Pop Japan

When you think of Japan, railways aren't usually what pop into your mind first. It's either anime, manga, or food. Even then, the busy steam engine of a train isn't the usual icon of tranquility, beauty, giant monsters of Japan. Nonetheless, the railway system has a special spot in the Japanese cultural spirit. The railway arrived in Japan in October 1872, as part of the Westernizing reforms ushered in by the Meiji Emperor in the wake of the revolutionary Boshin War in 1868 to 1869.

Steam locomotives (shortened as 'SL'), were one of the main forms of transport until the Showa Period (1926-1989). However, they're now a rare site to see in Japan. Luckily, there are still a few railways that still operate SL.

1. SL Express (Oigawa Railway)


Located in Shimada-shi, Shizuoka, The SL Express follows the Oigawa River as it heads north. It's a very retro steam engine which has been preserved in the way it was during the Showa Period. Oigawa Railways operates the SL more than 300 days of the year, and is the number one in Japan by the number of trains operated and distance travelled. If you’re looking to enjoy the peaceful scenery, a trip on the SL is the way to do go.

2. SL Paleo Express (Chichibu Railway)

Located in Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, it's a steam locomotive that runs between Kumagaya Station and Mitsumineguchi Station. The train operates from mid-March to early December. The train runs at the slow speed of around 35km, so you can get escape from the hecticness of everyday life and enjoy the scenery.

3. SL Fuyu-no-shitsugen Train (Hokkaido Railway Company)

Located in Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido, the name “Fuyu-no-shitsugen” literally means “winter marshes,” so as the name suggests, this train runs through the snow-covered areas. The SL made in 1940 travels between Kushiro and Shibecha, loudly blowing its whistle as it makes its way through the spectacular scenery. The carriages, decorated in a warm Showa period retro style, include box seats and a cafe car where you can buy bento boxes and other foods so you can really enjoy your travels.

4. SL Minakami (East Japan Railway Company)

Located in Tone-gun, Gunma, the SL Minakami operates between Takasaki and Minakami and runs at a speed of 50km with stops on the way so you can really enjoy your travel. While only lasting for 2 hours, tickets are easy to get hold of, and you can enjoy your travel while feeling the charms of Japan, so we recommend it for people who are riding SLs for the first time.

5. SL Ginga (East Japan Railway Company)

Located in Morioka-shi, Iwate, the SL Ginga takes passengers on a 4-hour journey through a beautiful rural landscape. The carriages have a modern atmosphere and include a number of unique features, such as a small planetarium, a room with stained-glass windows, as well as a gallery of the works of Miyazawa.