"DL Taiju" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the "DL Taiju", a sightseeing rapid train connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station and Tobu Nikko Station on the Tobu Railway. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As a sister train to the "SL Taiju", the "DL Taiju" features a diesel locomotive pulling passenger cars, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The "DL Taiju" is a sightseeing rapid train pulled by a diesel locomotive (DE10 type) connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station with Kinugawa Onsen Station and Tobu Nikko Station. It operates as a substitute during the regular maintenance period of SLs, and some services are scheduled to be run by DLs in advance. It uses the same old-style passenger cars as the "SL Taiju" and "SL Taiju Futara," and passengers can enjoy the unique sound of a diesel locomotive and a different atmosphere from that of a steam locomotive. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. If you are planning a trip with the aim of riding the SL, it is a good idea to consider the possibility of DLs being used as a substitute when planning your itinerary. Item Content Train Name "DL Taiju" Operating Company Tobu Railway Main Operating Sections Shimo-Imaichi Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station, Shimo-Imaichi Station to Tobu Nikko Station (via Kinugawa Line and Tobu Nikko Line) Main Starting and Ending Stations Shimo-Imaichi Station / Kinugawa Onsen Station / Tobu Nikko Station Number of Trains Operating Several round trips per day (as a substitute for the "SL Taiju" or on a planned schedule) Estimated Travel Time Shimo-Imaichi to Kinugawa Onsen: Approximately 35 minutes; Shimo-Imaichi to Tobu Nikko: Approximately 20 minutes Seating Reserved seats in standard class (a seat reservation fare is required for rapid trains) 
Table of Contents
- What is "DL Taiju"?
- "DL Taiju" Timetable
- Operating Section of "DL Taiju"
- Stations Served by the "DL Taiju"
- "DL Taiju" Fares
- How to buy tickets for "DL Taiju"
- Do I need to get a physical ticket?
- Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
- Seating Information for "DL Taiju"
- Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food on the "DL Taiju" Train
- Points to note when riding the "DL Taiju"
- Summary
What is "DL Taiju"?
"DL Taiju" is a sightseeing rapid train that operates as a sister train to "SL Taiju" and "SL Taiju Futara". The DE10 diesel locomotive used is a locomotive with a proven track record of active service in shunting and towing operations in various locations since the days of Japanese National Railways, and is used by Tobu Railway to pull older passenger cars. During the regular maintenance period of SLs, "DL Taiju" operates as a substitute for "SL Taiju" and "SL Taiju Futara".
Train Features and Popular Points
The appeal of the "DL Taiju" lies in the fact that, unlike steam locomotives, it offers the unique experience of a diesel locomotive's deep, resonant running sound and powerful pulling force. The passenger cars used are the same retro-style cars as those used for the "SL Taiju," so the interior atmosphere is just as enjoyable. If you are planning a trip with the aim of riding the SL, it is a good idea to consider the possibility of DLs being used as a substitute when planning your itinerary. The DE10 type locomotive is characterized by its red body and has a photogenic side that is different from that of a steam locomotive.
"DL Taiju" Timetable
*In addition to being used as a substitute for "SL Taiju" during inspection periods, some "DL Taiju" services are scheduled to be operated by diesel locomotives in advance.
Downbound (towards Kinugawa Onsen and Tobu Nikko) Timetable
| Stations Served | "DL Taiju" (Example bound for Kinugawa Onsen) | "DL Taiju Futara" (Example bound for Tobu Nikko) |
|---|---|---|
| Departing Shimo-Imaichi | Morning | Afternoon |
| Arriving Kinugawa Onsen | Approx. 35 minutes later | — |
| Arriving Tobu Nikko | — | Approx. 20 minutes later |
Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Shimo-Imaichi)
| Stations Served | "DL Taiju" (Example bound for Shimo-Imaichi) |
|---|---|
| Departing Kinugawa Onsen/Tobu Nikko | Afternoon |
| Arriving Shimo-Imaichi | Approx. 20-35 minutes later |
*The time shown is an example.
The "DL Taiju" may operate from Shimo-Imaichi Station towards Kinugawa Onsen Station or Tobu Nikko Station. In addition to being used as a substitute when the "SL Taiju" is undergoing maintenance, there are also scheduled services that are planned to be operated by a diesel locomotive. Since the operating section and times may change from day to day, it is important to check in advance.
Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions
The "DL Taiju" may be operated as a substitute on days when the "SL Taiju" and "SL Taiju Futara" are not running, or during their regular maintenance periods. Please check the operating days and sections. Speed restrictions and service suspensions are more likely to occur during inclement weather, so it is advisable to allow some flexibility in your travel itinerary.
Operating Section of "DL Taiju"
Main Sections
- Shimo-Imaichi Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station (via Kinugawa Line)
- Shimo-Imaichi Station to Tobu Nikko Station (via Tobu Nikko Line)
Kinugawa Onsen Station is the gateway to Kinugawa Onsen, and Tobu Nikko Station is a base for sightseeing to the World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." Shimo-Imaichi Station has a turntable and the "SL Taiju" exhibition hall, making it a station that can be enjoyed as a starting point for both steam locomotive and diesel locomotive journeys.
Stations Served by the "DL Taiju"
Main Stops
- Shimo-Imaichi Station
- Otani-Mukō Station (may make operational stops)
- Kosagoe Station (some trains)
- Kinugawa Onsen Station
- Tobu Nikko Station
*The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the train and operating day.
