Doai Station Underground
Descend into Japan's deepest station, a hauntingly beautiful underground marvel accessed by 462 steps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat, enjoy the cool depths
Doai Station Underground
Best Time
Escape the heat, enjoy the cool depths
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend into Japan's deepest station, a hauntingly beautiful underground marvel accessed by 462 steps.
"It's hauntingly beautiful — and yes, you'll probably miss your train."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Those 462+ steps are no joke! Prioritize comfort for your climb.
🧥 Bring Layers
It's surprisingly chilly underground, even in summer. Pack a jacket!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 462 Steps
Underground Platform Access
Descend or ascend nearly 500 numbered steps into the mountain's depths. A truly unique and memorable journey.
The Deep Underground Platform
Northbound Platform
Experience the eerie, dimly lit atmosphere of Japan's deepest train station platform, over 70 meters below ground.
Doai Station Beer Project
Conductor's Office Cafe
Sample unique beers aged in the cool, stable environment of the underground station.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Descent: Prepare for the Stairs
Chilly Depths & Infrequent Trains
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Those 462+ steps are no joke! Prioritize comfort for your climb.
🧥 Bring Layers
It's surprisingly chilly underground, even in summer. Pack a jacket!
⏰ Check Train Schedules
Trains are infrequent. Plan your visit around the schedule to avoid long waits.
🎒 Pack Light
Climbing with heavy luggage is a significant challenge.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Those 462+ steps are no joke! Prioritize comfort for your climb.
🧥 Bring Layers
It's surprisingly chilly underground, even in summer. Pack a jacket!
⏰ Check Train Schedules
Trains are infrequent. Plan your visit around the schedule to avoid long waits.
🎒 Pack Light
Climbing with heavy luggage is a significant challenge.
📸 Capture the Eerie Vibe
The dimly lit tunnels and vast staircases make for dramatic photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Doai Station is lauded for its unique 'deepest station' status and the iconic 462-step climb, offering an eerie and atmospheric experience. Visitors appreciate the cool underground temperatures and the novelty of the beer aging project. However, the infrequent trains, lack of facilities like elevators and accessible restrooms, and the significant physical effort required for the stairs are common drawbacks.
"I took the train from Doai Station, famous for its deep underground platform and long staircases. Walking through the dimly lit tunnels and countless steps was quite an adventure. The station also has a special beer aging project, making it a unique spot for both train enthusiasts and travelers."
Takeshi Kobayashi
"I went there in August of 2023. I took a bus to Echigo Yuzawa and rode the local Jōetsu train south from there. The southbound platform is up on the surface and looks like your typical train station out in the boonies of Japan, but a journey of 486 steps into the depths of the mountain takes you down to the northbound platform. No matter how roasting hot it is up top, it’s chilly down there, and how glad I was that I brought a long-sleever and long sweatpants with me in my backpack. My feet were actually getting cold as well.
Let me also warn you that the restroom down there is now closed. When nature called, I had to march back up all 486 up to the station building. (That restroom is open, thankfully.) There was still the waiting room downstairs, but all the “I was here” messages had been removed. There seem to be serious water issues in that room as well, since the ceiling was dripping wet. Speaking of which, while waiting on the platform, the conductor overhead was dripping water on me. The trains also don’t come very frequently. When the train finally came into view, however, it appeared as two tiny points of light far off in the distance. It looked almost eerie, though I knew it was a pair of headlamps.
Were I to go back, I think I’d take the Shinkansen up to Echigo Yuzawa, as it’s not that much more expensive than the bus, and you don’t have to arrange weeks in advance."
Lucky Joestar
"The deepest station in Japan, with 462 steps to reach the surface, and about 100m with about 30 steps to reach the entrance. All the steps are numbered with every 10 steps, the top is 462, you can see it on the left side.
It takes about 10 minutes to climb up all these steps, so give a plenty of time or you’ll miss the train. There is no officer in this station.
