Information for touring Hakuba Village.

Tourist information centers have a wide variety of pamphlets and staff will provide you with transportation and tourist information, making them a place that connects local residents with tourists. Many people will stop by a tourist information center first when they visit an unfamiliar city.

This time, we will introduce a slightly unusual tourist information center located under the elevated tracks at Itoigawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Here, you can not only get local information, but also get acquainted with real trains and Plarail, making the tourist information center itself a tourist attraction that both adults and children can enjoy. Itoigawa is surprisingly close from the Hakuba area, so if you are looking for tourist spots to stop by on your way to and from our hotel, please refer to this article.

What does Geopal mean?

Geopal = Geopark + Pal

The name of the Itoigawa Geostation "Geopal" is a combination of "geo" from "geopark" and "pal," which means friend. As an information dissemination base in Itoigawa, it was named with the hope that "the circle of geoparks and dioramas will expand to include friends."

What to see at Geopal?

The information center is divided into three sections, all of which are free to enter. We will now introduce the attractions of each section.

Geopark Tourist Information Center

The first thing that greets you as you enter the park is a giant slide, the Myojoyama Slider, and a trick art piece that makes you feel like you're watching the flow of the Hisui Gorge. Through a variety of exhibits and videos, you can learn about the precious topography, geology, and magnificent scenery of Itoigawa Geopark.

Kiha 52 waiting room

In addition to the waiting room that uses the actual "Kiha 52-156" train that was in service on the Oito Line until March 12, 2010, a replica Twilight Express train and a mini steam locomotive "Kurohime" are open to the public. If you apply to the Itoigawa City Tourist Association, you can also dine on the Twilight Express.
*Not available from July to August due to food hygiene concerns due to weather conditions, etc.

Additionally, the exterior of the facility features the three arches of a brick carriage shed, familiar to railway fans, and there is also a fun feature where a Kiha 52 diesel railcar is pulled out during events.

Diorama Model Train Station

In this corner, there are two sets of large-scale dioramas, one in HO gauge and one in N gauge, modeled after the Echigo Tokimeki Railway, the JR Oito Line, the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, and Itoigawa's distinctive geography. Not only can you enjoy looking at them, but you can also actually operate the model trains.

*N gauge/HO gauge operation (driving) fee: 500 yen for 30 minutes (vehicle usage fee included). If you bring your own vehicle, it is 200 yen for 30 minutes.

There will also be displays of highly accurate reproductions of Plarail trains and parts of vehicles that have been used for a long time, so it is sure to be a very enjoyable time for child train enthusiasts.

A comment from the Sierra staff:

- A tourist information center that has put so much effort into satisfying both adults and children is rare nationwide, making it a valuable place.

・Even if you don't have time to go to Itoigawa Geopark, the experience is so fulfilling that you'll want to stop by during your trip.

・Even if you're not a train fan, you'll be excited by the impressive actual trains and displays of historical parts, and you'll be taking loads of photos!

summary

Itoigawa Geostation Geopal, the information center for Itoigawa, is not a stuffy facility. Instead, you can relax and play with dioramas and model trains, and get a variety of tourist information. It can also be considered the starting point for exploring the geospots within Itoigawa city.

[Itoigawa Geostation Geopal]
Phone: 025-555-7344
Address: 1-7-47 Omachi, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture (Itoigawa Station, 1st floor, Alps Exit)
Opening hours:
Geopark Tourist Information Center Kiha 52 Waiting Room | 8:30-19:00 (8:30-19:30 from July to September)
●Diorama Model Train Station | Weekdays 10:00-18:00 (all year round) / Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 9:00-18:30 (9:00-19:00 from July to September)
Closed: January 1st
HP: https://www.itoigawa-kanko.net/spot/geopal/