
Steam locomotive "Taiju" turning on the turntable at Shimo-Imaichi Station in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
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Shimo-Imaichi Station, located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a popular destination for railway enthusiasts. One of its main attractions is the SL Taiju, a steam train service that brings nostalgic charm to the area.
The station's retro-style building is designed to evoke the Showa era, a time when steam trains were still part of daily life. One of the highlights for visitors is the chance to watch steam locomotives being turned around on a turntable, a rare and memorable experience for both children and adults.

A Dramatic Arrival
On a Saturday afternoon, the SL Taiju bound for Kinugawa Onsen Station arrived at Platform 4 with a loud whistle. Passengers who had been eagerly waiting began taking photos with their smartphones and cameras.
A company employee visiting from Fukushima with his wife shared his excitement: "It feels like a one-of-a-kind experience. I've always wanted to try it at least once. It's my first time seeing a steam locomotive up close, and the sound of the whistle is incredibly powerful."
A French tourist visiting Nikko added, "It's very beautiful," as she snapped photos of the train.

Expanded Routes
The SL Taiju began service in August 2017, operating on the Kinugawa Line between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. Covering 12.4 kilometers in about 35 minutes, the route was initially powered by the "C11 207" locomotive, which was on loan from JR Hokkaido. In 2020, the "C11 325" joined the lineup, followed by the "C11 123" in 2022. Today, a total of three steam locomotives are in active service.
In response to local requests, a new route was launched in 2020 on the Nikko Line between Shimo-Imaichi and Tobu-Nikko Station. This 7.1-kilometer journey takes about 20 minutes. The SL Taiju pulls three passenger cars with a total of 200 seats.
Tobu Railway once operated 60 steam locomotives and earned the nickname "Kingdom of Steam." It was the last major private railway company in Japan to run steam trains, ending service in 1966.

Vintage Look and Feel
The steam locomotive revival was launched to help revitalize tourism in the Nikko and Kinugawa areas, which had seen a decline following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The project received support from JR and other partners.
In 2012, remnants of an old turntable were discovered at Shimo-Imaichi Station, sparking interest in bringing back steam service. The station underwent significant renovations to reflect the atmosphere of the Showa era. Passenger cars were refurbished with period-inspired seat upholstery and curtains. Staff uniforms for conductors, engineers, and station workers were also redesigned to match the retro aesthetic.
Outside the station, wooden benches provide a quiet space to sit and relax. Inside, the waiting room near the ticket gates displays Showa-era posters, and warm lighting fixtures contribute to the vintage atmosphere. In recognition of its design, the station received the Wood Design Award in 2018.
The station's old pedestrian footbridge, now a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, has been transformed into a retro gallery. It features vintage promotional posters and a plaque highlighting the footbridge's cultural significance.

Turntable Plaza and Ekiben
A key attraction for train fans is the turntable, located within the station grounds. Several times a day, visitors can watch the steam locomotive being rotated on the historic turntable. Nearby, a small exhibition hall displays nameplates from past locomotives and photographs of trains that once operated in the Nikko and Kinugawa area. Visitors can also learn about how steam engines work.
The most popular bento sold at Shimo-Imaichi Station is the "Nikko Buried Treasure Bento," themed after the SL Taiju. This two-tier boxed meal includes chirashi sushi, simmered Nikko Highland beef, fried yuba (tofu skin), vegetables, and a miniature coal-scoop-shaped spoon. Due to its popularity, it often sells out by midday.
As of March 2024, the SL Taiju had carried over 500,000 passengers. The train and the station continue to support tourism and bring energy to the surrounding area.
About Shimo-Imaichi Station
Shimo-Imaichi Station opened in 1929 and is located in the Shimomachi district of what was once Imaichi Town. Operated by Tobu Railway, it serves both the Nikko Line and the Kinugawa Line. From Tokyo's Asakusa Station, the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by the Limited Express Spacia X. The SL Taiju has been in operation since August 2017.
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Author: Toshiyuki Izawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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