Steam Locomotives & Electric Loco Hauled Heritage Trains
Discover the beauty of the Japanese countryside with Oigawa Railway, Japan’s pioneer in steam preservation.
Travel along the Oigawa River Valley and the foothills of the Southern Alps, immersing yourself in classic Japanese scenery from our heritage passenger carriages. Feel the breeze, see the lush greenery, and listen to the soothing rhythm of the rails for a journey you won’t soon forget. For repeat travelers seeking respite from the typical Tokyo or Osaka hustle, our trains offer a tranquil escape into a more traditional Japan.
Oigawa Railway also offers a delightful experience on our rustic electric locomotive-hauled heritage trains, a favorite among domestic trainspotters and rail enthusiasts.
Embark on a Time-Trip on our Heritage Trains
Flagship Fleet of Steam Locomotives
Oigawa Railway proudly operates a fleet of four steam locomotives, all meticulously crafted in the 1930s. These venerable machines, mainstays of the Oigawa Main Line, offer a glimpse into a bygone era of rail travel. Listen closely to their distinctive whistles – each locomotive possesses its own unique sonic signature, a testament to subtle variations in boiler pressure, whistle design, and age. Can you discern the differences in their resonant calls?
Rustic Electric Locos
Oigawa Railway’s fleet of classic boxcab electric locomotives, while often employed as assisting “pusher” engines for our heavier steam-hauled trains, have earned their place in the spotlight. Since 2019, we’ve been operating dedicated electric locomotive-hauled services, offering passengers a unique journey into Japan’s railway past.
These trains authentically recreate the experience of daily passenger rail travel in Japan from the 1940s through the 1960s – a period predating the widespread introduction of multiple-unit (MU) trains on the Japanese National Railways network. For enthusiasts, this provides a rare opportunity to witness and ride in a preserved slice of Japanese railway history.
Going retro
Some of the passenger carriages are from the 1950s. Wooden seats and old fans tell a story from the Showa period. Occasionally they are used for films and TV shootings for its unique atmosphere.
Bento Boxes
If you are taking the Steam Locomotives at Shin-Kanaya Station, don’t forget to pick up your bento boxes from the shops. They are full of local goodness and will put a smile on your face once you lift the lid up.
Other services
There are some items you can only buy on the Steam Locomotives. When you hear the shopping cart approaching, take a closer look!
