July 2026
Picture of the Month
Every month we feature an interesting picture from our own archives. We will also add / change pictures in our gallery.
The Akasawa Forest Railway is a preserved part of what was the vast Kiso Forest Railway, which at its peak had 500km of track.
Even amongst Japan rail fans, Japan once had a large network of forest railways which were used to transfer timber out of the forests (and often people who lived in or near the forests).
This Balwin 762mm gauge 0-4-2T locomotive was imported from the US by the Kiso Forest Railway and during its working life covered about 500,000km. Note its special chimney designed to reduce sparks and its compact size so that it could handle the mountain terrain and twisting tracks.
Steam Locomotives
Learn more about Japan’s Steam Locomotives on our SL info Page
Trams
19 cities in Japan have tram networks. Most have a mixture of both modern and old trams. Hir Learn more about Japan's trams on our Tram info Page
Freight Trains
Shinkansen
(Bullet Train)
Urban Networks
Limited Express Trains
Tourist Trains
Rural & non urban Local Lines
Inspection & Maintenance Trains
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by TS Japan Rail.
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