The SL Yamaguchi is the only regular steam hauled train running in Western Japan.
Japan has several longer distance steam hauled trains and the SL Yamaguchi is one of them.
The train runs along the very scenic JR Yamaguchi Line from Shin Yamaguchi in Yamaguchi Prefecture to Tsuwano in Shimane Prefecture.
The line is well known not only for its scenery but also the steep gradients trains need to negotiate, This is particularly the case between Chomonkyo and Tokusa where the gradient in places is around 2.5% which is steep for a conventional railway. (click on map to enlarge)
Which Locomotives are used on this service?
The SL Yamaguchi is operated by JR West. Two Steam Locomotives are nominally listed as being the locomotives for this service:
- D51-200 The D51 class was built for freight operations with over 1,100 being manufactured between 1936~1945. C51-200 was built in 1938. The D51-200 has become the regular SL for the SL Yamaguchi service.
- C57-1 affectionately known as the “Lady” this locomotive was built in 1937. The C57 class SLs were built for medium range passenger duties and operated throughout Japan (except Shikoku). During 2025 there have been no SL Yamaguchi services operated using C57-1and no indication of when it will next run on the Yamaguchi Line. It is however still listed
Occasionally DE10 or DD51 Diesel locomotive may be used for these services if both of the SLs are out of service.
Gallery
These pictures and video were taken when travelling with a tour party that we had helped organise when D51-200 was operating
Carriages – travel in Showa era style….
SL Yamaguchi 35-4000 series JNR Retro cars. The set of 5 cars was introduced in 2017 (Sept) and consists of :
- Car 1 – Green Car; Premium velvet seating in 2+1 formation. Car also includes an observation deck
- Cars 2 & 4 Showa retro style boxed seats with tables (ordinary class)
- Car 3 has an open section featuring SL Yamaguchi history and also a children’s area.
- Car 5 retro style wooden varnished boxed seats in olive green and period lighting.
TSJR Recommended SL train to travel on!
Yes, This is one of several long SL runs in Japan that go through some very scenic rural areas. On the outward journey you can feel the locomotive straining up the steep inclines. The coaching stock although retro completes the experience. It is completely out of the normal inbound tourist path, yet easy to get to from Hiroshima, Kokura or Fukuoka.
We would fully recommend both rail enthusiasts and general tourists to travel on the SL Yamaguchi.
Places to visit along the Yamaguchi Line
- Yamaguchi (city) https://yamaguchi-city.jp/w/en/
- Yuda Onsen https://www.visit-jy.com/en/spots/12262
- Tsuwano https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/chugoku/shimane/tsuwano-and-masuda/
Also places such as Hagi, Masuda, Izumo, Matsue & Shimonoseki could also be part of an itinerary that includes the SL Yamaguchi
Operational Days, Schedule, Fares and other travel information
The SL Yamaguchi runs on most weekends and holidays from May to December. On operational days it does a one round trip between Shin Yamaguchi ~ Tsuwano. (Occasional services may run outside these dates)
- Shin Yamaguchi ……10:54
- Yamaguchi……………11:17
- Niho…………………….11:31~11:39
- Jifuku…………………..12:26~12:38
- Tsuwano……………….13:07
SL shunting / turntable – 13:00~14:00 (turntable about 5 min walk from Tsuwano STation)
- Tsuwano……………..16:12
- Yamaguchi…………..17:40
- Shin Yamaguchi……18:00
SL shunting from turntable to station 15:20~15:40
Tickets / cost
To travel on the SL Yamaguchi you need to pay a supplement (特急券 Tokkyu-ken) on top of the basic fare:
ExampleShin Yamaguchi~Tsuwano
- Basic Fare ¥1,170
- SL Tokkyu ken ¥1,680 ordinary seats / ¥2,500 Green car seats
- Total ¥2,850 (ordinary seats) ¥3,670 Green (first class) seats
All seats are reserved and must be booked in advanced. This can be done at any JR Ticket office or on Line. (https://www.westjr.co.jp/travel-information/en/tickets-passes/ Please note that tickets bought on line on the above site can only be collected from JR West ticket offices / limited express ticket machines and certain JR East, JR Tokai & JR Kyushu ticket machines. (if you can use the Japanese online booking sites you can use JR West’s e5489 site or JR East’s ekinet site, but please beware of restrictions on where you can pick up tickets)
Getting to Shin Yamaguchi
For those travelling from Tokyo / Kanto you need to travel to Shin Yamaguchi the previous day. in order to catch the SL departure. You can stay at Hiroshima or around Shin Yamaguchi or in Yamaguchi City
For those travelling from the Kansai area, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura, Fukuoka it is possible to travel to Shin Yamaguchi on the day, although of course the longer distance the earlier you have to start. As not all shinkansen services call at Shin Yamaguchi (except Kodama services) so you need to plan which train to take.
JR Rail Passes
JR Rail Passes are valid on the SL Yamaguchi, but please make reservations in advanced. The train is popular and seats are limited. If you have bought your JR Pass from the JR Rail Pass “official site” (https://japanrailpass.net/en/) make your SL Yamaguchi reservation early (up to 1 month in advance of the day of travel). If you have bought from a third party agent, it may be worth considering booking your SL Yamaguchi trip and paying for the ticket separately from JR Rail Pass to avoid disappointment.
Also note that JR Rail Passes cannot be used on the faster Nozomi & Mizuho shinkansen services for getting to / from Shim Yamaguchi.
Related Posts
TSJR Info Page – Steam Locomotives in Japan
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