Journeys in Japan - 2012/06/05 - Oigawa Railway

Jun. 5, Tue. 0:30 - 1:00 (UTC) etc.

A classic steam train trip: The Oigawa Railway

JJ at Shin-Kanaya Station

The conductor provides a musical interlude

Tea plantation

On this edition of journeys in japan, JJ takes a ride on an old-fashioned railroad. The Oigawa Railway in central Shizuoka turns the clock back to the classic era of steam trains. This region is also famous for its tea plantations. There's plenty to look at, both inside and outside the train.

The Oigawa Railway
Steam locomotives have disappeared from most railway lines in Japan. But they were reintroduced on the Oigawa Railway from 1976. Traveling at a leisurely speed of around 40 kph, it's a wonderful way to observe the beauty of the countryside alongside the Oi River - especially the numerous tea plantations which are a bright green in the early summer.
Steam locomotives are popular with visitors young and old, and enthusiasts come to visit the Oigawa Railway from all around the world.
http://www.oigawa-railway.co.jp/pdf/oigawa_rail_eng.pdf

Kawane Green tea
Kawane sencha is a high-grade green tea that is harvested in early summer from plantations in the upland area of central Shizuoka. The beautiful needle-shaped leaves deliver a flavorful, aromatic tea that is smooth and refreshing, with a lightly sweet aftertaste.
Yasuo Takada is a master tea farmer. He has grown premium tea for over half a century. His tea plantation has twice won awards as the best in the country.
http://takada-cha-cha.com/

Sumatakyo Onsen: Yuya Hiryu no Yado
The natural environment in this area is beautiful in every season.
Many guests come to see the autumn here.
http://www.hiryu-no-yado.com/

Traveler: JJ
Access Map

Access:
To reach the Oigawa Railway from Tokyo, it takes about two hours by Shinkansen bullet train to Shizuoka and then by local train to Shin-Kanaya Station, the starting point of the line.

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