The price, ¥21,160, is for a round trip on a limited express train from Omiya Station to Tobu World Square Station for two adults and two children (one in elementary school and one preschooler). If you don't need a seat for the preschooler, subtract ¥7,040.
As we’re already halfway through 2024, did you know that there are five long weekends remaining within the next six months?
That’s right—five!
After last year, when holidays inconveniently fell on Saturdays, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this “lucky year.” But, due to various circumstances, it seemed that we wouldn't be able to take a trip during the July long weekend.
And that’s when things changed on July 13.
My husband and I were talking, saying, "It's a long weekend—let's drink some beer during the day!"
We both can drive, but if we go far by car, one of us has to refrain from drinking.
Should we take the train then? If we want to drink, why not a limited express train? Where should we go? Our daughter has recently become interested in history and geography, so how about Tobu World Square? Sounds great—let's go!
(All of this happened in about 30 minutes. )(Meanwhile, the rain forecast was at 90%.)
I’ve always been spontaneous, thanks to my long years attending live concerts, but my husband, too, was unusually quick to decide. Not wanting him to change his mind, we quickly got ready to go!
Booking via Eki-Net—All Set with a Credit Card
After some research, we found that express trains run from Asakusa, Ikebukuro, and Omiya to Tochigi.
By the time we started booking, it was already past 10 p.m., so we couldn’t get seats on the best train times, but we were happy to secure four seats together.
We booked tickets on the Nikko 21 outbound and the Spacia Nikko 4 for the return trip.
The only available outbound train was at the ungodly hour of 8:02 a.m. from Omiya, but our goal—drinking beer during the day (or even from the morning)—was achieved.
Not even five minutes after departure, we cracked open our beers—mission accomplished.
And, unexpectedly, the surprises kept coming!
As we snacked and enjoyed the ride, the rain stopped once we reached Tochigi—an auspicious start!
We soon arrived at Shimo-Imaichi Station, and as we stepped onto the platform, we were greeted by a crowd of people.
Lo and behold, the SL Taiju steam locomotive was right there, billowing smoke!
I had never seen an SL train this close before and was absolutely thrilled!
As it slowly approached the platform, my excitement reached its peak.
I dashed off, leaving my family behind, to take pictures. It was so cool!
After taking tons of photos, we said goodbye to the SL Taiju and checked the schedule for the train to Tobu World Square.
To my surprise, the next local train wasn’t for another 30 minutes! (Though there was an express in between.)
A regrettable mistake and a dramatic comeback
That’s when I made a blunder—failing to plan for such delays. But as I looked around, I spotted a Ferris wheel in the distance!
Surprised by this unexpected encounter, they immediately changed their plans!
Upon quick research, I found out that the Nikko Landmark Ferris wheel was within walking distance of Shimo-Imaichi Station.
With no time to waste, we changed plans and decided to visit the Ferris wheel instead.
We had already purchased tickets to Tobu World Square, so this detour did incur some extra transportation costs.
While waiting for our next train, I checked the schedule again and found an open seat on the 10:29 SL Taiju!
What? I wanted to ride it. Let’s do it!
An Ever-Evolving Journey
Our original plan of "take a limited express train, drink beer during the day, and go to Tobu World Square" had evolved in just two hours into "take a limited express train, drink beer from the morning, take pictures of a Ferris wheel, ride an SL train, and then go to Tobu World Square." Who could have predicted this?
This is why I love being spontaneous!
Current Time: 9:35 a.m. — 7 Hours Until We Head Home
ur return journey was on the Spacia departing Shimo-Imaichi Station at 4:47 p.m.
As you can see from the photo, we safely boarded, but the adventure didn’t end there!
Just a two-hour trip from the city, a spontaneous express train ride promises unexpected experiences. Why not use one of the remaining long weekends to enjoy an adult adventure with your kids in tow?
Stay tuned for next time when we introduce Nikko’s first-ever local Ferris wheel!
