Japan is home to several historic steam locomotives (SL), but riding the Oigawa Railway offers an unmatched journey through tea plantations, dramatic valleys, and turquoise lakes. While still a hidden gem among international travelers, this scenic heritage railway is one of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences in Japan.
It took me quite a bit of effort to figure out the complex schedules and routes for this trip, so I put together this guide to save you the headache and make your planning much easier!
What Makes Oigawa Railway So Special?
The Sanctuary of Steam Locomotives (SL)
Oigawa Railway is the first railway in Japan to preserve and operate historic Steam Locomotives on a daily basis. Passengers can step back in time and experience retro wooden carriages with smoke billowing from the engine.
Home of the Thomas the Tank Engine Train
It is home to Asia’s first fully operational, real-life “Day Out With Thomas” steam train, making it an extraordinarily popular destination for families.
A Living Railway Museum
The line operates iconic retired train cars from major private railway companies across Japan—such as the Kintetsu “Yoshino Express” and Nankai “Zoom Car”—earning it the nickname of a “moving railway museum.”
Two Distinct Railway Lines
The Oigawa Railway is divided into two main sections, each offering a unique travel experience:
1. Oigawa Main Line (Kanaya to Senzu)
- Section: Kanaya Station (connects to the JR Tokaido Line) to Senzu Station
- Features: The primary route where Steam Locomotives, Thomas trains, and vintage passenger cars run through peaceful green tea plantations and along the scenic Oigawa River.(Note: Due to severe weather damage, certain sections currently operate via substitute buses or train turnbacks.)
2. Ikawa Line / Southern Alps Abt Line (Senzu to Ikawa)
- Section: Senzu Station to Ikawa Station
- Features: Japan’s only Abt-system (rack-and-pinion) railway, designed to climb steep mountain gradients in the Southern Alps. It features charming mini-retro trains and dramatic valley views.
- Top Highlights:
- Oku-Oi Kojo Station: A famous “secluded station” that appears to be floating in the middle of a turquoise lake.
- Sekanosa Bridge: The highest railway bridge in Japan, towering nearly 70 meters above the river.
Top Things to Do & Highlights
| Activity | Overview |
| Ride the SL or Thomas Train | Enjoy a nostalgic train ride while eating a local “SL Ekiben” (train lunchbox) and listening to conductor harmonica performances. Advance reservations required for Thomas. |
| Sumatakyo & Bridge of Dream | Take a short bus ride from Senzu Station to this hidden hot spring village. Cross the iconic “Yume no Tsuribashi” suspension bridge over vibrant turquoise waters. |
| Discover Hidden Stations | Visit Oku-Oi Kojo Station for breathtaking photo opportunities and take in the dramatic engineering of the Ikawa Line. |
Tips for Trip Planning
Links I checked many times to plan
Oigawa Railway Timetable: https://daitetsu.jp/eng/ft_timetable
Fares: https://daitetsu.jp/eng/ft_fare
English booking page for Electric Locomotive: https://ec.travel.jr-central.co.jp/tp/optionalFacilities/Z000604/plans?lang=en
English booking page for Ikawa Line: https://daitetsu.jp/eng/abt
Sample Schedule
Day 1
- 12:00 – Depart Kanaya Station with the Oigawa Main Line EL(Electric Locomotive)
- 12:05 – Arrive at Shin-Kanaya Station. Visit Plaza Loco in front of the station and the museum inside.
- 13:58 – Depart Shin-Kanaya Station with the Oigawa Main Line Thomas Train
- 14:53 – Arrive at Kawane Onsen Sasamado
- 15:00 – Check in at Kawane Onsen Hotel. Enjoy the Onsen and the view of the railway.
