[Tourist Train] Saitama, Chichibu / Nagatoro: A thorough explanation of the SL Paleo Express, the steam locomotive closest to Tokyo
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The SL Paleo Express is popular as the closest steam locomotive to Tokyo. The SL Paleo Express runs one round trip per day between Kumagaya Station and Mitakeguchi Station, mainly on weekends and holidays. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the SL Paleo Express, a tourist tra...
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Chichibu Railway is a local private railway that boasts a total length of 71.7 km that crosses northern Saitama Prefecture from east to west. The line is dotted with tourist spots such as Chichibu, Nagatoro, Yorii, Fukaya, Gyoda, and Hanyu, and is a line that allows you to travel through areas rich in nature. You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as rural landscapes and the valleys along the Arakawa River. Various tourist businesses are also operated along the line, such as the steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express" which is the closest to the city center and the "Nagatoro Line Kudari".
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Table of Contents
- SL Paleo Express - a tourist train that runs along the Chichibu route in Saitama Prefecture
- SL Paleo Express operation schedule
- SL Paleo Express timetable and stops
- To board the SL Paleo Express, you must purchase a ticket and a seat reservation.
- Reserve your seat reservation online to ride the SL Paleo Express
- If you plan to use the Chichibu Railway Line multiple times in one day, use the "Free Ticket"
- How to board the SL Paleo Express
- How to spend your time on board the SL Paleo Express passenger car
- Access to the SL Paleo Express boarding station
SL Paleo Express - a tourist train that runs along the Chichibu route in Saitama Prefecture
When talking about the Chichibu Railway, it is no exaggeration to say that the steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express" is synonymous with it. As the "closest steam locomotive to Tokyo," many people ride it every year. It began operating as a tourist train on the Chichibu Line in March 1988.
The steam locomotive that pulls the SL Paleo Express, C58363, was manufactured in February 1944 and ran mainly in the Tohoku region. After being retired in 1972, C58363 was exhibited in the schoolyard of an elementary school in Saitama Prefecture, but was brought back to life in time for the Saitama Expo held in March 1988.
The year 2023 will mark the 35th anniversary of the SL Paleo Express's operation, and February 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of the manufacture of locomotive C58363.
SL Paleo Express operation schedule
The SL Paleo Express runs one round trip per day from Kumagaya Station to Mitakeguchi Station, mainly on Saturdays and Sundays.
The operating period varies from year to year. Please check the latest information on the Chichibu Railway official website.
SL Paleo Express timetable and stops
The SL Paleo Express stops at eight stations, allowing passengers to board and disembark at the station most convenient for them.
Downstream / To Mitakeguchi
- Departing from Kumagaya Station at 10:15am
- 10:43am departure Fukaya Hanazono Station
- 11:07am departure Yorii Station
- 11:42am Departure Nagatoro Station
- 11:55am departure Minano Station
- 12:20pm departure Chichibu Station
- 12:24pm departure from Onohata Station
- Arrived at 12:54 pm at Mitakeguchi Station
Flag / Kumagaya
- Departure from 2:05 pm at Mitakeguchi Station
- 2:33pm departure from Onohata Station
- 2:39pm departure Chichibu Station
- Departure 2:57pm Minano Station
- Departure 3:13pm Nagatoro Station
- Departing at 3:41 pm from Yorii Station
- Departing at 3:53 pm from Fukaya Hanazono Station
- Arrives at 4:20pm Kumagaya Station
If you ride the entire route, you can enjoy a leisurely train journey of about 160 minutes one way.
Popular destinations are here! - Nagatoro Station, Chichibu Station, Mitakeguchi Station
There are many sightseeing spots along the Chichibu Railway that you will want to visit. The nearest stations to the main sightseeing spots are Nagatoro Station, Chichibu Station, and Mitakeguchi Station.
Nagatoro Station
The most popular tourist destination along the Chichibu Railway is Nagatoro. This place is filled with beautiful nature, including seasonal flowers and fresh greenery that enriches the valley. Why not take a stroll around Nagatoro, where rich nature and retro townscapes blend together?
Chichibu Station
It is the center of the Chichibu region. Old houses have been renovated into cafes and restaurants, creating a retro townscape. It is the perfect place to stroll around and enjoy some food. In spring, Hitsujiyama Park is famous for the vast expanse of moss pinks. In winter, the gorgeous Chichibu Night Festival is held.
