Abt Road, an Abandoned Railway Walk

A leisurely stroll through decades of railway history

Abt Road in Annaka, Gunma Prefecture, is a world away from high-speed bullet trains, timely commuter rails and subway systems. The 11.2-kilometer portion of railway on the Usui Main Line between Yokokawa and Karuizawa stations had been active for 104 years until it finally closed on September 30, 1997. The Usui Main Line and others like it connected Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata prefectures to Tokyo, paving the way for travel today. The Usui Line has since opened to visitors in the form of Abt Road, which welcomes hikers, adventurers and history enthusiasts from far and wide to enjoy the historic railway and make new kinds of memories on these tracks.

History Nature & Outdoor Experience

Access

Take a photogenic tour through tunnels on the Abt Road

Photographers will appreciate the leisurely pace of this tour, as there is much to admire in the aging stone tunnels, train tracks, and surrounding scenery. Look out for dramatic photo opportunities, like the famous Usui Third Bridge (also known as Megane-bashi), or your fellow hikers silhouetted against the light at the end of the tunnels.

A guide will tell you about the history of this train line as you walk through the slightly eerie tunnels and open sections of track surrounded by nature. Years ago, trains rushed through these tunnels carrying countless cargo and people to their destinations. Now, you and future generations have the chance to experience something wholly different in the same location.

Keeping an abandoned railway alive

Even after the Usui Main Line closed in 1997, it was not by any means forgotten. Thanks to visitors’ continued interest in this abandoned railway walk and its tunnels and bridges steeped in history, it remains a “living abandoned railway.” The popularity of this tourist walk, Annaka and other historical sites related to the city’s railway history will help keep this railway alive in its own way. And with the cooperation of nearby restaurants, the Annaka City Tourism Organization is holding an Abandoned Railroad Walk Stamp Rally, where visitors can win small prizes.

Access to Annaka

Just a little over an hour away from Tokyo, Annaka makes a great day trip from the capital city to the Japanese countryside. Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen line to Annaka-haruna Station, or the JR Hokuriku or Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, then transfer to the JR Shin-Etsu Main Line to Annaka Station.

Photo Credit:©Annaka City DMO

Address

Annaka City Tourism Association, Inc. Yokokawa Office
441-6 Matsuida-machi Yokokawa, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture 379-0301

Contact

Tel: +81 27-329-6203　
Email: ankankyo@lily.ocn.ne.jp

Business hours

09:00 - 16:45