Chichibu Railway

NOTE: After a full year of inspections, the steam train will resume on February 13th, 2021.

Chichibu Railway is the easiest to visit of the steam trains we have mentioned in this corner. Take the northbound Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kumagaya. Alternatively if you are staying in western Tokyo, you might find it easier to take the private Seibu Line to Chichibu station. Then, the Ohanabatake station is about a 5 minute walk away.

The C58-363 steam locomotive was made in 1944 and ran in the Tohoku region before being brought here in 1987.

The slopes of Histujiyama Koen are known for the pink moss in late April to early May.

The Chichibu Railway plans to introduce a new website where reserved seats can be bought online.

Reserved seats will cost 740 JPY, in addition to the normal fare.

In the past, reserved seats could also be secured at JR stations, but this will no longer be possible.

Non-reserved seats no longer exist, so passengers must get a seat designation before boarding.

Departures are mostly on Saturdays and Sundays with a few additional trains mainly in April and August.

https://www.chichibu-railway.co.jp/slpaleo/calendar.html

*Last update : 4 Jan, 2021