"DL Taiju" Fares
Representative Section Fares
| Section | Total Fare (Adult, Estimated) | Base Fare | Seat Reservation Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimo-Imaichi Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station | Base Fare + Seat Reservation Fare | A separate base fare is required for the travel section. | Adults 750 yen / Children 200 yen |
*As this is a rapid train, reserved seat fares and Green Car fares apply instead of limited express train fares.
Breakdown of Base Fare and Seat Reservation Fare
The fare for "DL Taiju" is the sum of the base fare to your destination and the seat reservation fare. The seat reservation fare for "DL Taiju" is 750 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. All seats are reserved; there are no unreserved seats. Please note that the seat reservation fare differs from that of "SL Taiju" and "SL Taiju Futara," so please check the train name before purchasing.
Refunds and Alternative Arrangements in Case of "SL Taiju" Service Suspension
Your reservation for the "SL Taiju" may be changed to the "DL Taiju." Depending on the changes to the operating schedule, refunds or alternative arrangements may be offered, so please check for details.
How to buy tickets for "DL Taiju"
Tobu Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase and Reservation Service
Tobu Railway's "Tobu Ticket" (Tobu Railway's online ticketing service) allows you to purchase reserved seat tickets for the "DL Taiju" train online without registering as a member. Reserved seat tickets go on sale one month before the date of travel.
Ticket Offices at Shimo-Imaichi Station, Kinugawa Onsen Station, and Tobu Nikko Station
Reserved seat tickets can also be purchased at the ticket offices of Shimo-Imaichi Station, Kinugawa Onsen Station, and Tobu Nikko Station.
Travel Agencies
Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seat tickets for the "DL Taiju" train.
How to Purchase for International Tourists
Since the "DL Taiju" is a train operated by Tobu Railway (a private railway company), the JR Pass cannot be used. Tobu Railway offers special tickets such as the "NIKKO PASS" for international tourists, but even when using these passes, a separate reserved seat ticket must be purchased to ride the "DL Taiju".
*The applicable routes and usage conditions for each pass vary depending on the type of pass.
Do I need to get a physical ticket?
If you purchase your ticket through the "Tobu Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase and Reservation Service," you may be able to board simply by showing your smartphone screen as part of a ticketless service. If you purchase your ticket at a station ticket office, you will need to receive a paper ticket before boarding.
Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
When riding the "DL Taiju", you will need separate tickets for the base fare and the seat reservation fare. IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used as the base fare portion on the Tobu Line. However, the seat reservation fare cannot be paid using the balance on the IC card and must be purchased in advance as a reserved seat ticket.
While some Tobu Railway lines and stations have introduced contactless credit card payment services, the availability of this service across the entire "DL Taiju" route varies from station to station.
*Please note that you cannot board using only your IC card. A separate seat reservation fare is required.
Seating Information for "DL Taiju"
Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)
The "DL Taiju" train operates using specially modified old passenger cars, and all seats are reserved. There are no unreserved seats.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| Standard Class Reserved Seat | Retro-style interior, standard seating arrangement |
| Observation Deck | Some passenger cars have a deck space. |
| Unreserved Seats | None (All seats are reserved) |
Distinctive Seating
The passenger cars share a common retro design with the "SL Taiju" and "SL Taiju Futara" trains. The DE10 diesel locomotive is characterized by its powerful running sound and strong pulling power, and is attracting attention from railway enthusiasts as a locomotive with a different appeal from steam locomotives. The exterior and interior of the passenger cars are designed in a retro style reminiscent of passenger cars from the Meiji to Showa periods.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.
Barrier-Free Facilities
The passenger cars of the "DL Taiju" train feature retro-style amenities. Availability of wheelchair-accessible seats and barrier-free facilities may vary depending on the train, train configuration, and ticket sales conditions, so please check with Tobu Railway ticket offices or information desks before making a reservation.
Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Gourmet Food on the "DL Taiju" Train
On the "DL Taiju" train, some services offer onboard sales of local specialties and souvenirs. If you want to enjoy a meal, it's recommended to prepare in advance at restaurants and shops around Shimo-Imaichi Station, Kinugawa Onsen Station, or Tobu Nikko Station.
*Availability of onboard sales and bento boxes varies depending on the train and time of year.
Points to note when riding the "DL Taiju"
The operating days and sections of the "DL Taiju" may change depending on the maintenance status of the "SL Taiju", so if you wish to ride it, be sure to check the Tobu Railway's operating days and the locomotive used in advance. Since all seats are reserved, early reservations are important. Also, just like with the "DL Taiju," you can enjoy SL-related facilities such as visiting the turntable at Shimo-Imaichi Station.
Since your reservation for the "SL Taiju" may be changed to the "DL Taiju," if you are making a reservation specifically to see the SL in operation, it's a good idea to also check the latest information regarding any changes to the operating schedule.
Summary
The "DL Taiju" is a sightseeing rapid train connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station with Kinugawa Onsen Station and Tobu Nikko Station. As a sister train to the "SL Taiju" and "SL Taiju Futara," it is operated by a diesel locomotive (DE10 type). All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a seat reservation fare are required, but the fare system is the same as that of the "SL Taiju." The JR Pass cannot be used. This train offers the unique charm of a diesel locomotive, different from a steam locomotive. It supports the operation of the "SL Taiju" and expands the options for sightseeing trains in the Nikko and Kinugawa area.
Please note that operating days, timetables, and fares are subject to change. Enjoy the powerful diesel locomotive ride on the "DL Taiju."
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