"PALEO EXPRESS" timetable, fares, and how to buy tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Chichibu Railway's steam locomotive (SL) sightseeing train, the "PALEO EXPRESS", which connects Kumagaya Station and Mitsumineguchi Station in Saitama Prefecture. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations where it stops, seating information, how to buy tickets, whether ticket issuance is required, and IC card compatibility status. As one of the few SL trains in dynamic operation in the Kanto region, 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 your journey.
The "PALEO EXPRESS" is a sightseeing rapid train pulled by a steam locomotive on the Chichibu Railway, connecting Kumagaya Station and Mitsumineguchi Station in Saitama Prefecture via the Chichibu Main Line. It began operation in 1988, with the C58 type 363 locomotive pulling retro-style 12-series passenger cars. The train's name, "Paleo," is derived from the paleontological fossils discovered in the Chichibu region. It is a seasonal train, operating mainly on specific days from spring to winter. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required. Even after more than 35 years since its inception, it remains a highly popular steam locomotive sightseeing train representing the Kanto region, attracting railway enthusiasts both domestically and internationally. More than 30 years after its inception, it continues to play an important role as a regional tourist resource. The C58 type 363 locomotive, which pulls the train, is a highly versatile locomotive used for both freight and passenger transport, and has a history of active service throughout post-war Japan.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Train Name | "PALEO EXPRESS" |
| Operating Company | Chichibu Railway |
| Main Operating Sections | Kumagaya Station to Mitsumineguchi Station (via Chichibu Main Line) |
| Main Starting/Ending Stations | Kumagaya Station / Mitsumineguchi Station |
| Number of Trains | One round trip per day (operating on limited days) |
| Estimated Travel Time | Kumagaya to Mitsumineguchi: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Seating | Reserved seats in ordinary cars (SL reserved seat ticket required as it is a rapid train). |
Table of Contents
- What is "PALEO EXPRESS"?
- Timetable for "PALEO EXPRESS"
- Operating Sections of "PALEO EXPRESS"
- Stations where the "PALEO EXPRESS" stops
- Fares for "PALEO EXPRESS"
- How to buy tickets for the "PALEO EXPRESS"
- Do I need to get a physical ticket?
- Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
- Seat information for "PALEO EXPRESS"
- Enjoy station bento boxes and onboard food and drinks on the "PALEO EXPRESS".
- Points to note when riding the "PALEO EXPRESS"
- Summary
What is "PALEO EXPRESS"?
The "PALEO EXPRESS" is a steam locomotive (SL) sightseeing train that runs between Kumagaya Station and Mitsumineguchi Station on the Chichibu Railway, and began operation in March 1988. The steam locomotive used, C58 type 363, is a locomotive that was active during the JNR era and has been dynamically preserved, running on the main line once again. The train's name comes from the word "Paleo," meaning paleontology, in reference to the fact that the Chichibu region was once covered by the sea. Fossils of an ancient organism called Paleoparadoxia have been discovered in the Chichibu region, which also served as the origin of the train's name. The Chichibu Railway is a private railway known for its freight transport, including cement transport, and the "PALEO EXPRESS" is positioned as a major tourist attraction within the railway. The scenery along the line changes with the seasons, and you can enjoy different views depending on the time of year you visit: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter.
Train Features and Popular Points
The appeal of the "PALEO EXPRESS" lies in the fact that you can enjoy the running of an authentic steam locomotive relatively close to the city center. The rural landscapes of Chichibu, the views along the Arakawa River, and the scenery that changes with the seasons are also highlights. Along the route, there are plenty of tourist attractions that can be enjoyed in conjunction with the SL journey, such as the Nagatoro Iwadatami and Chichibu Shrine. The views when crossing the Arakawa Bridge and the rural scenery around Yorii Station and Nagatoro Station are also unique to this train. The view when crossing the Arakawa Bridge is one of the highlights unique to this train. In particular, the section from Yorii Station to Nagatoro Station is a popular section where you can enjoy the scenery of the Arakawa Gorge and rural landscapes that change with the seasons. Some train sets have panel displays introducing the history of SLs and the history of the Chichibu Railway inside the passenger cars, allowing you to deepen your knowledge of railways while riding. There is an SL depot attached to Mitsumineguchi Station, and on operating days you can sometimes watch the turning operations on the turntable.
Timetable for "PALEO EXPRESS"
※The "PALEO EXPRESS" is a seasonal train with limited operating days.
