Oigawa Railway Steam Train
The last scheduled steam locomotive service in Japan running daily in all seasons. The SL Kawane-ji steams 65km into the Oi River gorge through tea plantations and deep river valleys. The train uses original Showa-era rolling stock, and volunteers in period uniform serve tea in the carriages.
Half day–full day
¥880–¥2,500 (depending on distance)
SL trains: weekend departures from Kanaya Station, typically 10:07 and 13:50; Thomas the Tank Engine train: seasonal; regular service: daily
Year-round
Kanaya Station from Shizuoka Station (JR Tokaido Line, about 32 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Japan's only daily steam locomotive service — real SL engines hauling original 1940s–60s coaches
- 2
The route passes through the world's deepest tea-growing valley — rows of green tea bushes on every hillside
- 3
A Thomas the Tank Engine seasonal train runs on Sundays in spring — beloved by families
Local Tips
The Oigawa Railway runs one of Japan's most regular steam locomotive services — the SL runs year-round on weekends and holidays. The most popular route ends at Senzu Station; the ABT rack railway continues from Senzu up to Ikawa (dramatic mountain scenery). Book the SL well in advance for weekends in cherry blossom season.
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