Looking for slow travel in Japan? Hop aboard a vintage steam train
Even though bullet trains steal most of the press, rail-fans, nature lovers, and slow travelers alike will be glad to know that Japan still boasts many steam locomotive (SL) routes. JR or Japan Railway's regional branches operate many of these routes.
Travelers looking for a more relaxed trip might be surprised to learn that the country still hosts steam locomotives offering a retro trip through Japan's four seasons.
(Don't leave Tokyo without these must-do experiences) 1. SL Banetsu Monogatari (JR East)
Best for: History buffs
Route: Niitsu (Niigata Prefecture) to Aizu-Wakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture)
Journey time: 3.5 hours
Distance: 69 miles
The Tohoku region's SL Banetsu Monogatari is the longest ride by distance, covering a total of 69 miles (111 kilometers) from end to end. Built in 1946, it was the last of the locomotives on this list used in regular passenger service, operating until 1969. Fun fact: The last regularly scheduled steam train service in Japan was on the Muroran main line in Hokkaido, dating back to December 1975. The Niitsu Daiichi Elementary housed the locomotive until 1999. At the school, one of the train carriages operated as a play area for kids. Steam locomotive, SL Banetsu Monogatari runs between Maoroshi and Saruwada stations in Gosen, Niigata, Japan. It's one of five train trips travelers should consider to see a different side of the country. Photograph ByOther highlights on the SL Banetsu Monogatari include an observation car where passengers can admire the rice fields that have helped make both Niigata and Fukushima Prefectures famous for their sake (nihonshu), and a Green Car, a Japan Railway train car similar to business-class with fewer and larger seats. There's only reserved seating on the SL Banetesu Monogatari because of its popularity; however, holders of some JR Rail Passes can get a seat at no extra charge.
(This Japanese region is home to a unique fusion cuisine—here's what to know) 2. SL Fuyu no Shitsugen (JR Hokkaido)
Best for: Wintry national park views
Route: Kushiro to Shibecha (Hokkaido Prefecture)
Journey time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 30 miles
Translated as 'winter wetlands,' SL Fuyu no Shitsugen is Hokkaido's lone steam locomotive that only runs between January and March. As the train plows through snow packs in Kushiro Wetlands National Park—the largest wetlands area in the country—riders hear more about the natural diversity of the park from a local expert on the train or through a multilingual audio guide. If you are worried about not snagging a great view, try booking cars one or five. Passengers have an opportunity to see vistas of mountains and rivers, depending on the carriage arrangement. Varnished wood décor interiors help add to the ride's retro feel, which also includes a potbelly stove that passengers can use to cook seafood sold in the dining car.
SL Fuyu no Shitsugen is reserved seating only, but passengers can make a reservation using the national Japan Rail Pass.
(Everything you should know about visiting Japan) Journey to the Hokkaido Prefecture for a train ride on the SL Fuya no Shitsugen to spot wildlife, such as deer, in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. Photograph By Horizon Images/Motion / Alamy Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is also home to red-crowned cranes, also known as Japanese cranes or Manchurian cranes. Photograph By imageBROKER.com / Alamy 3. SL Gunma (JR East)
Best for: Fall foliage and adventure seekers
Route: Takasaki to Minakami (Gunma Prefecture)
Journey time: 2 hours
Distance: 37 miles
The eponymous SL Gunma, in Gunma Prefecture, is one of the more accessible steam trains from Tokyo; its usual starting point, Takasaki, is only a 50-minute Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from the capital. Passengers can choose from one of two locomotives to steer their journey; one was initially used to haul freight, and the other to transport commuter trains. This train line divides the passenger cars into two types. Constructed as far back as 1938, the more historic series was refurbished in 2020 with varnished wood interiors to give them a retro look. Alternatively, there is a car from 1978 that looks more modern, replete with air conditioning and automatic doors.
The SL Gunma is another line run by JR, so a few different rail passes can be used to enjoy the mountain ranges and onsens (hot springs) that pepper this region. People take a photo of the steam locomotive Class D51-498 during an event at Takasaki station in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Photograph By Keizo Mori/UPI/Alamy
Fun fact: Japan's topography is around 70 percent mountains and hills. How do steam trains manage to overcome constantly changing elevations? According to Tomonori Takahashi, an engineer at JR East, 'Coal is burned to increase steam pressure. The water level in the boiler is raised to prevent the boiler water from becoming uneven due to the slope.'
