Location & Access
Ayashi Station (愛子駅), located in Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, is a prominent stop on the JR East Senzan Line. It's conveniently situated at 1 Aiko Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, and is famously known by its moniker, "Entrance to the Akiu Hot Springs" (秋保温泉口), making it a gateway for travelers heading to these renowned hot springs. Many trains from Sendai terminate and reverse at Ayashi Station, highlighting its importance as a regional hub.
Railway Lines
The station primarily serves the Senzan Line, connecting Sendai with Yamagata. It is 15.2 km from Sendai Station. Ayashi Station features one side platform and one island platform, accommodating three tracks. It is a staffed station, offering services like the "Midori no Madoguchi" (Green Window) for ticket purchases and inquiries.
Station History
Ayashi Station opened on September 29, 1929, and underwent a significant rebuild in 2018. A unique event in its history occurred on December 1, 2001, when over a thousand people flocked to the station to buy platform tickets as commemorative souvenirs. This surge in sales, from 124 tickets in the preceding months to approximately 84,000 in December 2001, was due to the birth of Princess Aiko, whose name shares the same kanji characters as Ayashi. JR East even sold special commemorative tickets in 2002 to mark this occasion.
Travel Tips
For those planning a visit to the Akiu Hot Springs, Ayashi Station is your ideal disembarkation point. Its historical significance, especially related to Princess Aiko's birth, also makes it an interesting stop for collectors of unique Japanese railway memorabilia. With an average daily ridership of 4,184 in FY2018, it's a moderately busy station, offering good connectivity.
