Service Overview: This special service consists of a single round trip over two days. On June 27, the train will run from Shimo-Imaichi to Aizu-Wakamatsu, and on the following day, June 28, it will run from Aizu-Wakamatsu back to Shimo-Imaichi. The nickname “Totsu” derives from Totsu Shrine, located in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture. It is also the posthumous name of Lord Masayuki Hoshina, the first lord of the Aizu Domain. The name combines “Tsuchi” (earth), which represents the fundamental element of all things in the Five Elements philosophy, with “Tsū” (port), signifying the lord of the Aizu Domain, conveying the meaning of “the lord of the Aizu Domain who mastered the principles of all things.” To ride the train, passengers must purchase a tour package sold by JR East View Tourism & Sales or Club Tourism. However, as of the end of May, the former is on a waiting list, and the latter closed advance registration on June 1. The train consists of six cars: two locomotives, three passenger cars, and one conductor’s car. The two locomotives are used differently: a diesel locomotive runs between Shimo-Imaichi and Aizu-Tajima, while a steam locomotive runs between Aizu-Tajima and Aizu-Wakamatsu. This is due to the large number of tunnels along the Nōgan Railway line. Even during normal operation, smoke tends to circulate inside tunnels, but if the train were to stop inside a tunnel for any reason, the situation would become even more serious. This is a safety measure to address that. The stops and schedule are as follows. This test ride covered the section between Shimo-Imaichi and Aizu-Tajima. ・SL Taiju “Tozu” Special Run (June 27, 2026)
Shimo-Imaichi (departing at 9:33 a.m.)
Aizu-Tajima Station (arrives at 12:22 p.m. – departs at 2:40 p.m.)
Ashinomaki Onsen Station (Arrives at 3:51 PM – Departs at 4:19 PM)
Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (arrives at 4:53 p.m.) ・SL Taiju “Tozu” Special Run (June 28, 2026)
Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (departing at 9:30 a.m.)
Ashinomaki Onsen Station (Arrives at 10:01 a.m. – Departs at 10:28 a.m.)
Yunogami Onsen Station (arrives at 10:58 a.m. – departs at 11:32 a.m.)
Aizu-Tajima Station (arrives at 12:20 p.m. – departs at 1:45 p.m.)
Kinugawa-Onsen Station (Arrives at 3:49 PM – Departs at 4:45 PM)
Shimogimachi Station (arrives at 5:19 p.m.) The train makes extended stops at intermediate stations; this is not only due to scheduling considerations, such as passing oncoming trains, but also likely due to events at those stations and operations to reposition the locomotive at Aizu-Tajima Station. At Aizu-Tajima, the “Aizu-Tajima Station Front Market” will be held in the station square from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on both days. The event will feature food trucks, booths showcasing Minamiaizu Town’s local specialties and promotional booths from railway companies, as well as rides on the SL Mini Rail. Additionally, on the 27th only, mascots from along the railway line are scheduled to make an appearance.
As part of the Fukushima Destination Campaign, the SL Taiju normally operates as the “SL Taiju” between Shimo-Imaichi and Kinugawa-Onsen on the Tobu Kinugawa Line, and as the “SL Taiju ‘Futara’” between Shimo-Imaichi and Tobu Nikko on the Tobu Nikko Line. This special run extends the former route northward, traveling via the Noiwa Railway Aizu-Kinugawa Line, the Aizu Railway Aizu Line, and the JR East Tadami Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu. In Aizu-Wakamatsu, the “SL Taiju and Other Tourist Train Operation Promotion Council,” established by local municipalities, is active. The council aims to establish a sightseeing circuit connecting Nikko and Aizu and to revitalize the Aizu area. This special run was made possible through collaboration between Tobu Railway, the Noiwa Railway, the Aizu Railway, and JR East. Furthermore, the Noiwa Railway, Aizu Railway, and JR East are participating in the “Fukushima Destination Campaign,” which is running from April 1 to June 30. In other words, this SL Taiju “Tozu” run can be considered the grand finale of this campaign.
The Test Run and the Route: The primary purpose of this test run was to train and familiarize the crew and staff. For this reason, the train operated on the same schedule as regular service, and onboard announcements introducing local attractions and specialties were made just as they would be during regular service. As mentioned earlier, the Noya Railway line features many tunnels. This is because it was built relatively recently, during a period when it became common practice to cut through mountains with tunnels rather than bypassing them. Consequently, while it’s difficult to enjoy the scenery from the train windows in these tunnel-heavy sections, there are still some highlights. The foremost of these is the section north of Yunishigawa Onsen Station—known as “Mole Station” due to its location inside a tunnel—where the train crosses the reservoir of the Isori Dam (Lake Isori). In fact, this spot offers a particularly beautiful view in winter. Additionally, at the Yunishigawa Tourist Center, located just outside Yunishigawa Onsen Station, you can enjoy meals and shopping, as well as use the hot springs and foot baths. Originally, the population along the Noiwa Railway line was sparse, and daily ridership has been stagnant. Consequently, attracting visitors from other regions is a natural step. Along the Noiwa Railway line, there are hot spring resorts such as Kawaji Onsen, Yunishigawa Onsen, and Nakamitsui Onsen, and in Oku-Aizu, visitors can enjoy winter sports during the winter season. It is clear that this special run of the SL Taiju also serves to highlight the existence of the Noiwa Railway and Aizu Railway routes. Furthermore, this route is the shortest distance route connecting Northern Kanto to the Aizu region. Rather than simply making a round trip, it can also be combined with routes via the Ban’etsu West Line and the Tohoku Main Line (or the Tohoku Shinkansen) to create a circuit, making it a route designed to enjoy the “railway journey” itself. In particular, since the SL Taiju’s passenger cars were originally built during the JNR era, you can actually experience the atmosphere of “rail travel from the JNR era.” The Kinugawa–Aizu route offers this kind of enjoyment as well. Additionally, at “Haitto Shokudo” on the second floor of Aizu-Tajima Station, items other than ramen are available for takeout. You might want to consider using this option if you’re short on time between connections.
© Source travel watch