Travel | Dec 18

Seasonal train with kotatsu tables begins service in northern Japan

IWATE, Dec 18 (NHK) - A railway operator in northern Japan has begun running train service along the scenic coastline equipped with a table-shaped heater called kotatsu.

Sanriku Railway in Iwate Prefecture started the seasonal service this weekend.

About 20 passengers were seated at 12 such heater tables as the kotatsu train departed from Kuji station on Saturday.

A boxed lunch featuring sea urchin, abalones and other local delicacies was available as customers enjoyed winter scenes of the rugged coastline.

The operator will run the train on weekends and holidays through March 26 and the first three days of the New Year. ...continue reading

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