By Train

From Tokyo, Nagoya

Tokyo (Tohoku Honsen Line, Tohoku Shinkansen "Yamabiko") - Oyama (Mito-sen Line) - Shimodate (Mo-oka Tetsudo Railway) - Mashiko: 1 hr. 50 min.

Tokyo (Tohoku Honsen Line, Tohoku Shinkansen "Yamabiko") - Utsunomiya (Toya Bus) - Mashiko: 2 hrs.

By Car

From Tokyo and Nagoya

Tohoku Jidoshado Kanuma Interchange - Route 123

Joban Jidoshado Mito Interchange - Route 50

From Tohoku

Tohoku Jidoshado Utsunomiya Interchange - Route 123

By Bus

Toya Bus (Utsunomiya-shi) / 028-662-1166 (bus linking Utsunomiya and Mashiko)

Taxi

Shinko Taxi / 0285-72-7700

Mashiko Taxi / 0285-72-2134

Bicycles for Rent

Mashiko Station Rent-a-cycle / 0285-72-2511

Mashiko-yaki Kamamoto Kyohan Center Rent-a-cycle / 0285-72-4444

Yorozuya Rent-a-cycle / 0285-72-2035

The Mo-oka Railway which links Shimodate and Motegi via Mashiko is also known as the "Cotton Way." The nickname was derived from the historic city of Mo-oka which produced high quality cotton. The railway is also famous for its steam locomotive trains which run mainly on weekends during the months of March through December. The train leaves Shimodate at 10:52 and slowly makes its way along the Tochigi-ji Tracks and arrives at Motegi at 12:10. Most of the lines are for passengers traveling from Shimodate to Motegi. Once a month, a train from Motegi to Shimodate is in operation. Train tickets are available from one month in advance. If you are a steam locomotive fan, or if you simply wish to enjoy the antique atmosphere, the ride would be a wonderful experience.
Mo-oka Tetsudo K.K. / 0285-84-2911