Riding this train in winter with the snowy scenery outside is just so romantic! They even sell special bento boxes on board, so you can enjoy a meal while taking in the view. Loved the whole experience.
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SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train
A beloved winter tradition in Kushiro, where a steam locomotive runs through the snow-covered wetlands.
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This seasonal sightseeing train runs on the Senmō Main Line between JR Kushiro Station and Shibecha Station from January to March. The powerful steam locomotive racing across the glittering white wetlands has become a beloved winter icon of Kushiro.
All seats are reserved, and the five-car train consists of three unique types of carriages: the “Tancho Car,” the “Café Car,” and the “Stove Car.” The Tancho Car features tiered seating to ensure great views from every seat. In the Café Car, you can grill dried squid sold on board using a classic daruma-style stove. The Stove Car retains the nostalgic atmosphere of old passenger coaches, with thoughtful details such as luggage racks inspired by Ezo deer antlers and tables made from Hokkaido ash wood-giving it a distinct Hokkaido feel.
Onboard announcements will point out wildlife sightings, such as Ezo deer and red-crowned cranes, and share information about the history of Kushiro. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing train journey while taking in the vast natural landscapes of Kushiro through the window.
Highlights
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A winter-only, all-reserved sightseeing train that runs through the snow-covered Kushiro Wetlands.
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Travels the Senmō Main Line from JR Kushiro Station to Shibecha Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
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A five-car train composed of three unique carriage types: the Tancho Car, the Café Car, and the Stove Car.
Photos
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The sight of the train running across the silver-white Kushiro Wetlands looks like something straight out of a movie.
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The Tancho Car features counter-style seating on the river side.
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The Stove Car is decorated with interior details that evoke the spirit of Hokkaido.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have brochures available in foreign languages? (If yes, please let me know which languages.)
A
No, we do not. (However, the official website is available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.)
Q
Do I need a reservation to board the train?
A
Yes. All seats are reserved, so you must book and purchase a reserved-seat ticket. Reservations open at 10:00 a.m. one month before the travel date and can be made via Ekinet, Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket counters, and other outlets. The train is expected to fill up, so please reserve early.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the train?
A
Yes, it is.
Q
Which side of the train offers better views of the wetlands (Kushiro River)?
A
On trains bound for Shibecha, the wetlands are on the left side. On trains bound for Kushiro, they are on the right side.
Q
What is the seating layout in the Tancho Car (Cars 1 and 5)?
A
Seats A and B are box-style seats, arranged as four-person facing seats in alternating odd and even rows. Seat D is a two-person bench seat facing the wetlands.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- SL冬の湿原号
- Address
- JR Kushiro Station to Shibecha Station
- Telephone
- 011-222-7111 (JR Hokkaido Information Center)
- Operating Period
- Runs mainly on weekends during the winter season from January to March each year.
- Business Hours
- Outbound(Kushiro Station) depart at 11:05am, Return(Shibecha Station) depart at 2:00pm (subject to change)
- Admission
- One-way 3,060yen(Train ticket 1,380yen+ Ticket with an assigned seat 1,680yen)
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)