In this post we take a look at what can be described as a “Heritage Railway”. The Oigawa Railway as its name suggests runs along the Oi River valley in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is however no ordinary railway. Find out more…
The Oigawa Railway runs along the Oigawa River in Shizuoka Prefecture in the Chubu Region of Japan.
The area is famous for the growing of tea
It operates two lines, its Main Line and the Ikawa Line which runs up into Southern Alps.
Both lines are interesting both for the trains and also for the scenery.
| Note: At the time of writing this article part of the Main Line is closed due to damage caused by heavy rain in September 2022. Trains are replaced by a bus service between Ieyama and Senzu. Steam Locomotives only operate between Shin Kanaya and Ieyama. |
Steam Locomotives…
Oigawa Railway is primarily famous for its steam locomotives and throughout the year operates special steam hauled trains on most Saturdays and holidays.
| Oigawa Railway’s Locomotives: C10-8 (1930); C11-190 (1940); C11-227 (1942); C56-44 (1936); C12-164 (1936) (note not all are in service or viewable at any one time) |
As well as the steam locomotives, these trains use old carriages, dating back to the Showa era and the days of the Japan National Railways.
Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends…
The most popular aspect of the Oigawa Railway, which attracts lots of young families are the “Thomas the Tank Engine” Events which are based on the British stories
| For more information on these events please refer to Oigawa Railway’s website. Please note that tickets can only be bought in Japan. https://daitetsu.jp/en/thomas.html# |
Ikawa Line has the only ABT Rack Railway still operating in Japan…
Oigawa Railway’s Ikawa Line was built as an industrial railway to help build and later service hydro electric dams along the Oigawa (Oi River). today the line runs in a sparsely populated mountainous area so most passengers are tourists. the steep section requiring the ABT Rack section is a later addition when the line had to be diverted for the construction of the Nagashima Dam.
An interesting diesel line with electric locomotives…
Trains on the Ikawa Line are hauled by low height diesel locomotives with “covered truck type carriages. On the ABT rack section, one of three special ABT rack equipped electric locomotives are attached to.
Although sparsely populated there are some quaint wooden railway stations and lots of scenic views…
There are some interesting wooden stations on the Ikawa Line (and also on the Main line). These, as well as the surrounding countryside and mountains make travelling on this Railway a good day out.
And some more (interesting) train pictures…
Travel advice – How to get there…
The Oigawa Railway is situation in Shizuoka Prefecture. Depending on what direction you are travelling in, the best way to get there is to use the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka, if travelling from Tokyo or the East or either Hamamatsu or Kakegawa if travelling from Nagoya or Osaka.
From the above stations change to the Tokaido Mainline on any local train that is going to Kanaya.
At Kanaya change to the Oigawa Railway Line. Steam services start from Shin Kanaya station which is one station and less than 5 minutes away.
It is highly recommended that you plan which trains to travel on as the frequency of trains is low.
JR Rail Passes & Oigawa Railway Passes…
Although JR Rail Passes can be used to get to Kanaya, they cannot be used on the Oigawa Railway. There are passes available on the Oigawa Railway, either for the Main Line only or the Main Line and Ikawa Line.
(note with the Main Line currently closed between Ieyama and Senzu, you should check travel plans before deciding on buying rail pass)
Steam Train Operation…
Generally Steam trains operate on weekends and holidays through most of the year. Meet Thomas days also operate on many weekends and some holidays. You should check the railway’s website (link below) for dates and times.
Popular Onsen area
The area served by the Oigawa Railway is also a popular Onsen (hot spa) area and also famous for green tea.
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