Esashi-sen (Kikonai – Esashi) Part II

The Esashi-sen Kikonai to Esashi in winter  (pictures taken on February 12, 2013)

For the return journey from Esashi to Kikonai see Esashi-sen Part III

For the line in summer go back to Esashi-sen Part I

0558 KIHA 40 1811 and KIHA 40 835 ready to leave Kikonai for Esashi. Note the new Shinkansen station of Kikonai under construction.

0057 KIHA 40 835 and KIHA 40 1811 at Kikonai station on an Esashi line service. On the left is the new Kikonai Shinkansen station under construction.

0064 Leaving Kikonai, the train will soon pass under the new Shinkansen line under construction. Travelling in KIHA 40 1811, with KIHA 40 835 in front.

0069 At Oshima Tsuruoka.

0076 Entering Yoshibori halt.

0084 At Yoshibori.

0091 The long climb over the pass to Shinmei (1).

0096 The long climb over the pass to Shinmei (2).

0102 The long climb over the pass to Shinmei (3).

0110 The long climb over the pass to Shinmei (4). Looking backwards after emerging from the tunnel.

0117 The long climb over the pass to Shinmei (5). Looking out of the rear window.

0121 The long climb over the pass to Shinmei (6).

0129 The long climb over the pass to Shinmei (7).

0142 Entering Shinmei halt.

0147 Shinmei halt.

0154 Continuing to Yunotai.

0157 Yunotai station, with the snow clearing vehicle waiting in the crossing loop.

0162 At Yunotai.

0169 The snow clearing vehicle at Yunotai.

0175 Along the Amanogawa (1).

0179 Along the Amanogawa (2).

0185 Along the Amanogawa (3).

0190 Along the Amanogawa (4).

0190 Along the Amanogawa (5), nearing Miyakoshi.

0204 Miyakoshi halt.

0207 Between Miyakoshi and Katsuraoka.

0211 Katsuraoka halt.

0220 The houses of Nakasuda.

0221 Nakasuda - an old brake van as shelter.

0226 With fences againt drifting snow alongside, the train continues to Kaminokuni.

0232 Kaminokuni station.

0236 The houses of Kaminokuni.

0248 Now running along the Japan Sea the train approaches Esashi.

0258 On the way to Esashi.

0263 Looking back towards Kaminokuni.

0264 Climbing the last mile up to Esashi.

0267 Above the houses of Esashi.

0276 KIHA 40 835 and KIHA 40 1811 have arrived at Esashi endstop.

0300 KIHA 40 835 + KIHA 40 1811 at Esashi.

0287 KIHA 40 835 at Esashi station, waiting to return to Kikonai.