The Akita Nairiku Line (秋田内陸線), nicknamed Smile Rail (スマイルレール), is a Japanese railway line located in Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. It operates between Takanosu in the city of Kitaakita and Kakunodate in the city of Semboku. The Akita Nariku Line is the only railway line operated by the third-sector Akita Nairiku Jūkan Railway (秋田内陸縦貫鉄道).

Service outlines

Trains on the line are operated as "Local" (all-stations), "Rapid", "Special Rapid", and the Moriyoshi Express service.

Station list

All stations are in Akita Prefecture. Transfers are available only at Takanosu (JR Ou Main Line) and Kakunodate (JR Tazawako Line and Akita Shinkansen).

History

Aniai Line

On December 10, 1934, the Japanese Government Railways (JGR) opened the Aniai Line (阿仁合線) connecting Takanosu with Yonaizawa over a length of 15.1 kilometers. Following World War II, the JGR became the Japanese National Railways (JNR), and the line was further extended to Hitachinai by October 15, 1963.

Kakunodate Line

On November 1, 1971, the JNR Kakunodate Line began operations from Kakunodate to Matsuba, with construction continuing north towards Hitachinai to provide a connection to the Aniai Line. However construction was suspended in 1980 due to JNR funding constraints.

Closure

The Kakunodate Line was closed by JNR on 11 September 1981, and the Aniai Line on 22 June 1984.

Reopening

The third-sector Akita Nairiku Jūkan Railway Company reopened both the Aniai Line (as the Akita Nairiku Kita Line) and the Kakunodate Line (as the Akita Nairiku Minami Line) on November 1, 1986. It also recommenced construction of the suspended link (known as the New Line) which opened on April 1, 1989 creating the current through-route.