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

To board the train, you will need a seat ticket as well as a basic fare ticket (or pass).

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

Pattern 1

Basic Fare Ticket

Reserved Seat Ticket

  • Making a new purchase online Basic Fare Ticket icon Reserved Seat Ticket icon

    1. Go to the JR-EAST Train ReservationOpens in a new window  site and press "Purchase tickets."

    2. Press “Joyful Trains” under the Ride Joyful Trains section.

    3. Select the train you want to ride.

    4. Choose the model, seat type (Green Car, box seats) and route for the train you selected.

    5. Press “Reserve Now” to proceed to the reservation details.

    6. Enter the date you want to travel, the departure station, the arrival station, and the number of adults and children riding, and press " Reserve Now."

    7. Choose from the available train times, check off the box by the train you want to ride, and press “Select.”

      To choose a different time, select "Previous train" or "Next train" to view the times of the trains before and after the current one.

    8. Check the purchase details, and if everything is correct, press "Buy Tickets" to proceed to the purchase screen.

    9. To make a purchase, you need to create a JR-EAST Train Reservation account.

Pattern 2

JR EAST PASS

Reserved Seat Ticket
(No Charge)

If you are using a JR EAST rail pass such as the JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR EAST PASS within the free area, you can reserve reserved seat without paying an additional fee.

Please reserve reserved seat (free of charge) at the ticket office or online.

JR EAST PASS icon

Recommended passes for riding the SL Gunma

If you have one of the following rail passes and are using it within the unlimited travel area, you can ride free of additional charges.
You need to purchase a seat ticket in advance to ride.Reserve your seat ticket in advance for free at any purchase location or on the JR-East Train Reservation website.