About the SL Taiju

  • sl
    youtube
    The steam-locomotive-powered train SL Taiju travels to the Nikko and Kinugawa areas,
    both of which are major tourist destinations in Japan.

    This attractive train passes through Kinugawa, one of the nation's top hot springs resort areas, and near the UNESCO World Heritage Site–designated Nikko area.
    The name SL Taiju, with SL meaning "steam locomotive" and "Taiju" meaning "great tree," was chosen in honor of the celebrated shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu whose mausoleum is located in Nikko Toshogu Shrine, one of the shrines and temples of comprising the World Heritage Site.
    Ieyasu was also referred to by the name Taiju.
    Steam locomotives were one of the major driving forces during Japan's modernization, and today it is rare to see or ride trains driven by these machines.
    They spew steam like some sort of living creature as they chug powerfully forward.
    Experience this awesome power for yourself as you enjoy an unforgettable trip.
    We recommend making an SL Taiju journey part of your Nikko and Kinugawa sightseeing experience—one packed with history, tradition, culture and natural splendor, all together in one place!

    Route

    Route

    The SL Taiju travels between Shimo-imaichi Station and Kinugawa-onsen Station in about 35 minutes. It stops at TOBU WORLD SQUARE Station along the way, home to the popular recreational facility TOBU WORLD SQUARE.
    *Access to Shimo-imaichi Station: approx. 1 hr. 30 min. via direct train from Asakusa Station. / TOKYO SKYTREE Station., or just under 2 hr. via direct train from JR Shinjuku Station / JR Ikebukuro Station
    *For more information on TOBU WORLD SQUARE:

    https://en.tobuws.co.jp/

    Fun

    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun
    Fun

    The SL Taiju and the areas it serves host entertaining events throughout the year, such as New Year holiday period events, "ninja train" events, and others rooted in unique Japanese cultural elements. In addition, the Nikko and Kinugawa areas offer beautiful natural scenery that changes throughout the four seasons, in local flower fields and other lovely locales.

    More Information

    Hospitality

    Hospitality

    During the roughly 35-minute journey on the SL Taiju, onboard tourism attendants provide information on Nikko and Kinugawa sightseeing, and even dress in traditional Japanese garb such as yukata and kimono during special events and in accordance with the season, all to make your journey that much more memorable.

    Ekiben

    Ekiben

    Bento boxed meal sets, a unique part of Japanese culinary tradition, are sold at stations as eki-ben (meaning "station bento," also a long-established Japanese tradition).
    Special SL Taiju–themed eki-ben are sold exclusively at Tobu-nikko, Kinugawa-onsen and Shimo-imaichi Stations.

    Goods

    Goods

    Stainless steel bottle
    (SL Taiju)

    Goods

    Pla-rail toy
    (SL Taiju)

    Goods

    SL Taiju
    commemorative medal

    Goods

    Hand towel
    (SL Taiju)

    Goods

    Go! Go! Train toothbrush
    (SL Taiju)

    Goods

    SL Taiju
    cap

    Goods

    Set of three design cutlery items
    (SL Taiju)

    Goods

    Taiju brand of Japanese sake
    – Junmai ginjo-shu

    A wide variety of SL Taiju official goods are available for purchase.
    These include traditional Japanese items such as sake and tenugui hand towels.
    Find something you like and take it home as a souvenir from your journey!

  • October

    2025
    Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
    1
    B
    		 2
    B
    		 3
    D
    		 4
    C
    5
    C
    		 6
    D
    		 7
    F
    		 8
    B
    		 9
    B
    		 10
    D
    		 11
    A
    12
    A
    		 13
    D
    		 14
    B
    		 15
    B
    		 16
    B
    		 17
    D
    		 18
    A
    19
    A
    		 20
    D
    		 21
    B
    		 22
    B
    		 23
    B
    		 24
    D
    		 25
    26
    		 27
    D
    		 28
    B
    		 29
    B
    		 30
    B
    		 31
    D

    November

    2025
    Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
    1
    A
    2
    A
    		 3
    D
    		 4
    B
    		 5
    F
    		 6
    B
    		 7
    D
    		 8
    A
    9
    A
    		 10
    D
    		 11
    B
    		 12
    B
    		 13
    B
    		 14
    D
    		 15
    A
    16
    A
    		 17
    D
    		 18
    B
    		 19
    B
    		 20
    B
    		 21
    D
    		 22
    H
    23
    D
    		 24
    D
    		 25
    B
    		 26
    B
    		 27
    B
    		 28
    D
    		 29
    H
    30
    D
    • * Operating days, routes and services are subject to change.
    • * The SL Taiju undergoes regular maintenance and operational checks. On operating days, inspections are carried out prior to departure from the depot.
      However, if any abnormality is detected in any of these checks, SL Taiju operations may be suspended, and in some cases the DL Taiju (a diesel-locomotive-driven version) will be used in its place.
      We ask for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
    • * Operations according to a special-event schedule may be carried out on Saturday, May 16 for SL Taiju 1–3.
      In this case, operations will not be carried out according to the usual schedule. Notifications will be made as needed regarding special-schedule operations.

