Based on Japan’s love for trains and its efficient railway network, there are many unique train stations throughout the country. One of these is Doai Station in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, often dubbed the scariest and deepest station in Japan.
In fact, Doai Station is nicknamed “Mole Station” because passengers must walk underground for nearly 10 minutes to reach the tunnel.
Doai Station has two platforms. One is above ground, while the other is located underground, inside the Shin-Shimizu Tunnel. Interestingly, this station, like Seiryu Miharashi, is unattended and completely deserted, which adds to its eerie atmosphere.
Located in Gunma Prefecture, a few hours north of Tokyo, Doai Station is the deepest train station in Japan. With its platform situated 70 meters below the entrance, Doai Station has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a spooky experience unlike any other!
It sits in the middle of the 44,260-foot (13,490-meter) long Shin-Shimizu Tunnel. You must walk down 486 steps from the ticket gate to the platform. Access to the platform is only via stairs, with no elevators or escalators available.
Local urban legends often claim that this station is haunted, making it a favorite spot for ghost hunters. Whether it is haunted or not, the tunnel leading down to the station is covered in moss, with long echoes and strange noises that can be heard despite the eerie silence surrounding the area.
Since the station is located in a fairly remote area, there are no staff present, allowing visitors to freely explore the premises as they wish. However, please note that you will still need to pay to board a train if you decide to hop on one.
Part of the Joetsu Line connecting Niigata Prefecture with Tokyo, Doai Station opened in December 1936 with two platforms serving several daily train services. In a recent survey, it was found that the station still attracts about 22 passengers each day as of 2011.
