About
Nestled in the mountains of Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, Doai Station stands like a secret gateway luring visitors deep into the earth. The station building features a sharply angled triangular roof, seemingly modeled after the rugged peaks of Mt. Tanigawa, quietly welcoming those who approach.
Once you pass through the ticket gate, a long staircase stretching deep underground comes into view. There are 462 steps in total. This staircase, spanning 338 meters, is the only path connecting the surface to the underground platform, bridging a vertical gap of 70 meters. As you descend, the air gradually grows cool and crisp, enveloping you in a sensation as if stepping into another world. About halfway, at the 265th step, a wooden bench has been placed so travelers can catch their breath. Meltwater flows silently alongside the stairs, and its gentle burbling serves to calm the spirit.
Upon reaching the underground platform, you’ll find yourself in a space that resembles a secret base. The platform, set within a tunnel, is bathed in dim lighting, ruled by tranquility and silence. This spot appears in the opening scenes of the 2008 film “Climber’s High,” where the protagonist, played by Shinichi Tsutsumi, is memorably depicted climbing the stairs one step at a time.
Doai Station once bustled as a gateway for climbers heading to Mt. Tanigawa. However, with the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen and the Kan-Etsu Expressway in the 1980s, the number of users declined, and today, it is an unmanned station. Nevertheless, its unique structure and atmosphere continue to attract many tourists and railway enthusiasts. Inside the station building, there is a café called “Ekitcha mogura,” which was renovated from the former station staff room, offering visitors warm drinks and light meals. Additionally, a new café has opened in front of the station, sharing the charms of the local area and providing new attractions for those who visit.
Around Doai Station are spots where visitors can experience nature up close, such as the Tanigawadake Ropeway and various hot springs. This region, where you can enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year, provides new discoveries and moments of inspiration for those who travel here. Doai Station is not merely a gateway but a special place with the charm of a travel destination in itself.