Nikkō Line

The Nikkō Line (日光線, Nikkō-sen^?) is the name of two railway lines that serve the city of Nikkō, Tochigi, Japan.

1. The JR Nikkō Line is the 40.5 kilometre line that runs from Utsunomiya Station in Utsunomiya, Tochigi to Nikkō Station and is operated by JR East.

2. See Tobu Nikkō Line for the 94.5 km line that branches off of the Tobu Isesaki Line at Tōbu Dōbutsu Kōen Station in Miyashiro. It is owned and operated by Tobu Railway.

Tobu Nikkō Station and JR Nikkō Station are both located within easy walking distance of each other in the city of Nikkō.

This article describes the JR Nikkō Line.

[edit] History

June 1, 1890: The line is opened by Japan Rail under the name of "Nikkō Sen". Service operates from Utsunomiya Station to Imaichi Station.
August 11, 1890: The line is extended to its present day terminus of Nikkō.
November 11, 1906: Japan Rail is nationalized.
September 22, 1959: Electrification of the line is completed.
February 1, 1984: Cargo service on the line is cancelled.
April 1, 1987: Ownership of the line is transferred to JR East. Cargo service is resumed by JR Freight.