"TOROKKO WASSHI" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the "TOROKKO WASSHI" trolley train on the Watarase Keikoku Railway, which connects Kiryu Station and Mato Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations where the train stops, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to the Watarase Valley and Ashio's terminal station, 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.
""TOROKKO WASSHI"" is a trolley train on the Watarase Keikoku Railway, connecting Kiryu Station and Mato Station. The Watarase Keikoku Railway is a third-sector railway connecting Kiryu Station in Gunma Prefecture and Mato Station in Tochigi Prefecture. It is a line that took over the former JNR Ashio Line, and its charm lies in the scenic views of the valley along the Watarase River. Along the line, there are remnants of the Ashio Copper Mine, which supported Japan's modernization. A distinctive feature is that it runs a longer distance than ""TOROKKO Watarase Keikoku"", operating all the way to the terminal station, Mato Station. All seats are reserved, so a reserved seat ticket is required to board. It operates seasonally, mainly on weekends and holidays, so if you plan to ride, you need to check the operating days. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is a good idea to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is ""TOROKKO WASSHI""?

""TOROKKO WASSHI"" is a trolley train named after "Wasshi," the mascot character of the Watarase Keikoku Railway. The train is self-propelled and does not require a locomotive for towing. Therefore, it can travel a longer distance than the ""TOROKKO Watarase Keikoku"" train. The trolley cars have windows that can be opened and closed, allowing for adjustments depending on the weather. The final stop, Mato Station, is the terminal station of the Watarase Keikoku Line and is located in a quiet mountain area.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of the ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" lies in the long stretch of scenic beauty along the Watarase River gorge from Kiryu to Mato. The windows of the trolley cars can be opened and closed, allowing passengers to adjust the level of openness depending on the weather. Along the section running alongside the Watarase River, the train windows offer panoramic views of the clear stream and deep forests. At Kobe Station, there is a restaurant called "Seiryu" that reuses a Tobu Railway limited express train car. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms and peach blossoms, and in autumn, the colorful foliage, allowing you to enjoy the different expressions of the gorge with each season. The Ashio Copper Mine was a copper mine that supported Japan's modernization, and it is now open to the public as a tourist mine. Mato Station, the final stop, is also known as the station where Shunzō Miyawaki achieved his goal of riding all lines of the Japanese National Railways. Kiryu has a history as a thriving textile town, and sawtooth-roofed factories remain. Checking the stations where the train stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the windows changes greatly depending on the season and time of day, so it is recommended to choose different times of day for the outbound and return journeys.

""TOROKKO WASSHI"" Timetable

*The ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" operates seasonally, mainly on weekends and holidays.

Downbound (towards Mato Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Kiryu Station) Timetable

The ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" operates seasonally, mainly on weekends and holidays. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on Ekitan before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, while the intervals between trains may be longer during the day. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" is a train that operates only on weekends and holidays. Operating dates are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it. It may also operate during the winter, but only on limited days.

""TOROKKO WASSHI"" Operating Section

Main Sections

• Kiryu Station to Omama Station (Watarase Keikoku Line)
• Omama Station to Kobe Station (Watarase Keikoku Line)
• Kobe Station - Tsudo Station - Mato Station (Watarase Keikoku Line)

Mato Station is the terminal station of the Watarase Keikoku Line and is located in a quiet mountain area. At Ashio Copper Mine, you can take a trolley ride through the mine. From Tsudo Station, you can access the Ashio Copper Mine tourist facilities on foot. At Kobe Station, you can enjoy a meal on board the train at the "Seiryu" restaurant. Mizunuma Station has an attached hot spring facility, which you can visit by getting off the train midway. Takatsudo Gorge is a gorge near Omama Station, where you can enjoy the scenery from a walking trail. Kiryu flourished as a textile town, and modern industrial heritage remains in the townscape. Since transportation to surrounding tourist spots is mainly by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. There are sometimes tourist information centers around the stations where you can obtain maps and brochures.

