Definition
Gujō Station (Japanese: 郡上駅, Gujō-eki) is a railway station located in the city of Gujō, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is operated by the third‑sector railway company Nagaragawa Railway and serves the Etsumi‑Nan Line.
Overview
Gujō Station functions as a local stop on the Nagaragawa Railway’s Etsumi‑Nan Line, which connects the cities of Mino‑Ōta and Gujō. The station provides access to the surrounding residential and commercial areas of Gujō and is situated near local points of interest such as the historic district of Gujō‑Hachiman and the Nagara River. Passenger services consist of regular local trains; there is no limited‑express service that stops at this station.
Etymology / Origin
The station’s name derives directly from the city in which it is located. The kanji 郡上 (Gujō) historically refers to a region governed as a “county‑upper” (郡, gun) area, reflecting the administrative divisions of feudal Japan. The suffix 駅 (eki) simply means “station.”
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | Nagaragawa Railway (第三セクタ — third‑sector) |
| Line | Etsumi‑Nan Line (恵那川線) |
| Distance from line origin | Approximately 47.5 km from the line’s official starting point at Mino‑Ōta Station (exact distance may vary by source) |
| Platform layout | One side platform serving a single bi‑directional track |
| Station building | Unstaffed, simple shelter with basic seating; ticketing is handled via a nearby automated machine or on‑board conductor |
| Opening date | 1 March 1955 (as a JNR station; transferred to Nagaragawa Railway upon its privatization in 1986) |
| Accessibility | No dedicated elevators or ramps; access is via a level crossing that may not fully meet modern barrier‑free standards |
| Passenger usage | Data from recent fiscal years indicate modest daily ridership, typical of rural stations on the line (exact figures are subject to annual reporting) |
Related Topics
- Nagaragawa Railway – The operator of the Etsumi‑Nan Line, a third‑sector railway established after the privatization of the Japanese National Railways (JNR) in the 1980s.
- Etsumi‑Nan Line – A regional rail line running through Gifu Prefecture, known for serving scenic areas along the Nagara River.
- Gujō, Gifu – The city in which the station is situated, noted for its historic water‑wheel festivals and traditional architecture.
- Gujō‑Hachiman – A nearby historic town famous for its preserved Edo‑period streets and UNESCO‑listed cultural heritage.
Note: All factual statements are based on publicly available railway records and municipal information. Precise operational details such as exact passenger numbers or platform dimensions may vary annually.