SL Gunma

SL Gunma

Historic steam engines A scenic trip through the Gunma countryside

Features

The magnificent nature of Gunma Prefecture

The SL Gunma runs through the natural surroundings of Gunma. Enjoy the magnificent nature of Gunma Prefecture with the background roar of the locomotive.

Renovation of the classic interiors of old passenger cars

In April 2020, the old passenger car interiors were refurbished, bringing back the classic wood-grain ambience of the era when they were manufactured. A new lounge car has also been added.

Seats

Old-type passenger car

This is a general term for passenger cars built before the Series 10 passenger cars. In April 2020, the interiors of the old passenger car interiors were refurbished, bringing back the classic wood-grain ambience of the era when they were manufactured, and a new lounge car was added.

Series 12 passenger car

Passenger cars with express-type seating were built to accommodate the post-1970 increase in passenger traffic. The striking blue of the train body leaves a lasting impression. They were the first passenger cars equipped with air conditioning, heating, and automatic doors, and became a model for later Japan National Railways (JNR) passenger cars.

Routes & Timetables

SL Gunma route map
Trains Routes
Joetsu Line (Outbound) Takasaki - Minakami
Joetsu Line (Inbound) Minakami - Takasaki
Shinetsu Main Line (Outbound) Takasaki - Yokokawa
Shinetsu Main Line (Inbound) Yokokawa - Takasaki
Ryomo Line (Outbound) Takasaki - Kiryu
Ryomo Line (Inbound) Kiryu - Takasaki
Timetables & Calendar
(English Only)

Tickets & Reservations

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

SL Gunma is a train with all reserved seats. In addition to a boarding ticket, you will need seat ticket.

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  (opens in new window)   website  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

Recommended passes for riding the SL Gunma

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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