The Aonami Line for Kinjo-Futo Station, Legoland Japan, & SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

The Aonami Line is a semi-private railway line that connects Nagoya Station with the Nagoya Port area. The railway is run by the Nagoya Seaside Rapid Railway which was jointly established by Nagoya Port maintenance union and JR Central.

Because of its semi-private status this line is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. However, prepaid IC cards such as MANACA, SUICA, or ICOCA can be used on this line.

For tourists the main destination on this line is Kinjo-Futo Station which is convenient for the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. Kinjo-Futo Station looks set to become even more popular with the opening of the Legoland Japan theme park on April 1st 2017.

At Nagoya Station

The Aonami Line can be accessed on the south west side of Nagoya Station. The Aonami Line ticket gates are right beside the Taiko Dori South Gates for the JR lines. Here is a map showing the location:

Key Destinations

There are 11 stations on the Aonami Line.

Nagoya – Sasashima-raibu – Komoto – Arako – Minami-Arako – Nakajima – Nagoya Keibajo-mae – Arakogawakoen – Inaei – Noseki – Kinjo-Futo

The key destinations are given below with train fares and travel times given from Nagoya Station.

Sasashima-raibu Station

This station is convenient for the Zepp Nagoya music hall which is a popular spot for live performances by both Japanese and international musicians.

Arako Station

Arako Station is a 9 minute walk from Arako Kannon Temple which was established in 729. Its two story pagoda dates from 1536 and is the oldest building in Nagoya. There is a museum on the temple grounds which holds 1,255 wooden figures which were carved by the monk Enku in the 17th century. These were stored inside the pagoda and rediscovered by accident in 1972.

Nagoya Keibajo-mae Station

This station is convenient for Nagoya Racecourse, Nagoya Immigration Bureau, and the Aichi-ken Budokan arena.

Arakogawakoen Station

This station serves Arakogawa Koen Park which is known for its lavender garden and cherry blossom.

Noseki Station

This station is close to the Nagoya City Wild Bird Observation Center. The center has two floors of observatories overlooking the Shonai River wetlands and is equipped with 30 telescopes and an exhibition corner.

Kinjo-Futo Station

Kinjo-Futo Station serves an area of Nagoya Port which is undergoing rapid commercial development. Exit here for the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park; one of Japan’s most popular railway museums with displays of rolling stock ranging from the steam train to the new Superconducting Maglev.

This is also the location of the new Legoland Japan; a major theme park with over 40 rides, shows and attractions. Nearby is Nagoya International Exhibition Hall (also called Port Messe) and Maker’s Pier; a new complex of shops, restaurants, gardens, and entertainment facilities. Japan’s first Sea Life aquarium will be opened in the Kinjo-Futo area in 2018.

Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.