📖 Mooka Railway

The Mooka Railway connects "Shimodate" Station in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture, with "Mogi" Station in Tochigi Prefecture, passing through 2 cities and 3 towns with a total of 17 stations. It is a local railway that is very popular among the local residents and has gained strong support from railway enthusiasts across Japan, with particular attention on the SL train that runs along the railway line. In 1994, the steam train "SL Mooka" began operation, pulled by the C12 type steam locomotive manufactured during the old Japan National Railways era. The C12 type steam locomotive was retired after about 40 years of active service. After a 20-year hiatus, it was finally revived and now primarily operates on Saturdays and Sundays. The steam train, racing along with the sound of its whistle and thick smoke, is quite impressive and attracts even those who are not railway enthusiasts. In addition to purchasing a regular ticket for the ride, passengers also need to buy a separate steam locomotive train number ticket. The steam locomotive train number ticket can be reserved on the official website, so be sure to purchase it in advance.

The railway connecting Ibaraki Prefecture and Tochigi Prefecture has received enthusiastic support from railway enthusiasts across Japan. It operates mainly on Saturdays and Sundays using the C12 type steam locomotive manufactured during the old Japan National Railways era. The steam train, rushing along the tracks amidst billowing smoke, is truly impressive.