(Why winter is the perfect time to visit Japan) 4. SL Paleo Express (Chichibu Railway)
Best for: Nature lovers
Route: Kumagaya to Mitsumineguchi (Saitama Prefecture)
Journey time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 35 miles Many tourists stop and visit Nagatoro when riding the SL Paleo Express on Chichibu Railway. Photograph By Picture Cells/Shutterstock
Chichibu Railway's SL Paleo Express started service in 1988. It runs between April and December on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, making it an easy weekend Tokyo day trip for much of the year. This steam train trundles through Chichibu, a region so close to the capital, yet unexpectedly filled with limestone cliffs and densely forested mountains.. At Mitsumineguchi, the western terminus, there's a small park where riders and sightseers can watch the locomotive get rotated on a turntable to head back to Kumagaya. According to Kiminzo Ozawa, a representative of the Chichibu Railway tourism department, 'we are working to extend the route toward nearby Gyoda station to stimulate regional revitalization and boost demand.'
(Traditional Japanese crafts are at risk. Here's how travelers can help.) 5. Thomas the Tank Engine (Oigawa Railway)
Best for: Families
Route: Shin Kanaya to Kawane Onsen Sasamado (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Journey time: Approximately 40 minutes
Distance: 23 miles Thomas the Tank Engine spins on the turntable or rotating platform in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture before heading back to Shin Kanaya. Photograph By Amana images inc. / Alamy Families traveling along the Oigawa Railway on Thomas the Tank Train, based on the character of a popular British children's book, can see these lush tea plantations in Oobuchi Sasaba in Shizuoka Prefecture. Photograph By Princess Anmitsu/Shutterstock
Shizuoka Prefecture might be one of the green tea epicenters of Japan, but the country's Thomas the Tank Engine steam locomotive might give passengers the feeling like they're in the U.K. In 2014, the train—based on the character featured in the nearly 80-year-old English children's book—was sold out for months. Tickets can be hard to come by because this train has a fairly limited run, operating only during weekends between June and October. When it is operating, kids have an opportunity to see some of the other storied trains from the series, such as James and Hiro, at Senzu station. For visitors interested in climbing aboard, there is one caveat—tickets are only available in Japan through at Lawson (a chain of convenience stores) and the travel website Asoview.
(Seven bullet train journeys across China, from the Great Wall to Shangri-la) Editor's Note: Depending on where you visit in Japan, there are several different rail passes available. Besides the national JR rail pass, JR Hokkaido and JR East issue the passes for the trains mentioned in this article. Jonathan DeLise is a freelance travel writer and culinary tourism speaker who is generally based in the New York-area, Mexico, or Japan – follow him on YouTube.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Geographic
11-08-2025
- National Geographic
Looking for slow travel in Japan? Hop aboard a vintage steam train
Japan is known worldwide for its vast, efficient, and punctual railway system; arguably, the most famous railroad in history was born there. The country's first-ever passenger train—pulled by a steam locomotive built in the United Kingdom, the birthplace of steam trains—was introduced on October 14, 1872. The 18-mile (29-kilometer) train trip between Tokyo's Shimbashi station and Yokohama took 53 minutes to complete. Even though bullet trains steal most of the press, rail-fans, nature lovers, and slow travelers alike will be glad to know that Japan still boasts many steam locomotive (SL) routes. JR or Japan Railway's regional branches operate many of these routes. Travelers looking for a more relaxed trip might be surprised to learn that the country still hosts steam locomotives offering a retro trip through Japan's four seasons. (Don't leave Tokyo without these must-do experiences) 1. SL Banetsu Monogatari (JR East) Best for: History buffs Route: Niitsu (Niigata Prefecture) to Aizu-Wakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture) Journey time: 3.5 hours Distance: 69 miles The Tohoku region's SL Banetsu Monogatari is the longest ride by distance, covering a total of 69 miles (111 kilometers) from end to end. Built in 1946, it was the last of the locomotives on this list used in regular passenger service, operating until 1969. Fun fact: The last regularly scheduled steam train service in Japan was on the Muroran main line in Hokkaido, dating back to December 1975. The Niitsu Daiichi Elementary housed the locomotive until 1999. At the school, one of the train carriages operated as a play area for kids. Steam locomotive, SL Banetsu Monogatari runs between Maoroshi and Saruwada stations in Gosen, Niigata, Japan. It's one of five train trips travelers should consider to see a different side of the country. Photograph ByOther highlights on the SL Banetsu Monogatari include an observation car where passengers can admire the rice fields that have helped make both Niigata and Fukushima Prefectures famous for their sake (nihonshu), and a Green Car, a Japan Railway train car similar to business-class with fewer and larger seats. There's only reserved seating on the SL Banetesu Monogatari because of its popularity; however, holders of some JR Rail Passes can get a seat at no extra charge. (This Japanese region is home to a unique fusion cuisine—here's what to know) 2. SL Fuyu no Shitsugen (JR Hokkaido) Best for: Wintry national park views Route: Kushiro to Shibecha (Hokkaido Prefecture) Journey time: 1.5 hours Distance: 30 miles Translated