Located in the mountainous region of Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, Doai Station (土合駅) holds the distinction of being Japan’s deepest train station. Often referred to as the “mole station” [モグラ駅], it descends dramatically into the earth and is operated by JR East on the Joetsu Line. Surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks, the station serves as a gateway to the Tanigawa mountain range [谷川岳], a popular destination for climbers and nature lovers. Its remote setting gives the station a compelling sense of isolation and quiet adventure.

The station’s defining feature is its dual-level structure. The above-ground platform handles trains heading toward Minakami, while the underground platform for Echigo-Yuzawa-bound trains lies 70 meters below the surface, accessible only via a long staircase of 462 steps. This descent, which takes roughly 10 minutes, winds through a damp, dimly lit tunnel that feels like a passage into another world. The stairwell includes rest benches, handrails, and step markers—small but welcome comforts during the ascent or descent.

In its heyday during the 1960s, Doai Station was a bustling stop for climbers, especially on the opening day of the Tanigawa climbing season. Mountaineers would flood the platforms, and many even treated the long stairwell as a warm-up before their trek. However, the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen and the Kan-Etsu Expressway in the 1980s diverted most traffic, and the station became unmanned in 1985. In recent years, it has enjoyed a quiet revival, drawing railway enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers in search of unique experiences. In 2017, JR East named it the “station you should visit once in your lifetime.”

The underground platform, often veiled in cool mist, is lit by harsh fluorescent lights that accentuate its raw, industrial feel. The echo of footsteps against the tunnel’s concrete walls creates an eerie, cinematic ambiance. This surreal quality has made it a popular subject for photographers, as well as a backdrop in manga, anime, and film, adding to its mystique as a modern cultural icon.

Above ground, the station’s triangular roof and unexpectedly large parking lot contrast with the surrounding forest. Wildlife, including wild monkeys, can occasionally be seen nearby. The station also offers access to hiking trails, the Tanigawadake Ropeway, and scenic spots like Ichinokurasawa and Suwakyo Gorge. Facilities are simple but sufficient: a heated waiting room with vending machines, clean toilets, and clear signage. Glamping options are also available near the station, offering visitors a way to stay overnight and fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

For photography, Doai Station is full of creative potential. A wide-angle lens captures the steep tunnel staircase to dramatic effect, and the contrast of light and shadow adds intensity to compositions. Early morning and late afternoon bring soft, diffused light that enhances the station’s otherworldly mood. A tripod is helpful for low-light shots in the tunnel, but be considerate of space and others using the stairs. Outside, the forested landscape shines especially during spring’s lush greens and the vivid autumn foliage [紅葉], providing additional subjects to frame the experience.

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