"SL Taiju" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Tobu Railway's sightseeing express train, "SL Taiju", connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This train was the first private railway to operate a fully operational steam locomotive, 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 "SL Taiju" is a sightseeing express train operated by Tobu Railway, connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station via the Kinugawa Line. It began operation in August 2017, becoming the first private railway to operate a steam locomotive on its main line. A C11 steam locomotive pulls passenger cars that have been converted from old passenger cars, and the driver is responsible for changing the direction of the locomotive, so the turning operation using a turntable at Shimo-Imaichi Station is one of the highlights. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to ride. Since its launch, it has become a major tourist attraction in the Nikko and Kinugawa area, drawing many travelers from both Japan and abroad.

What is "SL Taiju"?

"SL Taiju" is a steam locomotive (SL) sightseeing train that began operation on August 10, 2017, running between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station on the Tobu Railway. It attracted attention as a groundbreaking initiative, being the first private railway in Japan to realize the dynamic operation of a steam locomotive on its main line. The steam locomotive used is a C11 type, and vehicles acquired from JR Hokkaido are among those used. The train name "Taiju" comes from the word "Taiju," which means Tokugawa shogun, and is also related to the fact that it runs through areas associated with Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The nickname "Taiju" was decided through a public competition, combining the word referring to the shogun of the Edo shogunate with the image of a large tree deeply rooted in the region.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of the "SL Taiju" lies in the fact that you can experience the power of a real coal-powered steam locomotive in a relatively short time and at a low cost. At Shimo-Imaichi Station, you can watch the turntable being used to change the direction of the SL, and the adjacent "SL Taiju" Exhibition Hall has a wealth of exhibits where you can learn about the structure and history of the SL. After arriving at Kinugawa Onsen Station, you can easily access sightseeing in Kinugawa Onsen. There are also many photo spots along the line, and you can see many "railfan" fans enjoying the sight of the SL in motion at various points along the route.

"SL Taiju" Timetable

The "SL Taiju" may only operate on limited days. Please check the operating dates before deciding on your travel itinerary.

Downbound (towards Kinugawa Onsen) timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Shimo-Imaichi)

The time shown is an example.

The "SL Taiju" operates several round trips a day between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. Depending on the SL's maintenance schedule and operating days, a diesel locomotive may be used as a substitute, operating as the "DL Taiju". It is recommended to check the operating days and the locomotive used in advance.

Important information regarding operating days and days when the service is suspended.

The "SL Taiju" train operates six days a week, excluding Thursdays, but may be suspended or replaced by a diesel locomotive due to regular maintenance of the steam locomotive. Please check the operating days and the locomotive used before traveling. Speed restrictions and service suspensions are more likely to occur during severe weather, so it is advisable to allow some flexibility in your travel itinerary.

Operating Section of "SL Taiju"

Main sections

• Shimo-Imaichi Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station (via Kinugawa Line)

Kinugawa Onsen Station is the gateway to Kinugawa Onsen, and there is a free footbath in the station square. 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 a steam locomotive journey.

Stations Where the "SL Taiju" Train Stops

Main stops

• Shimo-Imaichi Station
• Otani-mukai Station (may make operational stops)
• Kosagoe Station (some trains)
• Kinugawa Onsen Station

The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the train and operating day.

"SL Taiju" Fare

Representative section fare

As this is a rapid train, reserved seat fares and Green Car fares apply instead of express train fares.

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Seat Reservation Fare

The fare for the "SL Taiju" is the sum of the train fare to your destination and the seat reservation fare. The seat reservation fare for the "SL Taiju" is 1,000 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. All seats are reserved; there are no unreserved seats.

Special Tickets for "SL Taiju" and "DL Taiju"

Tobu Railway sometimes offers special discount tickets that combine the "SL Taiju", "DL Taiju", and "SL Taiju Futara" trains for a more affordable round trip. If you're traveling around the Nikko and Kinugawa areas, you might want to consider combining your trip with one of these tickets.

How to Buy Tickets for "SL 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 seating tickets for the "SL Taiju" train online without requiring membership registration. As it is a popular sightseeing train, seats often sell out immediately after sales begin, so early reservations are recommended. You can check seat availability and make reservations anytime, 24 hours a day, from your smartphone.

 

 

Ticket offices at Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station

You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at the ticket offices at Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seating tickets for the "SL Taiju" steam locomotive.

How to Purchase for International Tourists

Since the "SL Taiju" is operated by Tobu Railway (a private railway company), the JAPAN RAIL 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 "SL 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.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

When riding the "SL Taiju", you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the reserved seat fare. IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used as the basic fare on the Tobu Line. However, the reserved seat fare cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card; you must purchase a reserved seat ticket in advance.

While some Tobu Railway lines and stations have introduced contactless credit card payment services, the availability of this service across the entire operating section of the "SL Taiju" varies from station to station.

Please note that you cannot board using only your IC card. A separate seat reservation fare is required.

Seat Information for "SL Taiju"

Seat type (All seats are reserved)

The "SL Taiju" train operates using specially modified old passenger cars, and all seats are reserved. There are no unreserved seats.

Distinctive seating

The passenger cars are unified in a retro design, allowing you to fully experience the atmosphere of a steam locomotive journey. At Shimo-Imaichi Station, you can observe the operation of the turntable used to change the direction of the steam locomotive, and the adjacent "SL Taiju" Exhibition Hall offers a wealth of exhibits where you can learn about the structure and history of 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 "SL 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.

 

 

Station Bento Boxes and In-Train Gourmet Food to Enjoy on the "SL Taiju" Train

On the "SL Taiju" train, some services offer onboard sales of local specialties and souvenirs. If you'd like to enjoy a meal, it's recommended to prepare in advance at the bento box shops and stalls around Shimo-Imaichi Station or Kinugawa Onsen Station. The area around Shimo-Imaichi Station also has a wide selection of shops selling local products from the Nikko and Kinugawa areas. After arriving at Kinugawa Onsen Station, there are plenty of spots to enjoy in conjunction with your SL journey, such as Kinugawa River boating and day-trip hot spring facilities.

Availability of in-train sales and bento boxes varies depending on the train and time of year.

Points to Note When Riding the "SL Taiju"

The "SL Taiju" is a train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, please check the operating days and the locomotive used in advance. Since all seats are reserved, early booking is important. Also, if you are considering transferring to the "SL Taiju Futara", which runs directly between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Tobu Nikko Station, it would be a good idea to check the operating days for that train as well.

Because steam locomotive smoke can enter through the windows, please be aware that your clothes may get dirty if you leave the windows open for extended periods. The turntable operation at Shimo-Imaichi Station is a popular viewing spot, so it's a good idea to allow plenty of time before and after departure.

Summary

The "SL Taiju" is a sightseeing express train that began operation in 2017 as the first steam locomotive (SL) to be operated by a private railway company, connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a seat reservation fare are required, in addition to the fare for the section traveled. The JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be used. The turntable operation at Shimo-Imaichi Station is one of the highlights, and it is popular with travelers who want to experience a steam locomotive journey in an easy way. Since its launch in 2017, it has become established as a representative sightseeing train of the Nikko and Kinugawa area.

Please note that operating days, timetables, and fares are subject to change. Enjoy the "SL Taiju", the first steam locomotive to be operated by a private railway company.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan", and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.