as 'winter wetlands,' SL Fuyu no Shitsugen is Hokkaido's lone steam locomotive that only runs between January and March. As the train plows through snow packs in Kushiro Wetlands National Park—the largest wetlands area in the country—riders hear more about the natural diversity of the park from a local expert on the train or through a multilingual audio guide. If you are worried about not snagging a great view, try booking cars one or five. Passengers have an opportunity to see vistas of mountains and rivers, depending on the carriage arrangement. Varnished wood décor interiors help add to the ride's retro feel, which also includes a potbelly stove that passengers can use to cook seafood sold in the dining car. SL Fuyu no Shitsugen is reserved seating only, but passengers can make a reservation using the national Japan Rail Pass. (Everything you should know about visiting Japan) Journey to the Hokkaido Prefecture for a train ride on the SL Fuya no Shitsugen to spot wildlife, such as deer, in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. Photograph By Horizon Images/Motion / Alamy Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is also home to red-crowned cranes, also known as Japanese cranes or Manchurian cranes. Photograph By / Alamy 3. SL Gunma (JR East) Best for: Fall foliage and adventure seekers Route: Takasaki to Minakami (Gunma Prefecture) Journey time: 2 hours Distance: 37 miles The eponymous SL Gunma, in Gunma Prefecture, is one of the more accessible steam trains from Tokyo; its usual starting point, Takasaki, is only a 50-minute Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from the capital. Passengers can choose from one of two locomotives to steer their journey; one was initially used to haul freight, and the other to transport commuter trains. This train line divides the passenger cars into two types. Constructed as far back as 1938, the more historic series was refurbished in 2020 with varnished wood interiors to give them a retro look. Alternatively, there is a car from 1978 that looks more modern, replete with air conditioning and automatic doors. The SL Gunma is another line run by JR, so a few different rail passes can be used to enjoy the mountain ranges and onsens (hot springs) that pepper this region. People take a photo of the steam locomotive Class D51-498 during an event at Takasaki station in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Photograph By Keizo Mori/UPI/Alamy Fun fact: Japan's topography is around 70 percent mountains and hills. How do steam trains manage to overcome constantly changing elevations? According to Tomonori Takahashi, an engineer at JR East, 'Coal is burned to increase steam pressure. The water level in the boiler is raised to prevent the boiler water from becoming uneven due to the slope.' (Why winter is the perfect time to visit Japan) 4. SL Paleo Express (Chichibu Railway) Best for: Nature lovers Route: Kumagaya to Mitsumineguchi (Saitama Prefecture) Journey time: 2-3 hours Distance: 35 miles Many tourists stop and visit Nagatoro when riding the SL Paleo Express on Chichibu Railway. Photograph By Picture Cells/Shutterstock Chichibu Railway's SL Paleo Express started service in 1988. It runs between April and December on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, making it an easy weekend Tokyo day trip for much of the year. This steam train trundles through Chichibu, a region so close to the capital, yet unexpectedly filled with limestone cliffs and densely forested mountains.. At Mitsumineguchi, the western terminus, there's a small park where riders and sightseers can watch the locomotive get rotated on a turntable to head back to Kumagaya. According to Kiminzo Ozawa, a representative of the Chichibu Railway tourism department, 'we are working to extend the route toward nearby Gyoda station to stimulate regional revitalization and boost demand.' (Traditional Japanese crafts are at risk. Here's how travelers can help.) 5. Thomas the Tank Engine (Oigawa Railway) Best for: Families Route: Shin Kanaya to Kawane Onsen Sasamado (Shizuoka Prefecture) Journey time: Approximately 40 minutes Distance: 23 miles Thomas the Tank Engine spins on the turntable or rotating platform in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture before heading back to Shin Kanaya. Photograph By Amana images inc. / Alamy Families traveling along the Oigawa Railway on Thomas the Tank Train, based on the character of a popular British children's book, can see these lush tea plantations in Oobuchi Sasaba in Shizuoka Prefecture. Photograph By Princess Anmitsu/Shutterstock Shizuoka Prefecture might be one of the green tea epicenters of Japan, but the country's Thomas the Tank Engine steam locomotive might give passengers the feeling like they're in the U.K. In 2014, the train—based on the character featured in the nearly 80-year-old English children's book—was sold out for months. Tickets can be hard to come by because this train has a fairly limited run, operating only during weekends between June and October. When it is operating, kids have an opportunity to see some of the other storied trains from the series, such as James and Hiro, at Senzu station. For visitors interested in climbing aboard, there is one caveat—tickets are only available in Japan through at Lawson (a chain of convenience stores) and the travel website Asoview. (Seven bullet train journeys across China, from the Great Wall to Shangri-la) Editor's Note: Depending on where you visit in Japan, there are several different rail passes available. Besides the national JR rail pass, JR Hokkaido and JR East issue the passes for the trains mentioned in this article. Jonathan DeLise is a freelance travel writer and culinary tourism speaker who is generally based in the New York-area, Mexico, or Japan – follow him on YouTube.