""TOROKKO WASSHI"" Stations Where the Train Stops

Main Stations Where the Train Stops

• Kiryu Station
• Omama Station
• Mizunuma Station
• Kobe Station
• Tsudo Station
• Ashio Station
• Mato Station

The stations a train stops at may vary. Please check the stations your train stops at on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

""TOROKKO WASSHI"" Fares

Representative Section Fares

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Base Fare and Reserved Seat Ticket

The fare for ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" is the sum of the base fare (fare) to your destination and the Torokko reserved seat ticket. The Torokko reserved seat ticket is set as a fare that includes seat reservation. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the base fare ticket and the reserved seat ticket. Fares for special trains on private railways are set according to the section of travel and do not fluctuate with high and off-seasons like JR. The fare is divided into the "base fare (fare)" for the journey to your destination and the "reserved seat ticket fare" for riding this special train. Note that you cannot ride this special train with just a base fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

Differences from ""TOROKKO Watarase Keikoku""

The Watarase Keikoku Railway operates two types of trolley trains. The ""TOROKKO Watarase Keikoku"" is a locomotive-hauled train that runs between Omama and Ashio. The ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" is a self-propelled train that runs a longer section between Kiryu and Mato. One difference is that the windows of the ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" can be opened and closed, allowing for adjustments depending on the weather.

How to Buy Tickets for ""TOROKKO WASSHI""

Advance Reservations and Purchase at Ticket Offices

Torokko reserved seat tickets can be purchased at Watarase Keikoku Railway ticket offices or through designated reservation methods. Since the train operates on limited days, it's best to make a reservation as soon as your travel plans are finalized. When making a reservation, you will need to specify the date of travel, section of travel, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to certain conditions and fees.

 

 

Same-Day Purchase

If there are seats available, you may be able to purchase a reserved seat ticket for the trolley train on the day of travel. However, since the number of seats is limited, trains may be fully booked during high seasons. Ticket machines are often multilingual, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies may offer tour packages that include visits to the Watarase Valley and the Ashio Copper Mine.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" is a train operated by the Watarase Keikoku Railway and is therefore not covered by the JR Pass. A separate base fare and Torokko reserved seat ticket must be purchased to ride it. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it's advisable to check before traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

You must pick up your reserved seat ticket before boarding. If you have made a reservation, please pick up your ticket using the specified method by the day of your ride. If you are receiving a paper ticket, it is best to pick it up with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your ride.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

IC cards cannot be used on the Watarase Keikoku Railway. You will need to prepare to pay in cash. IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the areas where they can be used are determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within the service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*IC cards cannot be used. Fares and reserved seat tickets must be purchased with cash or other payment methods.

""TOROKKO WASSHI"" Seating Information

Seat Types

All seats on ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" are reserved. It includes open-air trolley cars with windows that can be opened and closed. Seats fill up quickly during high season, so it's best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The windows of the trolley cars can be opened and closed, allowing you to adjust the level of openness depending on the weather. As it is a self-propelled vehicle, it can travel long distances without changing locomotive. From your seat, you can enjoy the view of the Watarase River gorge as you travel. Depending on the weather, it may get cold, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check your seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-Free Facilities

There are steps inside the trolley cars. If you are using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Watarase Keikoku Railway in advance. The availability of multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the car and train set.

 

 

Station Bento and In-Train Gourmet Food on the ""TOROKKO WASSHI""

On the ""TOROKKO WASSHI"", snacks and drinks may be sold on board. At Kobe Station, you can enjoy a meal inside the train at the Seiryu restaurant. Along the route, bento boxes featuring maitake mushrooms are well-known local specialties. In Kiryu, Himokawa udon noodles are a popular local dish. Station kiosks may have limited operating hours, so it's best to prepare in advance if you're traveling early in the morning or late at night. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans inside the train or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the ""TOROKKO WASSHI""

The ""TOROKKO WASSHI"" operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so you cannot board without purchasing a Torokko reserved seat ticket. The operating section is different from the ""TOROKKO Watarase Keikoku"", so be sure to check which train you will be riding. IC cards cannot be used, so be sure to have cash ready. There are few shops around the final stop, Mato Station, so it is a good idea to bring drinks with you. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since the trolley train is affected by the weather, please dress appropriately for the season. Before boarding, checking the operating status on a site like Ekitan will allow you to calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

""TOROKKO WASSHI"" is a trolley train on the Watarase Keikoku Railway that connects Kiryu Station and Mato Station. Its appeal lies in its self-propelled trolley cars, which allow passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Watarase River gorge over a long distance. Since it operates only on limited days and all seats are reserved, be sure to check the operating dates and secure your reserved seat ticket in advance.

Enjoy a journey through the Watarase Valley and Ashio aboard the ""TOROKKO WASSHI"", a trolley train that runs from one end of the valley to the other.

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.