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

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the "SL Taiju Futara," a sightseeing express train connecting Shimo-Imaichi 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. This train extends the operating section of the "SL Taiju" towards the Nikko Line, 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 Futara" is a sightseeing express train connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station and Tobu Nikko Station via the Tobu Nikko Line. It began operation in October 2020, and was newly established by extending the "SL Taiju," which operates between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station, to the Nikko Line. The name "Futara" is derived from Mount Futara in Nikko. A distinctive feature of the train is that it operates in double-headed configuration, with a diesel locomotive attached as an auxiliary engine in addition to the steam locomotive, due to the steep gradients on the Nikko Line. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. Since its launch, it has become popular as a new option for touring the Nikko and Kinugawa areas, along with the "SL Taiju."

What is "SL Taiju Futara"?

"SL Taiju Futara" is a steam locomotive (SL) sightseeing train that began operation in October 2020, running between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Tobu Nikko Station. It was newly established by expanding the already popular "SL Taiju" (between Shimo-Imaichi and Kinugawa Onsen) to the Nikko Line. Because the Nikko Line has steep gradients, the SL alone may not have enough pulling power, so it is characterized by double-heading operation with a diesel locomotive attached as an auxiliary engine. The name "Futara" is derived from Nikko Futarasan Shrine and Mount Futarasan (an old name for Mount Nantai), known as the guardian shrine of Nikko, and is a nickname deeply connected to the history and faith of Nikko.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of the "SL Taiju Futara" lies in the fact that you can enjoy the power of a real coal-powered steam locomotive all the way to Tobu Nikko Station, the gateway to the World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." The double-headed operation, with a steam locomotive and a diesel locomotive coupled together, is a unique sight rarely seen on other steam locomotive trains and attracts a lot of attention from railway enthusiasts. Despite its short journey time, it's a train that can be easily incorporated before or after sightseeing in Nikko. The powerful sound and smoke unique to double-headed operation are highly praised by steam locomotive fans.

Timetable for "SL Taiju Futara"

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

Downbound (towards Tobu Nikko) timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Shimo-Imaichi)

*The time shown is an example.

The "SL Taiju Futara" operates several round trips a day between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Tobu Nikko Station. Depending on the SL's inspection schedule and operating days, it may also be operated by a diesel locomotive only as the "DL Taiju". It is recommended to check the operating days and locomotives used in advance.

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

The "SL Taiju Futara" is a train with limited operating days. It may be cancelled 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 extra time in your travel itinerary.

Operating section of "SL Taiju Futara"

Main sections

• Shimo-Imaichi Station to Tobu Nikko Station (via Tobu Nikko Line)

Tobu Nikko Station is a base for sightseeing to the World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" (Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine) and Kegon Falls. 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 Futara" train stops

Main stops

• Shimo-Imaichi Station
• Otani-mukai Station (may make operational stops)
• Tobu Nikko Station

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

Fares for the "SL Taiju Futara"

Representative section fare

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

Breakdown of ticket and boarding fee

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

Special ticket for use with both the SL 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 Futara"

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 Futara" 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 counters at Shimo-Imaichi Station and Tobu Nikko Station

You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at the ticket counters at Shimo-Imaichi Station and Tobu Nikko Station.

travel agency

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

How to buy for foreign tourists

The "SL Taiju Futara" is operated by Tobu Railway (a private railway company), so the JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be used. Tobu Railway offers special tickets such as the "NIKKO PASS" for international tourists, but even with these passes, you will need to purchase a separate boarding pass to ride the "SL Taiju Futara".

*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 window, you will need to receive a paper ticket before boarding.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

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

When riding the "SL Taiju Futara," you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the reserved seat fee. IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used as the basic fare on the Tobu Line. However, the reserved seat fee 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 Futara" varies from station to station.

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

Seating information for "SL Taiju Futara"

Seat type (All seats are reserved)

The "SL Taiju Futara" is operated 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. A unique highlight of this train is the powerful climb up the steep gradients of the Nikko Line by a double-headed steam and diesel locomotive. 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 Futara" 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 counters or information desks before making a reservation.

Station bento boxes and in-train gourmet food to enjoy on the "SL Taiju Futara" train.

On the "SL Taiju Futara" train, some services offer onboard sales of local specialties and souvenirs. Because the journey is short, it's recommended to eat at restaurants and shops around Shimo-Imaichi Station or Tobu Nikko Station before boarding. The area around Tobu Nikko Station boasts a wide selection of restaurants and souvenir shops offering yuba (tofu skin) dishes and Nikko carvings.

*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 Futara"

The "SL Taiju Futara" 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 transferring to the "SL Taiju" bound for Kinugawa Onsen at Shimo-Imaichi Station, it is a good idea to check the connection time as well for a smoother ride.

Because steam locomotives produce soot that may enter through the windows, please be aware that your clothes may get dirty if you leave the windows open for an extended period. Since the journey is short, this train is easy to fit into your schedule before or after sightseeing in Nikko.

summary

The "SL Taiju Futara" is a sightseeing express train connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station and Tobu Nikko Station. Since 2020, the operating section of the "SL Taiju" has been expanded to include the Nikko Line. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a seat reservation fee are required. In addition to the fare for the section traveled, a seat reservation fee is required. The JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be used. The double-headed operation of the steam locomotive and diesel locomotive is one of the highlights. Since its launch in 2020, it has become a popular train that combines Nikko sightseeing with a steam locomotive journey.

Please enjoy the "SL Taiju Futara," which runs to the gateway to the World Heritage site of Nikko's shrines and temples, as operating days, timetables, and fares are subject to change.

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.