In the mountains of Shizuoka, a nostalgic steam train still runs along the Oi River, puffing out white clouds and pulling retro carriages that feel like they’ve rolled straight out of a classic movie. This train is a slow, scenic journey through tea fields, river valleys, and tiny countryside stations that capture the heart of old Japan.
For travelers who love history, beautiful views, and cozy retro vibes, this steam train is one of Shizuoka’s most charming treasures, with some of the best views. If you want to know more about this train, keep reading below!
How did this steam train begin?
The steam train in Shizuoka operates on the Oigawa Railway, a local line constructed initially to support dam construction and connect remote mountain communities with the rest of the region. Over time, as Japan modernized and electric and diesel trains took over, many old steam locomotives disappeared from active service. Instead of letting these engines fade into history, the Oigawa Railway chose to preserve them and turn the route into a living museum of classic rail travel.
Today, this line is famous for operating some of Japan’s few remaining regularly running steam locomotives, carefully maintained and lovingly polished. The deep chug of the engine, the whistle echoing through the valley, and the nostalgic carriages all carry hints of Japan’s Showa era. During that time, trains were slower, but journeys felt more personal. Overall, riding here is like stepping back in time while still enjoying the comfort and safety of modern tourism.
Where does the steam train travel?
The steam train route runs through central Shizuoka, following the Oi River as it winds from the plains into the mountains. Most steam services start at Shin-Kanaya Station, where you can often see the locomotives being prepared for departure. Then they travel up to Senzu Station, a gateway to hot springs, gorges, and deeper mountain scenery.
Along the way, the train crosses iron bridges, slips through tunnels, and rolls past green tea plantations that Shizuoka is famous for. On some extensions and connecting routes, you can reach spots like Okuoikojo Station, a tiny platform perched by a reservoir that looks almost like it’s floating on the water. From the windows, you will also see terraced hillsides, small villages, and clear views of the winding river below, making it one of the most photogenic rail journeys in Japan.
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What is the ride like for travelers?
Stepping onto the steam train in Shizuoka feels more like entering a retro café on rails than boarding a commuter train. The carriages feature classic seats, large windows, and little details that remind you this is a piece of living history. As the locomotive starts to move, you can hear the rhythmic chuff of the engine and see soft steam drifting past the glass, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
The scenery changes with the seasons, which is a big part of the ride’s charm. In spring, cherry blossoms line parts of the route; in summer, the valley turns deep green; in autumn, brilliant red and gold leaves brighten the hillsides; and in winter, the landscape feels crisp and calm, with a quiet beauty all its own. Many travelers bring cameras or snacks, chatting with friends or family as the train slowly winds through the mountains. Kids press their faces to the windows, train fans snap photos at every bridge, and everyone relaxes into the gentle pace that modern high-speed travel rarely allows.
Why is this steam train so special to Shizuoka?
In Shizuoka, the steam train is more than a tourist attraction; it’s a symbol of local pride and a bridge between past and present for tourists and locals alike. The line brings visitors into lesser-known mountain areas, supporting small towns, hot spring inns, and family-run shops that line the route. Locals sell bento lunches, snacks, and handmade souvenirs at stations, turning each stop into a friendly welcome for travelers.
Keeping steam locomotives running also requires expert engineers and mechanics, so the railway helps preserve traditional skills that might otherwise disappear. Because of this, the Oigawa Railway is often highlighted as one of Japan’s top scenic and nostalgic train journeys, recommended in travel guides and rail fan magazines alike.
For visitors, the steam train in Shizuoka offers something rare: a chance to slow down, savor the journey, and feel a little bit of old Japan alive in every puff of steam. You can pair it with a soak in a mountain onsen, a hike through Sumata Gorge, or a tea-tasting stop nearby. This nostalgic ride turns a day trip into a memory that lingers long after you step back onto the platform. Have you ever ridden on this train, or do you have plans to ride it? Let us know in the comments below!
