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Oigawa Railway

静岡県

3.9

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

One of the few railway lines in Japan where steam locomotives run.

The reason why Oigawa Railway is loved by many people is because it is one of the few lines where SL locomotives still run. The "Thomas the Tank Engine" also appears regularly on the Oigawa Railway. Please don't forget to check in advance as reservations are often required!

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Enjoy a Retro Steam Locomotive Trip!

The Oigawa Railway's steam locomotive runs almost every day between Shin-Kanaya Station and Senzu Station on the Oigawa Main Line, and is famous for being available to ride all year round. The journey on the steam locomotive, which runs through the green tea fields along the Oigawa River at an average speed of 30km/h while echoing with the sound of whistles and steam, takes about an hour and 20 minutes and provides a nostalgic and healing experience. As the SL train has reserved seating and often fills up quickly, it's best to make a reservation in advance!

Point 2

Spring Scenery that Can Only be Found Here

The Oigawa Railway is also a famous cherry blossom spot with about 280 Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the line, attracting many visitors during the best viewing time from late March to early April. In particular, Kayama Station is known for creating a "cherry blossom tunnel" of about 1 km along the railway with cherry blossoms in full bloom, making it a famous spot for taking the best shots of trains and cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy the harmony of the SL steam locomotive and cherry blossoms, which can only be found here, so be sure to bring your camera and visit during the flowering season.

Point 3

Enjoy the Unique Fragrances of Shizuoka in Early Summer

Along the Oi River, tea fields stretch out and the scenery of Shizuoka's tea plantations surrounded by nature such as mountains and rivers can be enjoyed even from the train window. Especially in May, the fresh greenery becomes the most beautiful color of the year, and as it's also the season for new tea, you can enjoy the sweet aroma of tea mixed with the breeze if you open the window. As a companion for your ride, you can purchase Oigawa Railway's original bento boxes made with local Shizuoka specialties such as tea and sakura shrimp. It seems like a fun way to enjoy the ride.

Point 4

Thomas the Tank Engine, a Huge Hit with Kids!

Thomas the Tank Engine, a huge hit with kids, runs every year on the Oigawa Railway. Initially, it only ran during the summer, but its popularity has led to an extension of the operating period each year. This event always generates buzz, with tickets selling out every year, so we recommend checking the official website for details such as the schedule and planning early!

Point 5

Railway Line Used as a Filming Location

The Oigawa Railway Line, which features not only steam locomotives and old-fashioned passenger cars from the JNR era, but also peaceful scenery and stations that remain in their original state since their founding, is also used as a filming location for many movies and dramas. "Tanoguchi Station" is one of them, and this station, which has a retro wooden station building that opened in 1931, features wooden-framed windows and a Daruma stove, giving it a Showa-era retro atmosphere. It would be fun to dress up in a kimono and take photogenic photos like a movie protagonist while getting off at the station building.

Sightseeing

A Railway with Plenty of Sights to Enjoy the Scenery of the Four Seasons

Established in March 1925 for the purpose of developing power sources and transporting forest resources in the upper reaches of the Oi River in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, it now operates two lines: the Oi River Main Line and the Ikawa Line. In 1976, it was one of the first railways in Japan to resume steam locomotive operations, gaining nationwide recognition as a tourist railway. From 2014, it became the first in Asia to operate the "Thomas the Tank Engine" train, and now plays an indispensable role not only as a tourist attraction but also as a means of transportation for the local community.

Access

Nearest Station: Shin-Kanaya Station on the Oigawa Main Line

It is located 2-3 hours away by train from Tokyo and Nagoya. To access by Shinkansen and train, get off at Shizuoka Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen, head to Kanaya Station on the Tokaido Main Line, transfer to the Oigawa Main Line, and get off at the second Shin-Kanaya Station. If you are coming by car, the nearest access points are the Shin-Tomei Expressway "Shimada Kanaya IC" or the Tomei Expressway "Sagara Makinohara IC".

Basic Information

	Address	2126-1 Kanayashincho, Shimada-shi, Shizuoka 428-0047
	Business Hours	Open 24 hours a day on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
	TEL	0547-45-4112
	Web Site	http://oigawa-railway.co.jp/

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