this is the SL Banetsu Monogatari 「SLばんえつ物語」 that runs from Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture to Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture.
it runs yearly from April to November almost every weekend. this also happens to be one of the few used steam engine locomotives that continues service in japan.
the SL Banetsu Monogatari has 5 passenger cars, 1 service car which offers bento lunches, drinks, and souvenirs, and 1 observation car that offers big windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery between niigata and fukushima prefectures. the complete trip takes about 3 and a half hours, but you can board and get off at other stops along the way.
seriously though, ive traveled on a lot of trains throughout japan and this is one of the best. its only 510 yen more to ride this than the local train and its easy one of the most memorable things ive done since coming to japan. not bad for just 510 yen.
video shot on a Sony DSC-W170 (new camera, finally!!!)
Tags: niigata fukushima SL Banetsu Monogatari steam locomotive aizuwakamatsu 新潟 福島 会津若松 SLばんえつ物語 電車 JR