About the SL Taiju
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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
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: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.
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
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
Stainless steel bottle
(SL Taiju)Pla-rail toy
(SL Taiju)SL Taiju
commemorative medalHand towel
(SL Taiju)Go! Go! Train toothbrush
(SL Taiju)SL Taiju
capSet of three design cutlery items
(SL Taiju)Taiju brand of Japanese sake
– Junmai ginjo-shuA 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! -
SL Taiju(C11 207) Operating Days
SL Taiju(C11 325) Operating Days
DL Taiju Operating Days
SL Taiju futara Operating Days
Special-schedule Operating Days★Dream Car Operating DaysOperating DaysDecember 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1
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Timetables
Steam Locomotive Turntable Usage Times
(On Train Operating Days)Shimo-imaichi Turntable 12:05 13:55 16:35 17:40 Kinugawa-onsen Turntable 10:30 11:30 14:05 16:00
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.
Nikko Pass etc.
reservation ticket
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.
Ticket Reservation Period
Reservations are available from one month in advance
Ticket Reservation and Purchase

SL Taiju / DL Taiju Online Ticket
Reservation and Purchase Service
Through this service, customers can reserve and purchase SL Taiju / DL Taiju seat reservation tickets, with no member registration required. Seat availability can also be checked using this service.
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
Visit the ticket
purchase page
Enter required
information/conditions
Complete
purchase
Show information on your device screen
(or a printout) when boarding
* For physical ticket issuance, please purchase at the station.
Online Purchasing
Make an online
reservation anytime.
Available up to the day
preceding departure date
Purchase your seat reservation ticket(s) at a station counter within the specified purchase period
(within 7 days of reservation date, including the reserved date*1).
(Purchase the ticket(s) at a Tobu Railway station*2 or Tobu Top Tours.*3)
Board the train using your seat
reservation ticket(s).
Available for Purchase
At Tobu Line Stations
(Excluding Oshiage Station,
Yorii Station, and Unstaffed Stations)
Purchase from a Japanese
Travel Agency
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
Your payment will be refunded with a ¥100 processing fee deducted.
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.)
SL Taiju / DL Taiju Seat Reservation Tickets
Purchased via the Online Reservation and Purchasing Service
If your train has not yet departed, you may request a refund by individual train for any SL Taiju / DL Taiju train tickets purchased via the online reservation and purchasing service. A refund processing fee of ¥100 per reserved seat refunded will be deducted, and the remaining amount refunded to the credit card used to make the initial limited express ticket reservation.
Once the refund process has been completed, you will receive a notification e-mail.
In the event that the reserved train was not operated due to an accident or other such incident, your purchase will be refunded to your credit card with no processing fee deducted on the day following the reservation date or later. In this case, no refund procedures are required on the customer side.