Watarase Keikoku Railway Kobe Station Upbound Platform

Watarase Keikoku Railway Godo Station Upbound Platform: A Living Monument of Japan's Railway Heritage

Nestled deep in the Watarase Valley of Gunma Prefecture, Godo Station (神戸駅, read "Gōdo") on the Watarase Keikoku Railway preserves one of the most authentic pieces of Taisho-era railway infrastructure in Japan. The upbound platform, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property since 2009, stretches 107 meters in a graceful curve, its original stone retaining walls still standing as a testament to the craftsmanship of early twentieth-century railway construction. For international visitors seeking a journey off the beaten path, this quiet mountain station offers a rare window into Japan's industrial past and its enduring relationship with the natural landscape.

The History of Godo Station and the Ashio Railway

The story of Godo Station begins with copper. In the late nineteenth century, the Ashio Copper Mine in nearby Tochigi Prefecture had become one of the largest copper-producing operations in the world. By the early 1900s, horse-drawn transport could no longer keep up with the enormous volume of ore being extracted. To solve this challenge, the Ashio Railway was established, and construction began on a line stretching from Kiryu northward into the mountains along the Watarase River.

Godo Station opened on September 5, 1912, during the first year of the Taisho era, as part of the extension from Omama Station. At the time, the station was called "Gōdo" but written with the characters 神土 rather than 神戸, to avoid confusion with the much larger Kobe Station (神戸駅, "Kōbe-eki") in Hyogo Prefecture. The railway continued northward, reaching Sori Station in November and Ashio Station by December of the same year.

In 1918, the national government purchased the Ashio Railway, and it became the JNR Ashio Line. After the Ashio Copper Mine closed in 1973, passenger and freight traffic declined sharply. The line was designated for possible closure in 1984, but thanks to determined community efforts, it was converted to a third-sector railway in 1989. At that time, the station was renamed to use the characters 神戸, matching the actual place name of the surrounding area, and the railway was reborn as the Watarase Keikoku Railway, affectionately known as "Watetsu."

Why Is the Upbound Platform a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?

The upbound platform at Godo Station was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan on November 2, 2009, along with the station building, the downbound platform, and several other structures at the station. The designation recognizes its historical and architectural significance as a well-preserved example of Taisho-era railway platform construction.

The platform extends 107 meters and follows a gentle curve that mirrors the alignment of the tracks through the valley. What makes it particularly noteworthy is the stonework of its retaining walls. On the main line side, the wall is constructed using split-stone kenchi-ishi masonry with mortar joints — a technique that involves carefully cutting and stacking trapezoidal stones in a precise pattern. On the branch line side, the wall uses round cobblestones laid in a dry-stack method without mortar, creating a distinctly different yet harmonious texture. While the platform surface has been raised in the area where passenger cars stop, the retaining walls themselves retain their original Taisho-era appearance.

In 2016, Godo Station and its related structures were further honored when they were selected as part of the "Watarase Keikoku Railway Related Facilities Group," receiving the JSCE Civil Engineering Heritage Award from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. This recognition highlights the collective value of the railway's historic infrastructure as an important record of Japan's modern industrial development.

Highlights and Things to See

Godo Station offers visitors far more than a single platform. The entire station complex is a living museum of early twentieth-century railway architecture. The original wooden station building, with its timber-frame construction and cement-tile roof, still serves as the station's main structure. Adjacent facilities, including the staff rest house and the lever house for the manual point-switching mechanism, are also registered cultural properties.

Surrounding Attractions

Godo Station serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural and cultural treasures of the eastern Gunma mountains. Within a short distance of the station, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences that complement a visit to the historic platform.

• Tomihiro Art Museum — Located on the shores of Lake Kusaki, this museum displays the watercolor poem-paintings of Hoshino Tomihiro (1946–2024), an artist from Midori City who created deeply moving works by painting with a brush held in his mouth after a spinal cord injury.
• Kusaki Dam — A large dam that created Lake Kusaki, offering scenic walking paths and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Doyo Furusato-kan (Children's Song Heritage Hall) — A museum dedicated to Ishihara Wasaburo, a local lyricist known for beloved Japanese children's songs.
• Fudo Falls — A beautiful 20-meter waterfall accessible from the Hashirado River area, surrounded by seasonal foliage.
• Lake Kusaki Canoe Tours — Guided canoe experiences on the tranquil lake, suitable for beginners and families.

Access and Practical Information

From Tokyo, the most convenient route to Godo Station is via the JR Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station (approximately 50 minutes), then transferring to the JR Ryomo Line to Kiryu Station (approximately 45 minutes). At Kiryu Station, board the Watarase Keikoku Railway for a scenic 50-minute ride to Godo Station. Alternatively, you can transfer at Aioi Station from the Tobu Kiryu Line.

Godo Station is unmanned, but a ticket vending machine operates during daytime hours when the Train Restaurant Seiryu is open. The station is free to access, and the platforms can be explored without a platform ticket. For the trolley trains, advance reservations are recommended, especially during the peach blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Trolley boarding tickets cost 520 yen for adults and 260 yen for children, in addition to regular fares.