Train station • 2 Chome-3 Nagamachi, Yamagata, 990-0811, Japan
Higashine-Chitose Station, a small unmanned station located in the center of Yamagata City, holds significant historical importance. This is the junction where the Senzan Line and Ou Main Line intersect, making it a key point in the railway network of the Tohoku region.
Higashine-Chitose Station serves as the transfer station between the Ou Main Line, a major trunk line in Tohoku, and the Senzan Line, which runs vertically through the prefecture. It has become an indispensable hub for both intraprefectural and interprefectural travel.
Furthermore, the station's unique feature is the installation of a rare "crossing point for different track gauges". The term "track gauge" refers to the width of the railway, and in this area, wide-gauge and narrow-gauge tracks intersect. This infrastructure dates back to the past when the track gauges of the lines connecting Yamagata and neighboring prefectures were different.
Despite being an unmanned station, Higashine-Chitose Station is equipped with IC card-compatible automatic ticket gates, ensuring convenience for passengers. The surrounding area is characterized by residential neighborhoods and a sports center, attracting many people during events and tournaments.
However, the lack of a roof in front of the station is a drawback, as it can leave people exposed to rain during inclement weather. Furthermore, the station faces the challenge of limited transportation options due to the absence of connecting transport such as buses.
Nevertheless, Higashine-Chitose Station quietly supports the lives of local residents, rooted in the community as a small station. While maintaining the traditions of its historic status as a junction station, it will continue to be cherished as an essential means of transportation for the people of Yamagata.