Shimoimaichi Station — A Hidden Sacred Ground for Railway Fans
“Shimoimaichi”… it’s a bit of a mouthful if you’re not used to it (laughs) — but for railway fans, this station is an absolute must-visit.
Shimoimaichi Station is home to an SL maintenance depot and a turntable, and if you’re lucky, you might catch the moment a steam locomotive rolls out of the shed. The sheer presence of it is something no photo or video can fully capture. The sight of a steam locomotive moving under its own power, wreathed in black smoke and white steam, is genuinely breathtaking.
A turntable is a piece of equipment used to rotate a steam locomotive 180 degrees. The turntable at Shimoimaichi Station is fully operational, and watching an SL slowly turn around right in front of you is a rare and special experience.
Riding SL Taiju Futara — Feeling the Power of a Real Steam Locomotive
The turntable rotation show is one of the signature attractions at Shimoimaichi Station. Watching the locomotive slowly turn is already impressive — but what really stopped the Mascots in their tracks was the sudden blast of the whistle. A deep, ground-shaking “BOOOON!” froze everyone on the spot for a good few seconds. That was the moment we truly understood: the impact of a real steam locomotive simply cannot be conveyed through a screen. This is a place everyone should experience in person — especially those who have never seen an SL up close before.
The train we rode was SL Taiju Futara, operated by Tobu Railway. It’s a popular steam locomotive service connecting Shimoimaichi Station with Tobu-Nikko Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station.
The excitement of watching the SL emerge from the depot is just the beginning — once you’re on board, the view from the window as smoke and steam drift past is simply stunning. The interior carries a warm Showa-era retro atmosphere, with wooden seating and classic design details that deepen the sense of nostalgia throughout the journey. Combined with the scenic views of Nikko’s mountains and lush greenery rolling past the window, it feels almost like stepping back in time. Traveling at the gentle pace of a steam locomotive — so different from the speed of modern trains — is a rare and deeply satisfying luxury.
SL Taiju Futara is fully reserved seating, so advance booking is strongly recommended. Tickets — especially on weekends and public holidays — tend to sell out quickly.
The Tobu Nikko Line Is a Dream for Special Express Fans Too
Shimoimaichi Station isn’t just about the SL. It’s also a stop on the Tobu Nikko Line, where popular limited express trains like the Spacia and Spacia X run. The sight of SL Taiju Futara and Spacia X side by side on the same platform is a truly special scene — old and new railway romance crossing paths in one place.
The Spacia X Onboard Cafe Was Incredible!
For the return journey, we finally got to ride the Spacia X. On board, you can pre-order exclusive Spacia X café menu items and sweets through the in-train reservation system.
Enjoying a café break while the train glides through the scenery was a genuinely special experience — the Mascots were all smiles, completely in their element. It was the perfect, indulgent way to wrap up the journey.
The Spacia X debuted in 2023 as Tobu Railway’s latest flagship limited express. With distinctive seating options including a cockpit lounge and private compartment seats, boarding the Spacia X is itself a highlight of any trip. Riding both SL Taiju Futara and Spacia X on the same day — old-world steam and cutting-edge luxury — is a uniquely special experience that only the Tobu Nikko Line can offer.
Some Spacia X menu items can be reserved online before boarding. Popular options sell out fast, so early booking is recommended.
Summary: Shimoimaichi Station Is a Must-Stop for Any Railway Fan!
| Highlight | What Made It Special |
|---|---|
| Shimoimaichi Station | SL maintenance depot & turntable |
| SL Taiju Futara | The raw power of steam, nostalgic retro atmosphere |
| Spacia X | Stunning interior, onboard café experience |
The Tobu Nikko Line gives you SL, Spacia, and Spacia X — classic and modern all in one trip. Next time you’re heading to Nikko or Kinugawa Onsen, make sure to stop here along the way!
Coming Up Next: Wait, Are We Already Heading Home? Not So Fast!
The Nikko journey isn’t over yet. There’s one more treat in store… stay tuned for the next article!the journey.
