On January 22, 2017, my husband gave a surprise to my son. He bought 3 steam locomotive tickets. It has long been my son wanted to ride a Steam Locomotive. It usually called “Kikansha” or SL (Steam Locomotive) in Japan. The type that we rode is D51-498 which is produced in the Showa era, in 1940. Although it`s already old, the train is very clean and well maintained. The Steam Locomotive is only operated at certain events. This event was last held in 2009, and then held again this year. If you have an opportunity to ride this train when you are in Japan, it means you belong to the lucky one because it`s really difficult to get the ticket. Usually, on the first day of ticket sale, all tickets were sold out. 



We had to leave early from home to the departure station. The name of the station is Tateyama which is located in Chiba. We can get there by Limited Express train called “Sazanami 91” from Shinjuku station. Almost of the passengers had the same destination with us. Inside the Limited Express train, the JR staff gave a merchandise like pin, key holder, etc inside the bag to all of the passengers who will ride a Steam Locomotive.
After arrived at Tateyama station, we were welcomed by a lot of the station officers. We bought a picnic lunch box (bento) that are specially made for the event there. The smell of coal as fuel for steam locomotive already smelled from far away. Finally we got into the platform. The steam locomotive looks very manly, the shape and its ancient interior makes us feel like being in Showa Period. Before boarding, we can take pictures outside the train. We can also take pictures with the train officers and the character of the station. Children can also take pictures wearing train officers uniform for free.





Finally we get into the train and departed past few stations to the last stop in Katsuura. At that time the weather was sunny and not so cold, therefore many passengers opened the window. From the outside there were a lot of people who live around the rail who waved their hands to us. We also happy and waved our hands to them. From inside the train, we could enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains and the sea in Chiba while enjoying lunch we bought at Tateyama. The train stopped at every station we passed. When we dropped, a lot of people gave a rousing welcome performance such as dance, music and so on.



After arrived at the last station, Katsuura, we also went to Katsuura Kaichu Koen (Katsuura Undersea Park). We can see the fish from inside the sea.



If you visit Japan, especially those who love the natural beauty of Japan, try to ride a steam locomotive! I'm sure you will enjoy it. This event is held in various places. There is still no information about the date and place yet for the next event now. If you are interested, you can check the information through the JR site!

Name of Event : “SL Tateyama & DL Katsuura ni Noru Minamibooshooshi no Tabi”
Location: Tateyama Station – Katsuura Station
Ticket Price : SL→ Adult \ 16.300~17.600. Child \ 12.200
(Include JR return ticket, merchandise A&B, lunch meal, shopping coupon \1000)
DL → Adult \ 13.300~14.700. Child \ 10.100
(Include JR return ticket, merchandise B, shopping coupon \1000)
URL : http://www.jreast.co.jp/chiba/news/pdf/pre1611_sl.pdf