Nagatoro Steam Locomotive

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Nagatoro Steam Locomotive

Enjoy the nature along the Chichibu Line from the Nagatoro steam Locomotive.

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The Chichibu railway operates the Steam Locomotive Paleo Express mainly on weekends. This tourist train rumbles down the track of Chichibu Line, running through deep forest. It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to go from Kumagaya Station to Mitsumineguchi station. This relaxed classic train trip is rewarding, and it’s wonderful to view the amazing seasonal scenery from the window.

The front shiny, black-bodied locomotive pulling the other passenger cars is the masterpiece of C58363 train that was first engineered in 1944. After a long rest, having stopped serving as a commercial train in 1972, the train was revived in 1988, rolling on the Chichibu route. This powerful train running through the scenic mountains with a thick plume of steam has become one of Chichibu's most spectacular images.

The train leaves from Kumagaya Station. You can go to the station ahead of time, in order to take pictures of the train approaching backwards. As the big black body comes close, it shows off its impressive look. You can take close-up pictures as there is a plenty of time before departure.

The regular train takes about only one hour and half for the same route, but this 2 hour and 40 min ride allows you to enjoy a fascinating scenic view and take good pictures. Another wonderful part of this trip is several wooden structured stations from the old days. This is a perfect little trip that brings foreign visitors back to the old Japan; it’s all here, the lush countryside, rushing Arakawa River, dramatic mountains vistas and old-style stations.

Highlights

  • It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to go from Kumagaya Station to Mitsumineguchi station.
  • Powerful and bold locomotive, C58363.
  • Operates the Steam Locomotive Paleo Express mainly on weekends.

Photos

  • The powerful and exciting steam locomotive pulls the passenger cars.

    The powerful and exciting steam locomotive pulls the passenger cars.

  • Getting on the train as the departure time approaches. A nostalgic interior with red colored 4-people box seats creates a classic and tranquil mood.

    Getting on the train as the departure time approaches. A nostalgic interior with red colored 4-people box seats creates a classic and tranquil mood.

  • After Yorii station, the scenery changes, offering a dense forest view.

    After Yorii station, the scenery changes, offering a dense forest view.

  • Nagatoro station.

    Nagatoro station.

  • The nostalgic wooden station structure remains same as the day it opened. The train stops here for about 10 minutes, so there is time to take more pictures.

    The nostalgic wooden station structure remains same as the day it opened. The train stops here for about 10 minutes, so there is time to take more pictures.

  • After a while, we passed over the Arakawa Bridge above the Arakawa River. The dramatic view of the river from the train window is amazing! In spring, the train runs through a beautiful collection of cherry blossoms.

    After a while, we passed over the Arakawa Bridge above the Arakawa River. The dramatic view of the river from the train window is amazing! In spring, the train runs through a beautiful collection of cherry blossoms.

Reviews

1
  • dino

    擁有歷史歲月充滿復古感的小小車站,搭配著S L蒸汽火車,彷彿回到了昭和年代。

Facility information

Facility name
Chichibu Railway
Activity name
Nagatoro Steam Locomotive
Postal Code
360-0033
Address
1-1 Akebonocho, Kumagaya City, Saitama
Telephone number
048-523-3317
Days of Operation
mainly weekend and holidays
*check the details on the official website.
Fee
Locomotive reserved-seat ticket: Advance Purchase (Credit Card Payment) 1,000 yen
Purchase at Station Window (Cash Only) 1,100 yen.
*an additional basic fare ticket is necessary
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Note
*Book from Chichibu Railway reservation system page.
*booking is available from one month before until 30 minutes before the departure time.
*pay and receive a ticket at the station you are getting on that day.