Nagatoro Steam Locomotive

The Chichibu railway operates the Steam Locomotive Paleo Express mainly on weekends. This tourist train rumbles down the track of Chichibu Line, running through deep forest. It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to go from Kumagaya Station to Mitsumineguchi station. This relaxed classic train trip is rewarding, and it’s wonderful to view the amazing seasonal scenery from the window.

The front shiny, black-bodied locomotive pulling the other passenger cars is the masterpiece of C58363 train that was first engineered in 1944. After a long rest, having stopped serving as a commercial train in 1972, the train was revived in 1988, rolling on the Chichibu route. This powerful train running through the scenic mountains with a thick plume of steam has become one of Chichibu's most spectacular images.

The train leaves from Kumagaya Station. You can go to the station ahead of time, in order to take pictures of the train approaching backwards. As the big black body comes close, it shows off its impressive look. You can take close-up pictures as there is a plenty of time before departure.

The regular train takes about only one hour and half for the same route, but this 2 hour and 40 min ride allows you to enjoy a fascinating scenic view and take good pictures. Another wonderful part of this trip is several wooden structured stations from the old days. This is a perfect little trip that brings foreign visitors back to the old Japan; it’s all here, the lush countryside, rushing Arakawa River, dramatic mountains vistas and old-style stations.