“Shimo-Imaichi” — A Mouthful of a Name Hiding a Railway Gem!
“Shimo-Imaichi” — it might be a bit of a tongue-twister for those unfamiliar with Japanese (laughs), but this station is an absolute must-visit for any railway enthusiast.
Shimo-Imaichi Station is home to an SL maintenance depot and a turntable, and if you’re lucky, you might witness the breathtaking moment when a steam locomotive emerges from the depot. No photo or video can truly capture the raw power of it — watching a steam locomotive come to life, wrapped in black smoke and billowing steam, is a moment that takes your breath away.
What is a turntable? A turntable is a rotating platform used to turn a steam locomotive 180 degrees. The turntable at Shimo-Imaichi Station is still fully operational, making it a rare and precious spot where you can watch a steam locomotive turn right before your eyes.
Riding SL Taiju Futara! The Thrill of a Real Steam Locomotive
We boarded the SL Taiju Futara — a beloved steam locomotive train operated by Tobu Railway, connecting Shimo-Imaichi Station with Tobu-Nikko Station and Kinugawa-Onsen Station.
The dramatic moment of the locomotive leaving the depot is unforgettable, but the journey itself is equally spectacular — smoke and steam drifting past the windows as the train rolls through the countryside. It’s a nostalgic, powerful travel experience unlike anything you’ll find on a modern Shinkansen or limited express.
SL Taiju Futara is fully reserved seating, so advance booking is strongly recommended. Seats — especially on weekends and public holidays — can sell out quickly, so don’t wait!
The Tobu Nikko Line Is a Paradise for Limited Express Fans Too!
Shimo-Imaichi Station isn’t just about steam locomotives. As a stop on the Tobu Nikko Line, it’s also served by popular limited express trains including the Spacia and Spacia X.
The sight of the SL Taiju Futara and the Spacia X standing side by side on the platform is a truly special scene — old and new railway romance crossing paths in one extraordinary moment.
Spacia X’s Onboard Café Was Outstanding!
For the return journey, we finally got to ride the long-awaited Spacia X. Onboard, you can pre-order from an exclusive Spacia X café menu and snack selection — available to reserve before boarding.
Enjoying café time while gliding through the scenery was an absolute delight, and our Mascots were thoroughly pleased with themselves (laughs). It was the perfect luxurious way to wrap up the journey.
Spacia X onboard café: Some menu items can be reserved online before boarding. Popular items sell out fast, so we strongly recommend booking your café order early!
Summary | Shimo-Imaichi Station Is an Absolute Must for Railway Lovers!
| Spot / Train | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Shimo-Imaichi Station | SL maintenance depot & working turntable |
| SL Taiju Futara | The raw power of steam — a nostalgic journey |
| Spacia X | Luxurious interior, onboard café & snacks |
The Tobu Nikko Line lets you experience the best of old and new railway culture — all in a single trip. Whether you’re heading to Nikko or Kinugawa Onsen, make sure to stop off at Shimo-Imaichi!
Coming Up Next | Wait — Are We Already Heading Home? Not So Fast!
The Nikko journey isn’t over yet. What’s the next surprise waiting for us? Stay tuned for the next article to find out!