusaka Station and Iejo Station, so you receive a numbered ticket on the train and board the train.
② Ride ~ Enjoy the scenery from the train window
Enjoy the approximately 1-hour train journey from Ichishi Station to the final stop, Ise-Okutsu Station. From the train window, you can see the beautiful green countryside and blue sky.
The FugamaruMeimatsu Line is also a sightseeing train where you can enjoy the view from the train window ♫
③ Swap the up and down lines at Iejo Station
Ride for about 30 minutes from Ichishi Station and arrive at Iejo Station. The Meimatsu Line is a single track with only one track, so the upper and lower lines are swapped here.
I had about 10 minutes before the Fugamaru-bound train departed, so I got off the train and took a picture of the two cars lined up. You can only see these scenes up close on the Meimatsu Line ♫
④ Clear stream seen from the train window
As you leave Iejo Station, the clear stream of kumozu can be seen many times from the train window.
FugamaruIt is only on the Meimatsu Line that you can see kumozu from a high vantage point. By riding the train, I was able to notice the beautiful scenery of Misugi Town once again.
⑤ Arrive at the final stop, Ise Okutsu Station
Ise-Okutsu Station has a station building filled with the warmth of wood, giving it a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere.
Let's go on a trip to enjoy walking around Misugi Town as much as time allows!
FugamaruPlease check the return boarding time before proceeding. The Meimatsu Line runs infrequently, so if you miss one train, you'll have to board the train about 2 hours later.
Model course for cycling around Misugi Town
Introducing a model course starting from Ise-Okutsu Station and cycling around Misugi Town! Rent an electric assist bicycle and enjoy touring shrines and roads ♫ The rental fee is free!
① Free rental of electrically assisted bicycles at the tourist information facility “Hidamari”
You can rent electrically assisted bicycles for free at TsuCity Ise-Okutsu Station Tourist Information Exchange Facility Hidamari, which is located next to Ise-Okutsu Station.
- About renting electrically assisted bicycles
- ① Target age is 4th grade and above (elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian)
- ② On Wednesdays, it will be available for rental at the Yawata branch office.
- *For details, please see TsuCity Misugi Hakusan Bicycle Rental page.
This model course is a 3-hour round trip cycling along the Ise Honkaido Road, heading for Kitabatake-JinjaShrine.
This time, the plan is to enjoy the atmosphere of a former post town along Ise Honkaido Road, enjoy the great nature along the way, and admire the beautiful Japanese garden of Kitabatake-JinjaShrine.
This bike has a coolred body and is extremely comfortable to ride! Since it is electrically assisted, it can reduce the strain on your legs when traveling long distances.
Hidamari, a tourist information and exchange facility in front of TsuCity Ise-Okutsu Station, has a corner that sells Misugi Town specialties and bento boxes, and you can eat what you purchase in the rest area inside the facility.
ChamuI bought a ``Meisho Line bento'' for lunch♫ This bento was produced by the local Hisai Agriculture and Forestry High School and contains side dishes made with local ingredients.
FugamaruAfter filling our stomachs, we set off on our cycling trip. If you walk for about 1 minute from Ise Okutsu Station, you will come to Ise Honkaido.
③Looking upstream of kumozu
As I strolled along Ise Honkaido Road, I could hear the murmuring of the river. As you follow the sound, you will discover a beautiful river that shines in emerald green!
This is upstream of kumozu, and you can see the clear stream with high transparency.
FugamaruThe great thing about traveling by bicycle is that you can stop by any place that interests you. Return to Ise Honkaido and aim for your destination.
④ Stroll through the streets of the old post town
Along the way from Ise-Okutsu Station to Kitabatake-JinjaShrine, you can see the townscape that gives you a sense of the history of the post town when the Ise Honkaido Road was bustling with people.
Walking through the historic streets ofChamu will make you feel like you've traveled back in time.
⑤ Kitabatake-JinjaShrine
After about 30 minutes by bicycle from Ise-Okutsu Station, we arrived at Kitabatake-JinjaShrine. As soon as you enter the shrine grounds, you will see the beautiful vermilion shrine building. First, visit here to pray for a safe journey.
The main deity of Kitabatake-JinjaShrine is Kenyoshi Kitabatake, who served the Southern Court during the Nanbokucho period as the first governor of Ise province, and the grounds include the Kitabatake Clan Ruins Garden, a nationally designated scenic spot.
There is a fee to enter theFugamaru Kitabatake Clan Ruins Garden, and you will need to donate 300 yen at the shrine office before entering the garden.
The Kitabatake Clan Ruins Garden is a ``pond fountain appreciation ceremony'' garden created by Takakuni Hosokawa, Kanrei Hosokawa, the father-in-law of Harugu Kitabatake, the governor of Ise Province, during the Muromachi period, and is one of Japan's three major samurai gardens.
Since I visited Fugamaruin June, the garden was filled with beautiful greenery. In November, you can see the autumn leaves turning bright red.
That's all for the Chamucycling course. Let's go back the way we came in time to catch the train home.
What did you think
We introduced the charms of the Meimatsu Line and Misugi Town through a three-part program: photography, park & ride, and cycling.
Misugi Town is a town full of nature, so you can forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh yourself ♫
Please take the Meimatsu Line and come to Misugi Town. The nature and peaceful townscape will soothe you.
Tourist spots in Misugi Town
Introducing other tourist spots in Misugi Town! We have listed the distance from Ise-Okutsu Station for each spot, so please use this as a reference for your trip.
Fugamaru-chan (photography/article production)
He is a member of Mie Tourism's Mie Travel Camera Club and is active mainly on Twitter and Instagram as a photographer who takes pictures of Mie. We operate the Mie Photo Gallery, which distributes Mie's scenery for free, and the Mie Eetoko Tour, which disseminates Mie's latest information.
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