One of Japan’s Rare Three-Stage Switchbacks
The most remarkable feature of Izumo-Sakane Station is its three-stage switchback, said to be the only example of its kind on the JR West network.
A switchback is a special railway system used to allow trains to climb steep slopes. Instead of continuing directly uphill, a train moves backward along a section of track before changing direction and continuing forward again.
At Izumo-Sakane Station, trains overcome a difference in elevation of approximately 160 meters by making two switchback movements as they climb the mountain. Watching the train slowly change direction against the dramatic mountain landscape is an impressive experience.
The combination of the rugged terrain of the Chugoku Mountains and the engineering techniques developed to overcome it is one of the station’s greatest attractions. The train’s unusual movement adds a memorable sense of adventure to the journey.
How the Switchback System Works
A switchback system reduces the effective gradient by arranging railway tracks in a zigzag pattern rather than attempting to climb a steep slope in a straight line.
At Izumo-Sakane Station, this method is incorporated into a particularly unusual three-stage configuration. It provides a fascinating example of how railway engineering has adapted to the challenging mountainous terrain of Okuizumo.
The Mythological Nickname “Ama-no-Manai”
The station’s nickname, “Ama-no-Manai,” refers to a sacred source of pure water in Japanese mythology. The name is associated with the sacred waters of Takamagahara, the heavenly realm described in ancient Japanese myths.
The mountains around Okuizumo have long been blessed with abundant, clear water nurtured by the natural environment of the Chugoku Mountains. Water has been an important part of local life since ancient times.
The name “Ama-no-Manai” symbolizes both this natural blessing and the connection between the landscape of Okuizumo and the world of Japanese mythology.
Enmeisui: A Famous Spring of Clear Water
No visit to Izumo-Sakane Station is complete without discovering Enmeisui, a natural spring that rises within the station grounds.
The spring has been selected as one of Shimane Prefecture’s 100 Famous Waters and has long been appreciated by local residents and travelers passing through the area.
The Legend Behind the Name
According to local tradition, many raccoon dogs and foxes once lived in the surrounding area. An old raccoon dog, believed to have lived an exceptionally long life, was said to have particularly enjoyed drinking this spring water.
Inspired by this story, local people also began drinking the water as a source associated with longevity. It eventually came to be known as “Enmeisui,” meaning “water of longevity.”
Refreshing Water Throughout the Year
Enmeisui has a distinctive character throughout the seasons. It feels cool in summer and can have a surprisingly mild warmth in winter.
Its clean taste and gentle mouthfeel have attracted many visitors over the years. Water collection points have also been established around the station, and visitors sometimes come from distant areas to take the spring water home.
The water can be collected free of charge and continues to be carefully valued as an important natural resource of the local community.
Enmei Shrine and Prayers for Longevity
Near the spring stands Enmei Shrine, where visitors come to pray for long life and good health.
Combining a visit to the shrine with the clear spring water provides a peaceful opportunity to appreciate the traditional relationship between nature, water, and spiritual life in the mountains of Okuizumo.
Station Structure and Facilities
Izumo-Sakane Station is a ground-level station with two side platforms serving two tracks, allowing trains to pass each other. The two platforms are connected by a railway crossing within the station grounds.
The station retains the nostalgic atmosphere of a small local railway station in the Japanese countryside.
The current station building was rebuilt in 2010. It includes a waiting room and a barrier-free toilet. The station is unmanned, however, and does not have facilities such as an automatic ticket vending machine, so travelers should make the necessary preparations before their journey.
A Railway Station with a Long History
Izumo-Sakane Station opened in 1937 as the Kisuki Line was extended farther into the mountains.
Over the years, the station has undergone changes such as becoming an unmanned station and receiving updated facilities. Despite these changes, it continues to serve as an important part of local transportation as well as a distinctive tourism resource.
Spectacular Scenery Where Railway and Nature Meet
The area surrounding Izumo-Sakane Station is filled with the magnificent natural scenery of the Chugoku Mountains. Each season brings a different landscape.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter
Spring brings fresh green leaves to the mountains, while summer is surrounded by deep green forests. In autumn, the hills are covered with colorful foliage, and winter transforms the landscape into a peaceful world of snow.
The sight of a train making its unusual switchback movements against these seasonal landscapes is especially attractive to photographers and visitors interested in railway scenery.
Getting to Izumo-Sakane Station
By Train
Izumo-Sakane Station can be reached directly by using the JR Kisuki Line. Because the station is located deep in a mountainous area, train services are limited.
However, the limited timetable is also part of the charm of traveling through this remote region, allowing visitors to enjoy a slower pace and a stronger sense of traditional railway travel.
Combining a visit to Izumo-Sakane Station with other attractions in the surrounding area is an excellent way to experience more of Okuizumo’s natural scenery and cultural heritage.
A Unique Encounter with Railway Heritage, Nature, and Mythology
Izumo-Sakane Station is a rare destination where railway engineering and the natural environment come together. Its unusual three-stage switchback is a remarkable railway feature, while the famous Enmeisui spring represents the natural bounty of the surrounding mountains.
The mythological name “Ama-no-Manai,” the legends surrounding the spring, and the beautiful seasonal landscapes add another layer of cultural appeal to this remote railway station.
Whether you are fascinated by Japanese railways, interested in traditional legends, or simply looking for a peaceful journey through the mountains, Izumo-Sakane Station offers a memorable experience unique to Okuizumo.