Day 2
- 08:22 – Take the Kawane Honcho Community Bus from Kawane Onsen Hotel to Senzu Station
- 09:00 – Arrive at Senzu Station
- 09:10 – Take the Sumatakyo Onsen Line Bus from Senzu to Sumatakyo Onsen Entrance
- 09:48 – Arrive at Sumatakyo Onsen Entrance. Enjoy the Onsen town and a little hike to the Dream Suspension Bridge (Yume no Tsuribashi)
- 13:47 – Take the Sumatakyo Onsen Line Bus from Sumatakyo Onsen Entrance to Senzu
- 14:25 – Arrive at Senzu Station
- 14:35 – Take the Kawane Honcho Community Bus from Senzu to Ieyama Station
- 15:20 – Arrive at Ieyama Station
- 15:38 – Take the Oiagawa Main Line local train to Kanaya Station
- 16:16 – Arrive at Kanaya Station and head to your next destination
Day 3 (if you have another day)
- 08:22 – Take a bus from Kawane Onsen Hotel to Senzu Station
- 09:00 – Arrive at Senzu Station
- 10:05 – Ride Ikawa Line from Senzu to Oku-Oi Kojo Station
- 11:12 – Arrive at Oku-Oi Kojo Staion
- Enjoy lunch and drinks while you take in the great view of the lake over the railway at the Kojo Station Cafe.
- 13:09 – Take Ikawa Line back to Senzu Station.
- 14:20 – Arrive at Senzu Station
- 14:35 – Bus from Senzu to Ieyama Station
- 15:20 – Arrive at Ieyama
- 15:38 – Take Oiagawa Main Line local train to Kanaya Station
- 16:16 – Arrive at Kanaya Station and head to your next destination
Recommended Accommodations and Cafe
Kawane Onsen Hotel
Located right along the Oigawa Main Line and adjacent to the famous Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Kawane Onsen, Kawane Onsen Hotel is one of the most popular accommodation choices for travellers exploring this valley.
What makes this hotel truly unique is its rare combination of top-tier natural hot springs and unbeatable railway views.
Genmai Saishoku Asai
While Kawane Onsen Hotel is convenient for people travel by train, we stayed at this place as we had a car. If you want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path stay that contrasts with standard hotels, Genmai Saishoku Asai [açai] offers an unforgettable Satoyama (Japanese countryside) experience right in Kawane-honcho
Set in a beautifully preserved 280-year-old traditional Japanese house (Kominka) built during the Edo period, this peaceful retreat welcomes only one group of guests per day.
Also, they are vegan-friendly and offer amazing vegan meals!
Oku-oi Kojo Station Cafe
Located right at one of Japan’s most photogenic locations, rest & coffee Lake Station Cafe is a scenic rest-stop cottage situated directly above the platform at Oku-Oikami Kojo Station.
Operated by the popular local lifestyle brand Seikou Udoku (known for their main cafe and guest village in Sumatakyo Onsen), this tiny mountain cafe provides a relaxing spot to unwind while soaking in panoramic views of the emerald-green lake and surrounding mountains.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ku5SV1PmahSTD3b3A
Important Tips & Travel Advisory for Oigawa Railway
Planning a trip along the Oigawa Railway is rewarding, but it requires a bit of extra preparation. Here are a few essential tips to ensure a smooth journey:
1. Check the Current Route & Train Status
Due to past typhoon damage, a section of the Oigawa Main Line (between Kawane-Onsen Sasamado Station and Senzu Station) is currently operated by substitute buses. Train schedules and transfer points can be complex, so be sure to check the latest timetables on the official website before you travel.
2. Timetables Are Infrequent—Plan Ahead!
Both the trains and local connection buses in this mountain region run only once every 1 to 2 hours (or even less frequently in remote areas). Missing a single connection can cause long delays, so keep a tight eye on your schedule and double-check departure times for your return trip.
3. Book Steam Locomotives (SL) and Thomas Trains Early
The famous Steam Locomotives (SL) and the “Day Out With Thomas” train require advance reservations. Seats sell out quickly, especially during weekends, national holidays, and autumn foliage season, so book your tickets online well ahead of time.
4. Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
Reaching iconic viewpoints like the Oku-Oikami Kojo Station lookout or hiking to the Bridge of Dream (Yume no Tsuribashi) in Sumatakyo involves climbing steep stairs, crossing unpaved paths, and walking through nature trails. Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes are essential.
5. Grab a Discount Travel Pass
If you plan to explore multiple spots along the route (such as Sumatakyo Onsen and the Ikawa Line), purchase a multi-day pass / free pass at the station. It will save you both money and the hassle of buying individual tickets at every stop.
6. Carry Cash (Japanese Yen)
While major stations accept credit cards, many small local shops, bus routes, and rural eateries in the mountains only accept cash. Make sure to withdraw enough Japanese Yen before heading deep into the valley.
Hope this article is helpful for you. Enjoy your trip with Oigawa Railway!
