Oigawa Railway: Steam and Mountain Scenery in Shizuoka

Discover Shizuoka's Oigawa Railway, where preserved steam locomotives, tea-covered hills and Japan's only rack railway make a charming mountain day out.

Published October 22, 2026 at 12:35 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The Oigawa Railway is a private line in Shizuoka Prefecture, known locally as Daitetsu, that runs preserved steam locomotives beside the Oi River. Its Main Line runs from Kanaya to Senzu, and the Ikawa Line continues into the mountains as Japan's only rack railway. Since storm damage in 2022, steam services have run on a shorter section, so check the official site before you go.

Steam locomotives vanished from most Japanese lines in the second half of the twentieth century, which is exactly why the Oigawa Railway draws rail fans and curious travelers today. The line sits in the hills of central Shizuoka, a region famous for green tea, and it brings together heritage trains, river valleys and mountain gorges. This guide explains what the railway is, how to reach it, what the steam train experience is like, and how to plan a visit while operations are still adjusting after recent storm damage. It also introduces the unusual rack line and the lovely valley beyond.

What the Oigawa Railway is

The Oigawa Railway is a private railway company in Shizuoka Prefecture, founded on 10 March 1925 and usually called Daitetsu, a short form of its Japanese name. It is headquartered in Shimada and runs two lines, both with the standard Japanese narrow gauge of 1,067 millimeters. The Oigawa Main Line runs from Kanaya to Senzu, and the Ikawa Line continues from Senzu to Ikawa.

Both lines function mainly as sightseeing routes today, and the Main Line is best known for its heritage steam trains. According to a Japanese government publication, the Main Line opened in 1927 as a freight and passenger route, and steam locomotives carried goods such as timber long before tourists came. The company acquired its first steam locomotive in 1976, which Japan's government site describes as the first time steam had returned to regular service in the country.

The steam train experience

The steam locomotives are preserved machines based at Shin-Kanaya Station, where they are prepared and turned on a turntable. Each run uses about a ton of water, according to the same government publication, and the train pulls retro carriages that give the ride a vintage mood. Crew members in period uniforms add to the atmosphere, and on some services the staff play music or sell special lunch boxes and souvenirs.

The pace is gentle, about 30 kilometers per hour according to one travel guide, and that is part of the charm. The windows look out over the Oi River, bridges, tunnels and rows of tea bushes trimmed like hedges. Visitors who enjoy photographing steam will find the smoke, whistle and slow movement make for memorable scenes. Because only a few steam trains run each day, reserving seats in advance is a good idea.

Where the steam train runs now

In September 2022, a tropical storm damaged the Main Line. Wikipedia explains that service between Kawane-Onsen Sasamado and Senzu was suspended, and steam trains now run between Shin-Kanaya and Kawane-Onsen Sasamado. Passengers who want to continue toward Senzu and the Sumata Gorge area are advised to switch to local community buses at Ieyama.

The railway has stated an aim of restoring the full Main Line by 2029 with government support. Because the situation can change, always check the Oigawa Railway website for the current operating section, timetable and bus connections before building a plan around the line. Older guidebooks may describe the full run to Senzu, which is no longer the case at the moment.

Thomas and other special trains

The railway has another claim to fame. Six characters from Thomas and Friends are part of the fleet, including Thomas, James, Percy, Toby, Hiro and Rusty. The Thomas trains run between Shin-Kanaya and Kawane-Onsen Sasamado and make the line popular with families. Seasonal schedules vary, so check the official calendar to see which trains are running on your date.

The line also appears in films and television, and Wikipedia notes it was a filming location for the third season of the anime Laid-Back Camp. The railway even has sister railway agreements with the Brienz Rothorn Railway in Switzerland and the Alishan Forest Railway in Taiwan, which shows how respected it is among heritage lines worldwide.

The Ikawa Line and its rack railway

Beyond Senzu, the Ikawa Line climbs deep into the mountains. It is described by Wikipedia as the only rack railway in Japan, meaning it uses a toothed rail and gear to climb slopes too steep for ordinary adhesion. The Japanese government guide adds that it uses a rack-and-pinion design and that the steepest slope of any line in the country lies on this route.

Travel writers also describe a landscape of tunnels, bridges and quiet valleys, and Okuoi-kojo, a small station on a lake, is a favorite stop. Sections of the line have faced landslide and weather damage over the years, so confirm which stations are currently served. If the line is running as you plan, it makes a fine second chapter after the steam train.

Sumata Gorge and the hanging bridges

From Senzu, buses climb to the Sumata Gorge, a hot spring valley known for its turquoise water and walking trails. The Japanese government publication mentions a suspension bridge called the Dream Suspension Bridge, which is about 90 meters long and 8 meters above the water. Hikers can follow a promenade course, enjoy forest views and soak in a hot spring afterward.

Because transport between Senzu and the gorge depends on the current bus and train situation, plan a relaxed day or an overnight stay rather than a tight schedule. Staying in the valley also gives time to enjoy the quieter evening mood, with the sound of the river and clear mountain air.

How to get there and plan the day

Kanaya Station sits on the JR Tokaido Main Line, and the Oigawa trains begin at nearby Shin-Kanaya Station, which is a short transfer away. Wikipedia describes Shizuoka as Japan's green tea heartland, so a ride through tea country is part of the pleasure. Check the Oigawa Railway site for timetables, reservation systems and any English information.

A good plan is to arrive in the morning, ride the steam train, explore a station or two, and return in the afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer, since mountain weather can change. If you love trains, tea and quiet scenery, the Oigawa Railway rewards the trip, and a little planning helps you enjoy every kilometer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Oigawa Railway steam train run?

Steam trains operate from Shin-Kanaya Station along the Oi River. Since storm damage in 2022, Wikipedia reports that steam services run between Shin-Kanaya and Kawane-Onsen Sasamado, while the section to Senzu is suspended. Operations may change, so confirm the current section and timetable on the official Oigawa Railway site before you travel.

Is the Ikawa Line really Japan's only rack railway?

Yes, Wikipedia describes the Ikawa Line between Senzu and Ikawa as the only rack railway in Japan. It uses a toothed rail and a gear on the train to climb steep grades. Parts of the line have been affected by landslides over the years, so check which stations are currently served.

What is the way to reach the Oigawa Railway from Tokyo?

Travel to Kanaya Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line, usually with a shinkansen to a nearby station and then a local train. Shin-Kanaya Station, where the steam trains begin, is a short transfer from Kanaya. Exact journey times depend on the connections, so use a route planner on the day.

Further Reading

To explore further, see Oigawa Railway, Japanese government feature on the Oigawa Railway and Shizuoka Prefecture.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Shizuoka Tea Country: Green Fields Below Mount Fuji, Slow Local Trains and Scenic Rail Journeys and Train-Watching in Japan: Railfan Culture and Where to Enjoy It Politely.