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Travel back in time with a nostalgic SL trip.
The two steam locomotives running in Gunma Prefecture, mainly on weekends, are "SL Minakami," which runs from Takasaki Station to Minakami Station and back, and "SL Yokokawa," which runs from Takasaki Station to Yokokawa Station and back. The "D51 class steam locomotive" was created in 1940 (Showa 15) and was nicknamed "Degoichi". The "C61 class steam locomotive" born in 1949 (Showa 24) was a passenger locomotive nicknamed "Shirokuichi". Although the running of steam locomotives came to an end in the 1960s, both locomotives were "statically preserved" in good condition in Gunma Prefecture, and the fact that there were still experienced people in Gunma Prefecture who could be involved in locomotive operation and maintenance was considered a factor in their revival.
On the Minakami train, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Mt. Akagi and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Tonegawa River upstream, including the railway bridge and valley.
On the Yokogawa train, visitors can enjoy the scenery like a landscape painting created by Mt. Myogi and enjoy the countryside scenery overlooking Mt. Haruna.
There are also many fun things to enjoy, such as SL station box lunches and goods for sale, some of which are limited items.
The D51 class steam locomotive, commonly known as Degoichi, is synonymous with steam locomotives.
D51 class steam locomotive built as a "powerhouse" locomotive
SL running through Gunma's nature
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「SLぐんま みなかみ」を間近に楽しめる穴場をご紹介します。それは、「水上駅SL転車台広場」です。JR水上駅（改札口は1ヵ所）を出て駅を背にして右手に5分ほど歩いた場所にあります。終着となる水上駅でSLが方向転換をするために転車台で回転します。その様子を、機関車の熱気を感じられるほど近くで見られる貴重なスポットです。SL運行日はSL指定席券を提示しないと広場に入れませんが、すぐ横の高台から少し遠目に眺めることができます。ここは無料で見学できるさらなる穴場です。私が訪れた日には、JR東日本の周遊型寝台列車（クルーズトレイン）の「TRAIN SUITE 四季島」が水上駅に姿を見せてくれました。
