GeoPal opened in 2015 next to Itoigawa Station's Alps Exit as a visitor information center that can be enjoyed by visitors and local families alike.
It is divided into 3 areas, all of which are free to explore!
Why "GeoPal?"
The name GeoPal was chosen from a list of names suggested by the local community. The word combines the word "Geo" meaning "Earth" from Geopaark with the word "Pal" meaning "friend."
Geopal ＝ Geopark ＋ Pal
The hope is that this facility will act as a hub in the center of Itoigawa to connect friends, both old and new, through our shared passion for the Geopark.
Geopark Tourist
Information Center
First time in Itoigawa? Start your visit here! Colorful panels and video displays will get you started with the basics about how to make the best of your time in "Itoigawa Geopark!"
Make sure to visit the Tourist Information Counter to get the latest information about local sights and events.
Geopark Tourist Information Center Hours
| Hours | 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (7:30 p.m. from Jul - Sep) |
|---|---|
| Closed January 1st | |
| Admission | Free |
Kiha-52 Waiting Room
This KiHa-52 Diesel Multiple Unit carried passenger service on the JR Ōito Line until it was retired on March 12th, 2010. It has been repurposed as a unique waiting room where passengers can pass the time while waiting for their train. Monitors on the wall display schedules for trains and buses departing from the station and exhibits of railroad memorabilia are on display.
Outside the waiting room, the brick arch of the old depot building has been lovingly preserved as a monument to Itoigawa's railroad history. During special events, the KiHa-52 trains is moved outside along the track through the leftmost arch.
In addition to the KiHa 52, a replica of the dining carriage of the old Twilight Express overnight service train and the Kurohime Steam Locomotive are on display. Visitors can go inside the Twilight Express dining carriage between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
| Hours | 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (7:30 p.m. from Jul - Sep） *Twilight Express from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Closed January 1 | |
| Admission | Free |
Model Railroad
Diorama Station
This miniature model railroad museum features two models, an N Scale (1:160) model of the ETR Nihonkai Hisui Line and JR Hokuriku Shinkansen and an HO Scale (1:87) model of the JR Ōito Line. Visitors can try operating the trains themselves and even bring their own trains to run on the track! It's a celebration of the trains that move people in and around the Geopark and a lot of fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
Kids especially will love the Plarail toy train play area!
■Itoigawa City Tourism Association
1-7-47 Omachi, Itoigawa, Niigata 941-0061
Tel: 025-555-7344 Fax: 025-555-7364
URL：https://discover-itoigawa.com/
| Hours | Mon - Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat, Sun & Holidays: 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (7:00 p.m. Jul - Sep) |
|---|---|
| Closed January 1 | |
| Admission | Free |
| Model Railroad Driving Activity |
500 yen for 30 min ＊200 yen if using your own locomotive |
| Other |
・Children under 10 must be accompanied by a guardian. ・When bringing your own N Scale locomotives, 25-m-class locomotives will use the Shinkansen track, 20-m-class locomotives will use the local tracks. ・During peak times, staff may ask users to vacate their seat after 30 minutes. When operating the trains, please follow staff's instructions. |
Location
Ōmachi, Itoigawa
Itoigawa Station Alps Exit
For more information contact the
Itoigawa City Tourism Association