Kobe Station (Watarase Valley Railway)

Photographing the Peach Blossoms and Station Building at Kobe Station on the Watarase Gorge Railway

Watarase Gorge Railway's Kobe Station, located in Midori-shi, Gunma Prefecture, is an atmospheric photo spot where peach blossoms adorn the platforms and tracks in springtime, creating a magnificent scene. The deep pink, white, and light peach-colored flowers bloom in layers, harmonizing with the simple and nostalgic station building. A train running across the peach blossoms will create a travel-inspired photo, which is impressive not only for railroad fans, but also for landscape photographers. If you visit at the right time of year when the flowers are in full bloom, you will be able to capture a tender moment unique to spring.

Key points for photography

The key to composition is to be aware of the relationship between the peach blossoms, the station building, and the railroad tracks, and to be mindful of your surroundings. Aiming from the side of the platform from a slightly lower vantage point will create a picture with depth, with the peach blossoms in the foreground and the station building and railroad tracks in the background. If you want to include a train, check the arrival and departure times in advance, and aim for the moment when the train peeks through the peach blossoms. On the other hand, avoid entering the railroad tracks or crossing the white line, and limit the use of a tripod to areas that do not obstruct the line of flow of people. During times when there are many tourists and locals, it is also important to be conscious of taking photos in a short period of time so as not to obstruct traffic. When the background is crowded, open the aperture slightly to bring out the subject to create a calm atmosphere. On a sunny day, the flower colors will be vivid, while on a cloudy day they will take on a gentle tone, creating the quiet spring scenery typical of Watarase Gorge Railway's Kobe Station without disturbing the surroundings.

Best viewing and photography timing

Best Season

Spring, Autumn

Recommended times

朝

Access & Basic Information (Check Before Shooting)

The day I visited this place in the past