Travel guide to the upper part of Oi River
Okuoi (奥大井) is an area along the upper Oigawa River leading to the Japanese Southern Alps. You can find some picturesque spots along the river.
Oku oi Kojo Station
Oku Oi Kojo Station sits at the tip of a small cape on the lake. The picturesque station was built when the Nagashima Dam was constructed and the old station was flooded when the lake formed.
Suspension Bridge called Dream
The beautiful Sumata Gorge is located alongside the Sumata River, a tributary of the Oigawa River. A stunning emerald green lake is crossed by a 90-meter-long suspension bridge known as the “Dream Suspension Bridge.” The Sumata-Kyo-Onsen hot springs are about a 30-minute walk away.
Oigawa Railway
In addition to the regular local train services, the Oigawa Railway operates steam locomotives and electric locomotive-hauled heritage trains. These trains run between Shin-Kanaya Station and Ieyama Station. Unfortunately, when I visited the Oigawa area the locomotives were not running. Please check the Oigawa Railway SL website for the train schedule.
Thomas the Tank Engine
In addition to the SL and EL heritage trains, Thomas the Tank Engine runs between Shin-Kanaya Station and Kawane-onsen-Sasamado Station. For more information, visit the Oigawa Railway Thomas the Tank Engine website.
Accommodation
Guesthouse Voketto
I happened to visit this area because I stayed at Voketto Guesthouse. It is a traditional Japanese house or Kominka (古民家) renovated for use as a guesthouse. The host of the guesthouse is very friendly and a good cook. He is also artistic. I would like to visit him again if I have the opportunity.
Getting to Okuoi area
From Tokyo
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama) to Shizuoka Station. The Hikari train is faster than the Kodama. Do not take the Nozomi, as it does not stop at Shizuoka. From Shizuoka Station, ttransfer to the Tokaido Line and head to Kanaya Station. Once at Kanaya, board the Oigawa Railway to Ieyama then switch to the local bus that will take you to Senzu.
To reach Oku oi Kojo Station, take the Abt system train to Oku oi Kojo station. For those heading to Sumata Gorge, catch the local bus to Sumata-Kyo-Onsen.
From Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen “Hikari” bound for Tokyo to Hamamatsu Station or “Kodama” to Kakegawa Station. Do not take the Nozomi, as it does not stop at either Hamamatsu or Kakegawa. From Hamamatsu or Kakegawa Station, take the Tokaido Line to Kanaya Station. From Kanaya, transfer to the Oigawa Railway to Ieyama then switch to the local bus to Senzu.
To reach Oku oi Kojo Station, take the Abt system train to Oku oi Kojo Station. For those heading to Sumata Gorge, catch the local bus to Sumata-Kyo-Onsen.
The JR Rail Pass does not cover the Oigawa railway service. Tickets must be purchased from Kanaya Station.