Downbound (towards Mitsumineguchi) Timetable
| Stations where the Train Stops | "PALEO EXPRESS" (Example) |
|---|---|
| Kumagaya Dep. | morning |
| Chichibu Dep. | ― |
| Mitsumineguchi Arr. | Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes later |
Upbound (towards Kumagaya) Timetable
| Stations where the Train Stops | "PALEO EXPRESS" (Example) |
|---|---|
| Mitsumineguchi Dep. | afternoon |
| Chichibu Dep. | ― |
| Kumagaya Arr. | Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes later |
The "PALEO EXPRESS" operates one round trip per day between Kumagaya Station and Mitsumineguchi Station. It mainly operates on specific days from March to December, with some service suspended during the peak of winter. Service may also be suspended during steam locomotive (SL) maintenance periods.
Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions
The "PALEO EXPRESS" is a seasonal train with limited operating days. Speed restrictions and service cancellations are more likely during severe weather, so it's advisable to allow some flexibility in your travel itinerary.
Operating Sections of "PALEO EXPRESS"
Main Sections
- Kumagaya Station to Mitsumineguchi Station (via Chichibu Main Line)
Mitsumineguchi Station is located in the mountainous area of Chichibu and is known as the gateway to Mitsumine Shrine. Chichibu Station, along the way, is the closest station to Chichibu Shrine and the Chichibu Festival Hall, and the area around Nagatoro Station is home to the Nagatoro Iwadatami. Access to Mitsumine Shrine from Mitsumineguchi Station is by local bus, allowing you to enjoy the solemn atmosphere of Mitsumine Shrine, known as a sacred site of mountain worship. Yorii Station is a connecting station for the Tobu Tojo Line and the JR Hachiko Line, making it a convenient hub for access from the city center.
Stations where the "PALEO EXPRESS" stops
Main Stations where the Train Stops
- Kumagaya Station
- Yorii Station
- Nagatoro Station
- Chichibu Station
- Ohanabatake Station
- Mitsumineguchi Station
※The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the day of operation.
Fares for "PALEO EXPRESS"
Fares for Representative Sections
| Section | Total Fare (Adult, Estimated) | Base Fare Ticket | SL Reserved Seat Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumagaya Station to Mitsumineguchi Station | Total of Base Fare Ticket and SL Reserved Seat Ticket | Section Fare | Required Separately |
Fares may vary depending on the date of travel and purchase conditions. Please check the latest fares on Ekitan's Limited Express Fare Search or the Chichibu Railway official website.
※Since the "PALEO EXPRESS" is a rapid train, the "SL reserved seat ticket" (seat reservation fee) applies instead of the limited express fare.
Breakdown of Base Fare Tickets and SL Reserved Seat Tickets
The fare for the "PALEO EXPRESS" is the sum of the base fare ticket (fare) to your destination and the SL reserved seat ticket (seat reservation fee). Because it is treated as a rapid train rather than an express train, the fares are relatively reasonable. All seats are reserved, so there are no unreserved seats. Children's fares and SL reserved seat ticket fares are basically half the adult fare (rounded up to the nearest 10 yen). Because it is positioned as a rapid train, it is more affordable than JR's express trains, and this is why it is popular with families as it allows them to enjoy a steam locomotive journey at a reasonable price.
Special Discount Tickets
There are sometimes special discount tickets available for touring the Chichibu Railway Line. If you plan to tour the Nagatoro and Mitsumineguchi areas in conjunction with the "PALEO EXPRESS", you might want to consider combining your trip with one of these tickets. On weekends and holidays, there are sometimes photo events along the line where you can enjoy the steam locomotive's whistle and smoke up close.
※Fares are subject to change.
How to buy tickets for the "PALEO EXPRESS"
Chichibu Railway Internet Reservation Service
You can purchase SL reserved seat tickets online through the Chichibu Railway's Internet Reservation Service. Because it's a popular sightseeing train, tickets often sell out immediately after going on sale, so early reservations are recommended. Membership registration is free, and you can check seat availability and make reservations 24 hours a day from your smartphone.
Ticket Offices at Chichibu Railway Stations
You can also purchase SL reserved seat tickets at the ticket offices of major Chichibu Railway stations such as Kumagaya Station, Chichibu Station, and Mitsumineguchi Station.
Travel Agencies
Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include SL reserved seat tickets for the "PALEO EXPRESS".
How to Buy for International Visitors
The "PALEO EXPRESS" is operated by the Chichibu Railway (a private railway company), so the JR Pass cannot be used. Even if you have a special ticket offered by the Chichibu Railway, you will need to purchase a separate SL reserved seat ticket to ride the "PALEO EXPRESS".
※The types of passes eligible and purchase conditions may change.
Do I need to get a physical ticket?
Even if you purchase your ticket through an Internet Reservation Service, in most cases you will need to pick up a paper ticket at the ticket office before boarding. Since the ticket issuance method may vary depending on where you purchased the ticket, it's best to check in advance to ensure a smooth process.
The method of using your ticket after making an online reservation varies depending on the type of ticket purchased. Please check the reservation confirmation screen and the confirmation email, and if you need to receive a paper ticket, please complete the procedure before boarding.
Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
When riding the "PALEO EXPRESS", you will need separate tickets for the base fare and the SL reserved seat ticket. The acceptance of IC cards on the Chichibu Railway varies by station and section, so please check the acceptance status before boarding. The SL reserved seat ticket cannot be paid for using the balance on your IC card and must be purchased in advance.
To ride the "PALEO EXPRESS", you will need both a base fare ticket and an SL reserved seat ticket. While you can use transportation IC cards such as PASMO and Suica on the Chichibu Railway, the SL reserved seat ticket must be purchased separately.
※Please note that you cannot ride the train using only an IC card. A separate SL reserved seat ticket must be purchased.
Seat information for "PALEO EXPRESS"
Seat Types (All seats are reserved)
The "PALEO EXPRESS" is operated using 12-series passenger cars, and all seats are reserved. There are no unreserved seats.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Car Reserved Seat | Retro-style interior, standard seating arrangement |
| Observation Deck | Some passenger cars have a deck space. |
| Unreserved Seat | None (All seats are reserved) |
Distinctive Seating
The 12 series passenger cars are unified in a retro design, allowing passengers to fully experience the atmosphere of a steam locomotive journey. There are many photo spots along the line, and many "railfan" fans can be seen enjoying the sight of the steam locomotive in motion at various points along the route. The exterior and interior of the passenger cars are designed with a Showa-era retro atmosphere in mind. The seats in the passenger cars are unified in a moquette fabric that evokes the nostalgia of Showa-era travel, combining nostalgia with comfort. The windows are large and can be opened and closed, so on fine days you can feel the breeze and enjoy the sounds and scents unique to a steam locomotive. There is also a deck space at the coupling point of the passenger cars where you can feel the unique sounds and vibrations of the steam locomotive up close, making for a thrilling experience.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.
Barrier-Free Facilities
If you are using a wheelchair, please check with Chichibu Railway in advance regarding facilities and boarding/alighting procedures.
※Details of seating facilities may vary depending on the train configuration.
Enjoy station bento boxes and onboard food and drinks on the "PALEO EXPRESS".
On the "PALEO EXPRESS", some trains offer onboard sales of local specialties and souvenirs. If you want to enjoy a meal, it's recommended to prepare in advance at the bento box shops and stalls around Kumagaya Station or Chichibu Station. The Chichibu region also boasts a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy local Chichibu cuisine, such as waraji katsudon (straw sandal-shaped pork cutlet rice bowl). Around Nagatoro Station, there are plenty of seasonal tourist attractions, including river rafting and shaved ice. Depending on the season, sweets made with locally grown fruits and local specialties such as Chichibu wine may also be sold on board.
※Availability of onboard sales varies depending on the train and time of year.
Points to note when riding the "PALEO EXPRESS"
Since all seats are reserved, early booking is essential. Also, if you plan to combine a day trip with sightseeing in Nagatoro, it's a good idea to plan your sightseeing schedule by working backward from the departure time of the upbound train. In colder seasons, even with the heating on, your feet can get cold, so taking precautions against the cold will make your journey more comfortable. Each station—Yorii, Nagatoro, Chichibu, and Mitsumineguchi—offers different sightseeing opportunities, so deciding which spots you want to visit in advance will make for a more fulfilling day.
Please note that soot from the steam locomotive may enter through the windows, so if you leave the windows open for an extended period, your clothes may get dirty. Planning your trip to include sightseeing along the route, such as Nagatoro or Mitsumine Shrine, will make for a more fulfilling itinerary.
Summary
The "PALEO EXPRESS" is a steam locomotive sightseeing train operated by the Chichibu Railway, connecting Kumagaya Station and Mitsumineguchi Station via the Chichibu Main Line. Since its launch in 1988, it has been highly popular as one of the few SL trains in dynamic operation in the Kanto region. All seats are reserved, so both a base fare ticket and an SL reserved seat ticket are required. The JR Pass cannot be used. Since its launch in 1988, it has been a beloved sightseeing train symbolizing the Chichibu region. Along with the Nagatoro Iwadatami and Mitsumine Shrine, it is a core train on a sightseeing route that allows you to enjoy the nature and history of northern Saitama Prefecture. The fact that it is close enough to be easily enjoyed as a day trip from central Tokyo is one of the reasons why this train has been supported for so many years. It is a valuable sightseeing train unique to the Kanto area that allows you to experience the charm of the four seasons of the Chichibu region and the romance of steam locomotive travel all at once.
Operating days, timetables, and fares are subject to change, so please be sure to check the latest information on the Chichibu Railway official website before departure and enjoy the "PALEO EXPRESS", which offers scenic views of the Chichibu countryside.
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