Seiryu Miharashi is a station without any destination, and it has no entrance or exit.
Seiryu Miharashi: The World’s Most Isolated Train Station?
Seiryu Miharashi is a railway station on the Nishigawa Seiryu Line in southern Japan. It is located between Naguwa and Nekasa stations. This quaint, historic station, inaugurated on March 19, 2019, features a single platform and can only be accessed by train passengers.
It may sound strange, but this station has no shops, no residents, and no town nearby that you can walk to. The only way to leave this station is by train. However, you should check the train schedule before visiting, as the station does not operate daily.
The station has only a small platform, accessible only to train passengers. Visitors disembarking while the train briefly stops can enjoy stunning views of the Nishiki River and the surrounding forest.
Passengers can admire the beautiful Nishiki River in Iwakuni and take in the lush greenery of the nearby forests when they arrive at this station. But don’t think they can sit and savor the beauty, as there are no seats or benches!
Only a few special trains stop at this station, and when passengers disembark, they will find no pathways, gates, or exits leading to any specific destination. Seiryu Miharashi is completely isolated in a mountainous environment, so people must wait for another train to stop if they wish to leave.
Why Was Seiryu Miharashi Built?
Seiryu Miharashi is the first station on the Nishikigawa Seiryu Line in 26 years. It runs from Kawanishi Station in the city of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture to Nishikicho Station. This station was established in a breathtaking setting to promote tourism in the Iwakuni region, encouraging visitors to stay or explore the area further. The station overlooks the crystal-clear Nishiki River, and one can also see a waterfall cascading down from the lush green mountains.
It is intended for a brief stopover and therefore lacks other amenities, such as a café, restrooms, or even benches to sit on. However, what the station offers is a fantastic opportunity for a pause. It encourages people to take a moment and simply enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature. Passengers can alight from the train, immerse themselves in nature, and then board the train again to continue their journey. The train stops for about 10 minutes at this location.
The unique nature of this station has made it a popular stop for tourists and railway enthusiasts. Those fortunate enough to take the trip can admire the pristine beauty of the area and cherish the time they spend slowing down and enjoying their surroundings.
Since its opening, this unique station has captivated many passengers. Social media is flooded with images of this simple station and the stunning scenery around it.
