The price mentioned is for my family—two adults and two children (one in elementary school and one preschooler) for a one-way trip from Shimoi-maichi Station to Tobu World Square Station. If the preschooler doesn’t need a seat, it’s 380 yen less. Please note that a separate train ticket is required.
To enjoy an adult's weekend getaway, my family hopped on an express train and started indulging in alcohol from the morning.
Our express train brought us to Shimo-imaichi Station in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Our destination was Tobu World Square, but since we had more than 30 minutes until the next local train, we decided to fill the time with a little sightseeing.
As I mentioned in the previous article, we headed off to take pictures of the local Ferris wheel idol during that break.
This time, I’ll share our unplanned experience of riding the SL Taiju in a two-part series!
What is an SL (Steam Locomotive)?
SL stands for 'Steam Locomotive.' These trains run by using the power of steam generated by heating water with coal. About 50 years ago, even Tobu Railways had steam locomotives in service.
What is SL Taiju?
The SL Taiju runs a 7.1 km stretch between Tobu-Nikko Station and Shimo-imaichi Station, a journey that takes around 20 minutes. It also travels 12.4 km from Shimo-imaichi to Kinugawa Onsen Station in about 35 minutes.
SL Taiju has been running since August 2017, using equipment borrowed or received from various regions across Japan.
Reference: SL Taiju's Secrets
Check the Operating Days!
I wasn’t even aware that SL services were available from Shimo-imaichi Station, but on that day, I was able to buy tickets for the 10:29 departure just 10 minutes before the train left. There are also DL (diesel locomotive) trains operating, so make sure to check the schedule if you're specifically looking to ride an SL!
Booking Tickets
It seems tickets can be booked up to a month in advance. You can buy them at the Shimoi-maichi Station ticket counter or online in advance.
Despite it being the middle of a three-day weekend, my family managed to get tickets just before departure. Upon checking availability, it seems weekends are often fully booked, but there were still some open seats during the kids’ summer vacation period. Go for it! (As of August 10, 2024).
You Can See SL Taiju on the Turntable on Operating Days
At Shimo-imaichi Station, you can watch the SL Taiju on the turntable at 12:10, 13:50, 16:40, and 17:40 on operating days.
A turntable is equipment used to rotate the direction of locomotives. Since SLs can only travel in one direction, they rely on turntables to turn around.
Source:Learn More About SL Taiju (Tobu Railway)
While the SL was rotating, the conductor was waving the entire time, creating a heartwarming scene.
I Might Have Used Up All My Good Luck in Nikko in 2024…
Our return trip from Shimo-imaichi Station was at 16:47. The turntable operation time was 16:40. It just so happened that our randomly chosen train times allowed us not only to ride the SL but also to witness the turntable in action. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience.
In the next article, I’ll finally share our ride on the SL, as we embark toward our destination!
