About
Located deep in the mountains of Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, Doai Station stands like a secret gateway leading into the very depths of the Earth. The station building has a sharply angled triangular roof, seemingly modeled after the rugged peaks of Mount Tanigawa, quietly welcoming all who visit.
After passing through the ticket gate, you are greeted by a long staircase descending deep underground. There are 462 steps in total. Spanning 338 meters, this staircase is the only way to bridge the 70-meter difference in elevation between the ground level and the underground platform. As you go down the steps, the air becomes chilly, enveloping you in the sensation of stepping into another world. On the 265th step, a wooden bench is provided for travelers to catch their breath. Alongside the stairs, meltwater flows quietly, and the sound of trickling water soothes the heart.
Upon reaching the underground platform, you find yourself in a space reminiscent of a secret base. The platform, built inside the tunnel, is illuminated by dim lights and enveloped in silence. This location also appeared in the opening scene of the 2008 movie "Climber's High," with actor Shinichi Tsutsumi memorably depicted climbing the stairs step by step.
In the past, Doai Station bustled with climbers heading to Mount Tanigawa. However, after the Joetsu Shinkansen and Kan-Etsu Expressway opened in the 1980s, the number of users declined, and the station is now unmanned. Nevertheless, many tourists and railway enthusiasts visit, drawn by its unique structure and atmosphere. Inside the station building, the former staff room has been renovated into the café “Ekimogu Mogura,” offering warm drinks and snacks to visitors. In front of the station, there is also a local café highlighting regional goodness, providing new attractions to those who come.
Around Doai Station, there are spots for enjoying nature, such as the Tanigawadake Ropeway and hot spring resorts. Visitors can appreciate the scenery changing with the seasons, finding new discoveries and inspiration each time. Doai Station is not just a transit point, but a special place that serves as a destination in itself.