"Japan's No. 1 Mole Station" Doai Station: An extraordinary experience descending 486 steps

Doai Station, located in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, is a JR Joetsu Line station known as "Japan's No. 1 Mole Station." The outbound platform is located deep underground, and it is popular for its extraordinary adventure-like experience of passing through the ticket gate from above ground and descending 486 steps in about 10 minutes. The platform is quietly nestled in the mountains, with a unique atmosphere of cool air and silence. It is popular not only with railway fans but also with tourists looking to experience something out of the ordinary. ⸻ Basic information •Location: Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture •Access: Get off at "Toge Station" on the JR Joetsu Line •Line: JR Joetsu Line •Station structure: Up platform (above ground) / Down platform (70m underground) •Number of steps: 486 steps to the down platform, 10 more steps from above ground •Station building: Unmanned station (with toilets and waiting room) •Parking: Nearby (free) •Nearby tourist attractions: Tanigawadake Ropeway, Yubiso Onsen, Minakami Outdoor Sports ⸻ Highlights •A 10-minute staircase descent experience that stretches from above ground to 70m underground •The station is cool and refreshing, with a fantastic atmosphere •The platform also has photo spots and lighting for photography, making it popular for compositions that look good on social media •The station building has a retro feel and is a popular photo spot for railroad fans ⸻ #Doai Station #Japan's No. 1 Mole Station #Remote Station #Gunma Tourism #Minakami Town #486 Steps #Train Trip #Gateway to Mt. Tanigawa #Remote Station on the Joetsu Line #Extraordinary Experience Spot #0 Yen Trip