The distance between Chichibu Station and Onohata Station is about 800 meters, a 10-minute walk. No matter which station you get off at, you can enjoy the center of the Chichibu region.
Mitakeguchi Station
This is the last stop and the turnaround point of the SL Paleo Express. You will feel like you are in a hidden area surrounded by lush mountains.
After the SL Paleo Express arrives, you can observe the steam locomotive maintenance and turntable operations at Mitakeguchi Station and the SL Turntable Park.
*Depending on the operation status on the day, it may not be possible to view or take commemorative photos.
- Around 1:00 p.m. Maintenance work
- Around 1:30 pm, cartwheeling operation
In addition, Mitsumineguchi Station is the closest station to Mitsumine Shrine. Mitsumine Shrine is revered by many people as a power spot. Why not visit this mysterious shrine deep in the mountains of Chichibu?
To access Mitsumine Shrine, take a bus from Mitsumineguchi Station.
To board the SL Paleo Express, you must purchase a ticket and a seat reservation.
Reserve your seat in advance for a smooth ride on the SL Paleo Express
Seat reservations can be made and purchased online through the Chichibu Railway SL Reservation System. Reserve your seat reservation ticket in advance to ensure a smooth ride on the SL Paleo Express.
Reserved seat ticket: 1,000 yen (tax included) for both adults and children *Prices are for online payments.
*Reservations can be made from one month before the travel date. Seat reservation tickets are limited in number.
*Online purchase of seat reservations can only be made by credit card.
*The "Chichibu Railway SL Reservation System" is a website available in Japanese only.
If you don't reserve a seat in advance, you can buy one at the station ticket counter.
If you do not reserve a seat in advance, you can purchase it at eight Chichibu Railway stations. Note that the price of a reserved seat ticket differs between online and at the station ticket counter. The best way to purchase a ticket is to make a reservation online through the Chichibu Railway SL Reservation System.
Seat reservation ticket: 1,100 yen (tax included) for adults and children *When purchased at the station ticket counter *Cash payment only
Chichibu Railway stations with ticket counters where you can purchase reserved seats
- Hanyu Station
- Kumagaya Station
- Fukaya Hanazono Station
- Yorii Station
- Nagatoro Station
- Chichibu Station
- Onohata Station
- Mitakeguchi Station
* Counter opening hours vary by station.
Reserve your seat reservation online to ride the SL Paleo Express
Let's try reserving and purchasing a reserved seat ticket online using the "Chichibu Railway SL Reservation System." Follow the procedure below.
1. Membership Registration
To use this system, you must register as a member. When using for the first time, please "register as a new member." After completing your membership registration, log in with your registered ID (email address) and password, and you will be able to reserve a seat reservation for the SL Paleo Express from "New Reservation" on the members-only page.
Required information for member registration: ・Name of representative ※Please enter the name and surname (in katakana) without a space between the surname and given name. If there is a space, an error will occur.
・Email address ・Password ・Telephone number ・Address ・Consent to handling of personal information
2. Make a new reservation for a reserved seat on the SL Paleo Express
[1] Select the boarding date from the calendar.
[2] Select the departure station and arrival station from the drop-down menu and decide the section you want to ride.
[3] Check that your desired boarding details (date, station, time, etc.) are correct and proceed to the next step.
[4] Select the type of seat and enter the number of people.
*In the 2024 season, the SL Paleo Express will operate with all seats reserved. Unreserved seats cannot be selected.
[5] Please select the seat you would like to sit in from the seating chart. Please match the number of seats you have selected with the number of people you are booking.
*Grey seats are reserved and cannot be selected.
[6] Your seat reservation is now complete.
*A reservation completion email will be automatically sent to the registered email address.
3. Pay for your reserved seat ticket
[1] Click "Go to payment screen" on the "Train reservation list" on the members-only page. You will automatically be redirected to the credit card information input screen.
*If payment is not made within 60 minutes of completing your seat reservation, your reservation will be automatically cancelled.
[2] Enter the details required for payment
Items required for payment: ・Email address ・Credit card number ・Credit card expiration date ・Credit card security code ・Credit card owner's name ・Country or region (nationality)
Once you have completed entering all the information, press the blue "Pay" button at the bottom. When you see the message "Payment completed," the payment process is complete.
*If the payment is not completed successfully, a screen will be displayed informing you that the payment process has failed. Please go to the "Payment Screen" in the "Reservation Train List" on the Members-only page and make the payment again.
