![]() In 1911, Japan built its first SL train domestically, and after World War 1 (1914–1918), many SL trains were manufactured domestically. Japan’s first SL train was the Type 110 from the United Kingdom, which landed in the country in 1872 and plied between Tokyo and Yokohama. Unlike modern trains, an SL train uses fuel such as coal that is burned to heat water in the boiler, therefore running the steam engine at the front and propelling the train forward. When you read these words, what image comes to your mind? For most people, it would be the steam locomotive (SL) train. The engineers are just as great as the rest of the staff, they love to show you around the engine.Īll in all its a wonderful railway and I cannot wait to go back again.The clouds of steam billowing from the chimney, the retro design of the steam engine’s boiler, and the familiar chugging “choo-choo” sound. I hope going forward they get a good bit of TLC to preserve such rare historical stock.Īt the treminus the engineers let everyone get a shot on the footplate. The steam loco had a vintage electric engine attached to the rear for the climb. They have not had alot of TLC as I have seen with other railways but it kinda gives it a strange authenticity. The rollingstock is all from around the war era. Even past a blokes onsen and they all come out to wave in their birthday suits! I did it in Sakura and it was amazing. The scenery was amazing along the line, it follows a pretty big river valley up to the end. ![]() Even the conductor comes through each carriage on his harmonica and will play you a jingle and have the whole carriage clapping and singing. They love what they do and make everyone feel welcome. I have never seen such a warm friendly railroad. The staff are what makes this place incredibly special. This place is for everybody!īooking can be a bit of a hassle as a Non-Japanese speaker however they have a PDF that helps you book on their Japanese website. To start with I am a seasoned Railway Buff and will go out of my way to find a great steam railway, I also had non railroad loving friends and they equally had a great time too. Most travellers will only take the SL train one way and travel back on the regular trains so do plan ahead. So time your departure and arrival to ensure that you can catch the train back to Shin Kanaya. You will have to purchase a separate ticket for this. When you arrive in Senzu, you have the option of taking another train to Ikawa where the Okuoikojo Dam is. The SL train ride takes about 75 minutes during which the crew will go from cabin to cabin to entertain passengers with Japanese folk songs.Ħ. And portion of food is very decent with lots of rice.ĥ. The serving crew will collect payment from you at some point. If you have pre ordered food, the food will be placed on your seat in the train. In Shin Kanaya station, you will need to go to an older platform just next door to board the train to Kanaya station where you will board the steam train.Ĥ. They only accept cash payment, and speak very very little English.ģ. On the day of visit, take a train from Shizuoka to Shin Kanaya station where you collect and pay for your tickets (Y1900/adult and half price for children below 11 years old). As there is usually only 1 train available each day, it is advisable to book in advance.Ģ. Do bring a print out of this confirmation along. 24 hours after you submit the request, you will receive a confirmation with your reservation number. Prebook your tickets visit the Oigawa Railway site in English and on the section where you see the scheduke, there is a link to reserve your tickets with options to reserve ' railway bentos. So for those of us who do not speak Japanes, here's quick step by step to do this:ġ. Thrilled the kids to no end!Īs we did not understand Japanese, the process of getting there was a little confusing. We were there in summer and saw lots of greenery and could actually walk on river beds and in Kanaya, we saw actual siEd Thomad and Friends trains. The view was majestic and beautiful - a great way to see the quiet side of Japan and I am sure every season provides a different view. We put this in our itinerary as our sons are big fans of trains and it sid not disappoint.
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