    Timetables

    Steam locomotive trains depart at various times of the day, from morning to evening.
    Find a departure time that best fits your schedule when visiting theme parks located along the line, the UNESCO World Heritage Site shrines and temples of Nikko,
    and other attractions of the Nikko and Kinugawa area.

    For Kinugawa-onsen (Outbound)

    Train Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Kinugawa-onsen
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 1 9：33 10：03 10：10
    SL Taiju 3 10：29 10：59 11：05
    SL Taiju 5 13：30 14：00 14：06
    SL Taiju 7 15：01 15：31 15：37
    scroll

    For Shimo-imaichi (Inbound)

    Train Kinugawa-onsen
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Departure Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 2 11：14 11：20 11：51
    SL Taiju 4 12：53 12：58 13：29
    SL Taiju 6 15：41 15：47 16：21
    SL Taiju 8 16：45 16：50 17：20
    scroll

    Steam Locomotive Turntable Usage Times
    (On Train Operating Days)

    Shimo-imaichi Turntable 12：10 13：50 16：40 17：40
    Kinugawa-onsen Turntable 10：40 11：30 14：30 15：55
    • * The time may change.
    • * May be canceled due to vehicle limitations.

    For Kinugawa-Nikko (Outbound)

    Train Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU Nikko
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju Futara 71 11：54 12：17
    scroll

    For TOBU-Nikko → Shimo-imaichi → Kinugawa-onsen

    Train TOBU-Nikko
    Departure Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Kinugawa-onsen
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju Futara 72 13：03 13：20 13：30 14：00 14：06
    scroll

    For Shimo-imaichi (Inbound)

    Train Kinugawa-onsen
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Departure Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 6 15：41 15：47 16：21
    scroll

    Steam Locomotive Turntable Usage Times
    (On Train Operating Days)

    Shimo-imaichi Turntable 16：40
    Kinugawa-onsen Turntable 14：30
    • * The time may change.
    • * May be canceled due to vehicle limitations.

    For Kinugawa-onsen (Outbound)

    Train Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Kinugawa-onsen
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 1 9：33 10：03 10：10
    DL Taiju 3 10：29 10：59 11：05
    SL Taiju 5 13：30 14：00 14：06
    DL Taiju 7 15：01 15：31 15：37
    scroll

    For Shimo-imaichi (Inbound)

    Train Kinugawa-onsen
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Departure Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 2 11：14 11：20 11：51
    DL Taiju 4 12：53 12：58 13：29
    SL Taiju 6 15：41 15：47 16：21
    DL Taiju 8 16：45 16：50 17：20
    scroll

    Steam Locomotive Turntable Usage Times
    (On Train Operating Days)

    Shimo-imaichi Turntable 12：10 13：50 16：40 17：40
    Kinugawa-onsen Turntable 10：40 11：30 14：30 15：55
    • * The time may change.
    • * May be canceled due to vehicle limitations.

    For Kinugawa-onsen (Outbound)

    Train Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Kinugawa-onsen
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 1 9：33 10：03 10：10
    SL Taiju 5 13：30 14：00 14：06
    scroll

    For Shimo-imaichi (Inbound)

    Train Kinugawa-onsen
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Departure Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 2 11：14 11：20 11：51
    SL Taiju 6 15：41 15：47 16：21
    scroll

    Steam Locomotive Turntable Usage Times
    (On Train Operating Days)

    Shimo-imaichi Turntable 12：10 16：40
    Kinugawa-onsen Turntable 10：40 14：30
    • * The time may change.
    • * May be canceled due to vehicle limitations.

    For Tobu-Nikko(Outbound)

    Train Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU Nikko
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju Futara 71 11：54 12：17
    scroll

    For TOBU-Nikko → Shimo-imaichi → Kinugawa-onsen

    Train TOBU-Nikko
    Departure Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Kinugawa-onsen
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju Futara 72 13：03 13：20 13：30 14：00 14：06
    scroll

    For Kinugawa-onsen (Outbound)

    Train Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Kinugawa-onsen
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 1 9：33 10：03 10：10
    SL Taiju 7 15：01 15：31 15：37
    scroll

    For Shimo-imaichi (Inbound)

    Train Kinugawa-onsen
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 2 11：14 11：20 11：51
    SL Taiju 6 15：41 15：47 16：21
    SL Taiju 8 16：45 16：50 17：20
    scroll

    Steam Locomotive Turntable Usage Times
    (On Train Operating Days)

    Shimo-imaichi Turntable 12：10 16：40 17：40
    Kinugawa-onsen Turntable 10：40 14：30 15：55
    • * The time may change.
    • * May be canceled due to vehicle limitations.

    For Kinugawa-onsen (Outbound)

    Train Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Kinugawa-onsen
    Arrival Time
    DL Taiju 1 9：33 10：03 10：10
    DL Taiju 5 13：30 14：00 14：06
    scroll

    For Shimo-imaichi (Inbound)

    Train Kinugawa-onsen
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Departure Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time
    DL Taiju 2 11：14 11：20 11：51
    DL Taiju 6 15：41 15：47 16：21
    scroll
    • * The time may change.
    • * May be canceled due to vehicle limitations.

