SL Banetsu Monogatari

SL Banetsu Monogatari

A railway adventure with views of forests and waters that’s fun for the whole family

Features

Railway of Forests, Water, and Adventure

SL Banetsu Monogatari is a restored steam locomotive (C57-180) operating on the Banetsu-West Line since April 29, 1999.
Hop on board for a picturesque, seasonal adventure with views of the waters and forests of the area.

Retro car interior

Series 12 rolling stock modified for passenger use features incredible woodgrain interiors and soft colors for a retro atmosphere evocative of the beloved Taisho era (1912-1926).

Seats

Car No. 1

Okojo Observation Car

Okojo Observation Car (Car No. 1) features the Okojo Room where children are free to play, and the Okojo Observatory for adults, so there's plenty of fun for the whole family!

Car No. 4

Observation Car

The spacious Car No. 4 offers panoramic views for you to take in the scenic beauty of the Ban-etsu-West Line.
We also offer commemorative boarding stamps, and you're welcome to use the onboard mailbox to send a postcard during your journey.

Car No. 7

Green Car seats

The Green Car features reclining and rotating seats for 30 people.
There are three seats in each row, two on one side and one on the other, ensuring ample room to relax, just as you'd expect of a JR East Green Car.

Routes & Timetables

SL Banetsu Monogatari route map
Trains Routes
SL Banetsu Monogatari (Outbound) Aizu-Wakamatsu - Niitsu
SL Banetsu Monogatari (Inbound) Niitsu - Aizu-Wakamatsu
Timetables & Calendar
(English Only)

Tickets & Reservations

Both a basic fare ticket (or pass) and a reserved seat ticket are required to board.

SL Banetsu Monogatari is reserved seats only. Advance purchase required.

Option 1: Purchase a basic fare ticket and reserved seat ticket

Basic Fare Ticket

Reserved Seat Ticket

  • Purchase online Basic Fare Ticket icon Reserved Seat Ticket icon

    1. Go to the  JR-EAST Train Reservation website (opens in a new window)   and click "Purchase tickets".

    2. Click  "Joyful Trains" in the "Ride Joyful Trains" section.

    3. Select a train.

    4. Choose the car, seat type (Green Car, box seats, etc.) and route.​​

    5. Click "Reserve Now" to proceed to the reservation details.

    6. Enter the date of travel, departure and arrival stations, and the number of adults and children, and click "Reserve Now".

    7. Choose from the available train times, check the box by the train, then click "Select".

      To choose a different time, select "Previous train" or "Next train" to view time for the trains before and after that currently selected.

    8. Confirm purchase details, and if correct, click "Buy Tickets" to proceed to the purchase screen.

    9. A JR-EAST Train Reservation account is required for purchase.

Option 2: Purchase a pass and reserve a seat

JR EAST PASS

Reserved Seat Ticket
(No Charge)

Holders of a rail pass issued by JR EAST (JAPAN RAIL PASS, JR EAST PASS, etc.) valid for within the service area can reserve a seat free of additional charges.

Seats can be reserved at a ticket office or online.

JR EAST PASS icon

Applicable passes the SL Banetsu Monogatari

Holders of any of the following rail passes who are traveling in the applicable service area can ride free of additional charges.
Reserved seat ticket required in advance.Reserve for free at any sales location or on the JR-EAST Train Reservation website.

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