4. Confirm your reservation
Once payment is complete, a purchase completion email will be automatically sent to your registered email address. Your purchase details will also be displayed in the list of purchased trains on the members-only page.
5. Cancellation or change of reservation details
If you wish to cancel your seat reservation, please go to the "Cancel Reservation" section of the reservation in the list of reserved trains and follow the procedure. Once canceled, it cannot be undone. If you wish to change your reservation, please cancel it and then make a new reservation up until 30 minutes before the departure of the boarding station. No handling fee will be charged.
6. Refunds and changes after purchase
If you wish to receive a refund after purchasing, you can do so by clicking on " Refund " for the relevant reservation in the list of purchased trains, but only before the train departs from the station where you will be boarding.
If you wish to change the details of your purchase (reduction in passenger numbers, change of boarding section/boarding date), please request a refund and then make a new reservation at least 30 minutes before the boarding station.
*Once the refund is complete, a refund completion email will be automatically sent to your registered email address.
If you would like to add additional staff, please make a new reservation for the additional people.
*If you request a refund for your own reasons, a refund fee will be charged for each purchase.
If you plan to use the Chichibu Railway Line multiple times in one day, use the "Free Ticket"
If you plan to get on and off the Chichibu Railway Line multiple times in one day, we recommend the Chichibu Railway Yuyuyu Free Ticket.
This ticket can be purchased from your smartphone using the MaaS mobile app "EMot" or the website "EMot Online Tickets." *Credit card information must be entered.
Price: 1,700 yen (tax included) for adults, 500 yen (tax included) for children
Purchase date: Can be purchased from one month before the date of use Validity period: Only on the day of use This ticket can be used all year round.
In addition, you can use a transportation IC card to board the Chichibu Railway. Simply tap your transportation IC card on the ticket gate when boarding or alighting.
How to board the SL Paleo Express
1. Purchase your ticket
You can use a transportation IC card to board the Chichibu Railway. When using a transportation IC card, tap it on the ticket gate when boarding or disembarking.
2. If you have reserved a seat, go through the ticket gate.
Please show your ticket and seat reservation to the station staff.
If you haven't reserved a seat, purchase one at the station ticket counter.
3. Head to the platform.
4. Board the SL Paleo Express.
5. Check your seat number and sit in your reserved seat.
6. Go through the ticket gate and place your paper ticket in the box.
How to spend your time on board the SL Paleo Express passenger car
The reddish-brown passenger cars have a retro feel with their precious wood grain, and the box seats further stimulate the sense of travel. Enjoy the view of the rural landscape of the Kanto Plain and the mountain range of Chichibu from the large windows.
As you gaze upon the scenery from the window, you'll forget the passage of time and soon arrive at your destination.
Use the onboard services of the SL Paleo Express
Inside the passenger cars, staff sell original goods and souvenirs from a cart. You can make your travel even more enjoyable by purchasing light meals such as bread, gelato, and local beer.
We also have a limited number of original bento boxes available, but you must make a reservation in advance.
This image is of the bento for the 2024 season. The menu will vary depending on the season.
Access to the SL Paleo Express boarding station
The Chichibu Railway Line connects with other companies' lines at the following four stations. It is easily accessible from all parts of central Tokyo, including Ueno, Asakusa, and Ikebukuro.
- Hanyu Station : 5 minutes on foot from the Tobu Isesaki Line. *Please take the train to the station where you board the SL Paleo Express.
- Kumagaya Station : 5-10 minutes walk from JR Takasaki Line, Joetsu Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Yorii Station : 3-5 minutes walk from JR Hachiko Line or Tobu Tojo Line
- Onohata Station : 5-10 minutes walk from Seibu Chichibu Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line
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We introduced the SL Paleo Express, a 160-minute, 56.8 km tourist train that starts at Kumagaya Station and ends at Mitakeguchi Station.
Enjoy a comfortable train ride while taking in the spectacular views of Chichibu's natural scenery, including rural landscapes, valleys, and mountain ranges.
*Please check the latest information on the Chichibu Railway official website before heading out.
Chichibu Railway is a local private railway that boasts a total length of 71.7 km that crosses northern Saitama Prefecture from east to west. The line is dotted with tourist spots such as Chichibu, Nagatoro, Yorii, Fukaya, Gyoda, and Hanyu, and is a line that allows you to travel through areas rich in nature. You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as rural landscapes and the valleys along the Arakawa River. Various tourist businesses are also operated along the line, such as the steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express" which is the closest to the city center and the "Nagatoro Line Kudari".
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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