"TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" Train Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" trolley train on the Watarase Keikoku Railway, which connects Omama Station and Ashio Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations where the train stops, seat information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to the Watarase Valley and the Ashio Copper Mine, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip. A physical ticket is required for boarding. IC cards are not accepted.

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 "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" is a trolley train operated by the Watarase Keikoku Railway, connecting Omama Station and Ashio 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. The trolley cars have no glass windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery while directly feeling the valley breeze. All seats are reserved, so a trolley reserved seat ticket (seat reservation 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 trains with similar names and destinations, so it is best to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU"?

The "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" is a trolley train that operates to allow passengers to enjoy the beauty of the Watarase River gorge. The Watarase Keikoku Line is a line that took over from the former Japanese National Railways Ashio Line and was responsible for transporting ore produced from the Ashio Copper Mine. Currently, it is a popular tourist route that allows many travelers to enjoy the scenery of the gorge. The trolley cars have an open structure without glass windows, allowing passengers to directly feel the wind and sounds of the gorge. Another characteristic of this train is that it is operated with a locomotive pulling the passenger cars.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" lies in the fact that you can fully experience the nature of the gorge from the windowless trolley cars. Along the section that runs along the Watarase River, the train windows offer a panoramic view of clear streams and deep forests. At Kobe Station, there is a restaurant called "Seiryu" that reuses a Tobu Railway limited express train car. You can enjoy the different expressions of the gorge in each season, with cherry blossoms and peach blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. The Ashio Copper Mine is a copper mine that supported Japan's modernization and is now open to tourists as a mine tunnel. From Tsudo Station, you can access the Ashio Copper Mine tourist facilities on foot. Mizunuma Station has a hot spring facility attached to the station premises. When passing through tunnels, you can experience the sounds and wind unique to the trolley cars. If you check the stops and travel time before boarding, it will be 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 WATARASE KEIKOKU" Timetable

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

Downbound (towards Ashio Station) Timetable

Timetable for Upbound Trains (towards Omama Station)

The "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" 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 Information Regarding Operating Days and Days When the Service is Suspended.

The "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" operates only on weekends and holidays. It is suspended during the winter months. Operating dates are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it.

"TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" Operating Section

Main Sections

• Omama Station to Kobe Station (Watarase Keikoku Line)
• Kobe Station to Tsudo Station (Watarase Keikoku Line)
• Tsudo Station to Ashio Station (Watarase Keikoku Line)

At Ashio Copper Mine, you can take a ride on a mine cart to explore the mine. The town of Ashio is dotted with facilities and historical sites that tell the story of the copper mine. 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 valley near Omama Station, where you can enjoy the scenery from a walking trail. There are many famous spots for cherry blossoms and flowering peach trees around Hanawa Station. Retro wooden station buildings remain at each station along the line. As getting to the surrounding tourist attractions mainly involves taking a bus or walking, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. Tourist information centers are sometimes located around the stations where you can obtain maps and brochures.

"TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" Stations

Main Stops

• Omama Station
• Mizunuma Station
• Kobe Station
• Tsudo Station
• Ashio Station

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

"TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" Fares

Representative Section Fare

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Trolley Reserved Seat Ticket

The fare for the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" is the sum of the basic fare ticket (fare) to your destination and the trolley reserved seat ticket. The trolley reserved seat ticket is set as a fare that includes seat reservation. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the trolley reserved seat ticket. The fare is broken down into the "basic fare ticket (fare)" for the journey to your destination and the "trolley reserved seat ticket" for riding the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU". Note that you cannot ride the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

Regarding the Trolley Reserved Seat Ticket

To ride the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU", you will need a trolley reserved seat ticket in addition to your basic fare ticket. Since seating is limited, advance reservations are recommended. Trolley reserved seat tickets can be purchased at the Watarase Keikoku Railway ticket office or through designated reservation methods. If seats are available, tickets may also be available for purchase on the day of travel.

How to Buy Tickets for the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU"

Advance Reservations and Purchase at Station Ticket Offices

Trolley 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.

Purchase on the Day

If there are seats available, you may be able to purchase a trolley reserved seat ticket on the day of travel. However, since the number of seats is limited, trains may be fully booked during peak season. 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 peak season, 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 Foreign Tourists

The "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" is operated by the Watarase Keikoku Railway and is therefore not covered by the JR Pass. A separate basic fare ticket and trolley 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.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

You must pick up your trolley 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 I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

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 trolley reserved seat tickets must be purchased with cash or other payment methods.

Seat Information for the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU"

Seat Type

All seats on the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" are reserved. The train includes open-air carriages without windows. Seats fill up quickly during peak 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 open-air trolley cars have no windows, allowing you to directly feel the breeze from the valley. The seats are wooden bench seats, giving the ride a retro feel. When passing through tunnels, you can feel the cool air and the echoing sounds. Depending on the weather, it can 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 better if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's best to check your seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable ride.

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 Boxes and In-Train Gourmet Food to Enjoy on the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU".

On the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU", snacks and drinks may be sold on board. You can also enjoy a meal on the train at the Seiryu restaurant at Kobe Station. Along the route, bento boxes featuring maitake mushrooms are well-known local specialties. You can also have a meal at the hot spring facility at Mizunuma Station. Since the shops inside the stations may have limited operating hours, 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 in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU"

The "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" 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 trolley reserved seat ticket. The trolley carriages do not have windows, so dress appropriately for the weather and temperature. In rainy weather, you may get wet even inside the trolley carriages. IC cards cannot be used, so be sure to have cash ready. Before boarding, check the train name, carriage number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Sounds echo inside tunnels, which may startle young children. Before boarding, checking the train schedule on a site like Ekitan will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" is a trolley train on the Watarase Keikoku Railway that connects Omama Station and Ashio Station. Its greatest appeal is that you can fully experience the beauty of the Watarase River gorge from the open-air trolley cars. Since it operates on limited days and all seats are reserved, be sure to check the operating dates and secure a trolley reserved seat ticket in advance.

Enjoy a journey through nature and history on the "TOROKKO WATARASE KEIKOKU" as it travels through the Watarase River gorge, letting the wind carry you along.

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.