Moreover, the underground way is from Minakami station (Gunma) to Nagaoka station (Niigata). The way back from Nagaoka to Minakami is the platform on surface. Please beware of that or else you’ll miss the train and have to wait a long time for the next train, sometimes it’ll be nearly 3 hours between 2 trains. Please look the instructions carefully!
There is no elevator or escalator in this station. Climbing up with heavy luggage is quite a pain.
There are few wooden chairs in the middle for you to have a rest.
There is a bus stop in front of the station."
Yến Phụng Lê Thị
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Doai Station is accessible via the JR Joetsu Line. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then transfer to the local Joetsu Line southbound. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Echigo-Yuzawa. Be aware that trains are infrequent, so check schedules in advance.
The station itself is small. The main feature is the descent into the underground platform. The surface platform is easily accessible from the bus stop.
While there might be limited parking, public transport is the recommended way to reach Doai Station due to its remote mountain location.
The only way to access the underground platform is by climbing the 462-486 steps. The northbound platform is underground, while the southbound platform is on the surface.
Yes, there is a bus stop in front of the station, offering an alternative or complementary transport option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Doai Station is an active, albeit unstaffed, train station. You do not need a separate ticket to enter the station premises or climb the stairs. However, you will need a valid train ticket to board a train.
As an active train station, it's accessible when trains are running. The underground platform is always accessible via the stairs, but the station itself is unstaffed.
No, there is no entrance fee to access the underground platform or climb the stairs. It's part of the train station experience.
No, Doai Station is unstaffed, so you cannot purchase tickets there. Ensure you have your ticket before boarding or purchase it at a larger station like Echigo-Yuzawa.
The main restriction is the physical challenge of the stairs. Be mindful of train schedules and the lack of facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The long, dimly lit staircases are iconic. The underground platform itself, with its vastness and sparse lighting, offers a unique photographic opportunity.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be respectful of any potential passengers and avoid using flash in a way that might disturb them.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the stairs and platform. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of space.
Embrace the shadows and the sense of depth. Long exposures can capture the movement of distant trains as streaks of light.
You can photograph the area where the beer is aged, but be respectful of the operational aspects and any staff present.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is climbing the 462-486 steps to the deep underground platform. You can also explore the waiting room and, if available, visit the cafe for local beer.
Allow at least 1-2 hours, factoring in the climb, waiting for trains, and exploring the underground area. The climb itself can take 10-15 minutes.
The restroom facilities underground are often closed due to water issues. You may need to climb back up to the surface station building for restroom access.
No, Doai Station is not accessible for individuals with mobility issues due to the extensive staircases and lack of elevators or escalators.
The nickname 'Mole Station' refers to its deep underground location and the long, tunnel-like descent required to reach the platform.
🍽️ 🍺 Food & Dining
There is a small cafe in the conductor's office that sometimes offers local specialties, including the unique Doai Station beer.
It's a special beer that is aged in the cool, stable environment of the underground station, giving it a unique flavor profile.
Dining options are very limited directly at the station. It's best to eat before or after your visit in a larger town like Echigo-Yuzawa.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to consume while waiting for your train, but please be sure to clean up after yourself.
If you miss your train, you'll likely have a long wait. It's advisable to have snacks or plan to return to Echigo-Yuzawa for more substantial dining options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Adventurers & Hikers
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Deepest Station
+1The underground platform is known for its cool, stable temperature, which has inspired a unique local initiative: the Doai Station Beer Project. This project involves aging local craft beers in the subterranean environment, leveraging the consistent temperature to develop distinct flavors. Visitors can often sample these unique brews at a small cafe located in the former conductor's office. This blend of railway history, natural wonder, and local innovation makes Doai Station a compelling destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in Japan.
Navigating the Depths: Practicalities and Pitfalls
Travelers are strongly advised to pack light, as ascending nearly 500 steps with heavy luggage can be extremely challenging. The underground platform is notably colder than the surface, even in summer, so bringing an extra layer of clothing is a wise precaution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit