📖 SL Ban'etsu Monogatari号 (SL Ban'etsu Monogatari)

The SL Ban'etsu Monogatari is a sightseeing rapid train operating between Niitsu Station (Niigata Prefecture) and Aizuwakamatsu Station (Fukushima Prefecture) on the Ban'etsu West Line, managed by JR East Japan. The locomotive model is C57-180, affectionately nicknamed "Lady" due to its elegant appearance. It was retired in 1969 and then preserved at the local Niitsu First Elementary School. Thanks to a roof covering, it has been regularly cleaned twice a year, maintaining good preservation conditions, and was revived 30 years later in 1999. Even now, it is well-maintained and can pull seven dedicated passenger cars. In principle, it operates on weekends and holidays from April to November, making one round trip per day. In addition to the basic fare, a reserved seat fee is required. The steam train, puffing white smoke, travels along the Agano River into the lush green mountains. Car 4 features a spacious panoramic observation room, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the beauty of nature. Car 1 is the Marten Observation Car, decorated with numerous trees, making it a charming car suitable for families. During the long journey of over three hours one way, there are longer stops for inspections and water refills at Tsugawa Station (Niigata Prefecture) and Yamatomachi Station (Fukushima Prefecture). This is a great opportunity to take photos with the steam train.

A steam train with the title of "Lady" and elegantly decorated interiors. The Ban'etsu West Line features picturesque streams and green mountains. You can enjoy the expansive views of nature from the observation car. The stations where the train stops along the way are excellent photo spots. It operates on weekends and holidays from April to November, and advance reservations are required for tickets.