Newsweek
22-06-2025
- Newsweek
Japan's Iconic Bullet Trains Get a Makeover
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New designs for a series of Japanese bullet trains have been unveiled and could be on the tracks by the end of the decade. The new E10 Shinkansen model will replace the current E2 and E5 bullet trains when they are retired in 2030, marking the first time a non-Japanese agency has designed Japan's signature mode of transport. Why It Matters The Shinkansen, meaning "bullet train" in Japanese, has forever changed transportation in Japan and in nearly two dozen countries around the world. Japan's nearly 2,000 miles of track connect major cities across three of the country's four main islands: Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. Shinkansen trains transport approximately 150 million passengers per year. Conceptual designs for the E10 Shinkansen, commissioned by East Japan Railway Company. Conceptual designs for the E10 Shinkansen, commissioned by East Japan Railway Company. Tangerine What To Know The new designs were commissioned by the East Japan Railway Company, also known as JR East, and were completed by design studio Tangerine, based in London and Seoul. The Shinkansen will operate on JR East's Tohoku route, connecting Tokyo to Aomori. Matt Round, Tangerine's chief creative officer, told Newsweek that incorporating the culture of Japan into the design was vital for the cross-continental collaboration. "There are so many different parties within the supply chain that you need to work with as a designer in order to bring your vision to life," Round said. "Those relationships are really important, and there's a team of us doing this together. We're bridging cultures, we're bridging technical expertise, and pulling the best teams together to deliver this." For the bullet train, Tangerine adopted a design philosophy called "thoughtful travel," which focused on how the train engaged with Japan's countryside and culture. One example the designers highlighted was the decision to shape the train in a way inspired by sakura flowers, the Japanese cherry blossom. The interior of new bullet train designs, for the East Japan Railway Company. The interior of new bullet train designs, for the East Japan Railway Company. Tangerine "We took inspiration from all of the scenery along the way, from the forests, the coasts, the cities, and used that kind of imagery to fuel the design," Round said. "It's a really great kind of source of inspiration to use, and it's been used many times." What People Are Saying Matt Round, Tangerine's chief creative officer, told Newsweek: "We took the spirit of thoughtfulness and used that to drive passenger preference; both the passengers at home and the passengers abroad. "We began to center all of our design around thoughtfulness, so that we could think really carefully about what we needed to do to satisfy the needs of different consumer groups and different stakeholders within the business. And we arrived at a design philosophy that we call thoughtful travel." What Happens Next The concepts are now moving into the design implementation phase. The first E10 bullet trains are expected to enter service in 2030.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
SkyDrive and JR East Begin Discussions to Explore eVTOL Experiences at AZUMA FARM KOIWAI
TOYOTA, Japan, February 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SkyDrive Inc. ("SkyDrive"), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce that it has initiated discussions with East Japan Railway Company ("JR East") to provide eVTOL experiences at a premium hotel "AZUMA FARM KOIWAI." Scheduled to open in spring 2026 at Koiwai Farm, the hotel aims to offer guests a unique opportunity to experience air travel as part of its exclusive services. SkyDrive is developing a lightweight, three-seater eVTOL aircraft that will play a key future role in the coming urban transport revolution. As eVTOL flights become a regular part of city life, SkyDrive seeks to lead this market transformation. JR East is dedicated to crafting travel experiences that highlight the diverse appeal of local regions, including nature, cuisine, industry, and tradition. In line with this vision, JR East launched a new hotel brand called "AZUMA FARM" in January 2025. The first hotel under this brand, "AZUMA FARM KOIWAI," will open in spring 2026 at Koiwai Farm in Iwate Prefecture. SkyDrive is collaborating with JR East to explore the possibility of offering air taxi experiences as a valuable enhancement for guests at "AZUMA FARM KOIWAI." Both companies are currently considering plans for an eVTOL route connecting Morioka city, a key access point to Koiwai Farm, to the hotel as well as tourism flights. This innovative transportation option would enable guests to enjoy stunning views of Mount Iwate and the beautiful surrounding landscapes while traveling in privacy and comfort, making travel time a truly memorable experience. SkyDrive and JR East will continue to collaborate closely and deepen discussions of essential factors such as landing and takeoff locations, flight routes, and ticket pricing. About SkyDrive Inc. SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming "to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution". The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2024, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for "SKYDRIVE", the company's latest eVTOL product. SKYDRIVE will fly at Expo 2025 in Osaka, a major international event. SkyDrive began production of "SKYDRIVE" in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and more information, please visit: Editor's Note:(*1) "eVTOL" is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology. View source version on Contacts Public Relations TeamSkyDrive info@ Sign in to access your portfolio