    For Kinugawa-onsen (Outbound)

    Train Shimo-imaichi
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Arrival Time    		 Kinugawa-onsen
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 3 10：29 10：59 11：05
    SL Taiju 7 15：01 15：31 15：37
    scroll

    For Shimo-imaichi (Inbound)

    Train Kinugawa-onsen
    Departure Time    		 TOBU WORLD SQUARE
    Departure Time    		 Shimo-imaichi
    Arrival Time
    SL Taiju 4 12：53 12：58 13：29
    SL Taiju 8 16：45 16：50 17：20
    scroll

    Steam Locomotive Turntable Usage Times
    (On Train Operating Days)

    Shimo-imaichi Turntable 13：50 17：40
    Kinugawa-onsen Turntable 11：30 15：55
    • * The time may change.
    • * May be canceled due to vehicle limitations.

    This is a special operation schedule. To inquire about the details, please click the link below.
    * In some cases, a separate application is required for group tours.

  • Ticket Reservation and Purchase

    Two tickets are required per passenger to ride the SL Taiju: a standard fare ticket and an SL Seat Reservation Ticket.

    passenger ticket
    Nikko Pass etc.
    SL seat
    reservation ticket
    Between Shimo-imaichi and Kinugawa-onsen
    SL Taiju: Adults – 1000 yen / Children – 300 yen (tax included)
    DL Taiju: Adults – 750 yen / Children – 200 yen (tax included)
    Between Shimo-imaichi and Tobu-Nikko
    SL Taiju: Adults – 1000 yen / Children – 300 yen (tax included)
    DL Taiju: Adults – 750 yen / Children – 200 yen (tax included)
    Between Kinugawa-onsen and Tobu-Nikko
    SL Taiju: Adults – 1150 yen / Children – 300 yen (tax included)
    DL Taiju: Adults – 900 yen / Children – 200 yen (tax included)
    • *There is a uniform charge for SL seat reservation tickets in the section of its operation.

    The NIKKO PASS is a great deal. Both train and bus standard fares are covered in the cost,
    and it also provides discounts for various facilities and services.

    More Information

    Ticket Reservation Period

    Reservations are available from one month in advance

    • * Tickets can be purchased at Tobu Railway stations starting at 9:00 a.m. on the date one month in advance of the intended departure date.
    • * In addition to an SL/DL seat reservation ticket, the fare for the distance traveled must also be paid.

    Ticket Reservation

    Seat reservation tickets can be purchased at a Tobu Railway station starting at 9:00 a.m. on the date one month in advance of the intended departure date.
    They can also be purchased through Tobu Top Tours and other major travel agencies.Furthermore, reservations are accepted via Internet from 9:00 a.m.
    on the date one month in advance of the intended departure date.

    TOBU Japan Trip Tickets

    TOBU Japan Trip Tickets

    This service allows you to purchase reserved seat tickets for the SL Taiju and DL Taiju.

    Online Purchase

    Online Purchasing

    Tickets can be
    purchased online.

    Payments are made
    via credit card.

    Choose your desired seat from the train seating chart

    (available up until 5 minutes before departure time)

    Show information on your device screen
    (or a printout) when boarding

    Ticket Purchase Process
    1

    Visit the ticket
    purchase page

    2

    Enter required
    information/conditions

    3

    Complete
    purchase

    4

    Show information on your device screen
    (or a printout) when boarding

    * For physical ticket issuance, please purchase at the station.

    Make an Online Reservation

    Available for Purchase
    At Tobu Line Stations
    (Excluding Oshiage Station,
    Yorii Station, and Unstaffed Stations)

    • * Cannot be purchased at ticket machines

    Purchase from a Japanese
    Travel Agency

    Major Japanese travel agencies

    Changes and Refunds

    Changing Reservations

    Reservations can be changed a maximum of one (1) time, and only if seats are available on the newly requested train.
    Inquire at the nearest convenient Tobu Railway station counter prior to the departure time of your originally reserved train from the intended station of departure.

    Refund

    Tickets for a limited express are refundable only before the departure time, and 100 yen will be deducted as the handling fee.
    *If you purchased a digital ticket or through a travel agency, please inquire at the website or agency where you made the purchase.

    Seat Reservation Ticket In-station Refund Eligibility

    Seat reservation tickets purchased via credit card: Refunds are handled by the travel agency from which you purchased the ticket(s).
    Station staff can provide a seat reservation ticket refund authorization stamp(s) upon request; please show the stamped ticket(s) when requesting a refund at the travel agency.

    Seat reservation tickets sold as part of tour packages (with no ticket price shown): Refunds are handled by the travel agency from which you purchased the ticket(s).
    Station staff can provide a seat reservation ticket refund authorization stamp(s) upon request.
    Please consult with the travel agency regarding the possibility of a refund.
    (Because terms and conditions differ by agency and transaction, Tobu Railway cannot issue a refund according to standard procedures.)