SL Gunma Minakami, SL Gunma Yokokawa

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SL Gunma Minakami, SL Gunma Yokokawa

Travel back in time with a nostalgic SL trip.

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The two steam locomotives running in Gunma Prefecture, mainly on weekends, are "SL Minakami," which runs from Takasaki Station to Minakami Station and back, and "SL Yokokawa," which runs from Takasaki Station to Yokokawa Station and back. The "D51 class steam locomotive" was created in 1940 (Showa 15) and was nicknamed "Degoichi". The "C61 class steam locomotive" born in 1949 (Showa 24) was a passenger locomotive nicknamed "Shirokuichi". Although the running of steam locomotives came to an end in the 1960s, both locomotives were "statically preserved" in good condition in Gunma Prefecture, and the fact that there were still experienced people in Gunma Prefecture who could be involved in locomotive operation and maintenance was considered a factor in their revival.

On the Minakami train, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Mt. Akagi and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Tonegawa River upstream, including the railway bridge and valley.
On the Yokogawa train, visitors can enjoy the scenery like a landscape painting created by Mt. Myogi and enjoy the countryside scenery overlooking Mt. Haruna.
There are also many fun things to enjoy, such as SL station box lunches and goods for sale, some of which are limited items.

Highlights

  • The train runs only on limited days and makes one round trip per day, so be sure to make reservations in advance.
  • Be sure to check out the station lunch boxes and limited-edition goods.

Photos

  • The D51 class steam locomotive, commonly known as Degoichi, is synonymous with steam locomotives.

    The D51 class steam locomotive, commonly known as Degoichi, is synonymous with steam locomotives.

  • D51 class steam locomotive built as a "powerhouse" locomotive

    D51 class steam locomotive built as a "powerhouse" locomotive

  • SL running through Gunma's nature

    SL running through Gunma's nature

Reviews

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  • Top Reviewer

    Yoidore-Unagi Top Reviewer

    Working at Travel Publishing

    「SLぐんま みなかみ」を間近に楽しめる穴場をご紹介します。それは、「水上駅SL転車台広場」です。JR水上駅(改札口は1ヵ所)を出て駅を背にして右手に5分ほど歩いた場所にあります。終着となる水上駅でSLが方向転換をするために転車台で回転します。その様子を、機関車の熱気を感じられるほど近くで見られる貴重なスポットです。SL運行日はSL指定席券を提示しないと広場に入れませんが、すぐ横の高台から少し遠目に眺めることができます。ここは無料で見学できるさらなる穴場です。私が訪れた日には、JR東日本の周遊型寝台列車(クルーズトレイン)の「TRAIN SUITE 四季島」が水上駅に姿を見せてくれました。

Details

Name in Japanese
SLぐんま みなかみ・SLぐんま よこかわ
Postal Code
370-0849
Address
222 Yashima-cho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture (JR Takasaki Station)
Telephone
050-2016-1600 (JR East Information Center)
Regular closing days
Weekdays
Hours
Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays (see official website for operation schedule)
Admission
1,520 yen one-way between Takasaki and Minakami
1,040 yen one-way between Takasaki and Yokokawa
Child fare is half price.
Directions
15 min. by car from Takasaki IC on Kanetsu Expressway (JR Takasaki Station)
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)