Asking to “SL Ban-etsu Monogatari”

2018-03-28

Hi, this is Fe@NJ, who has passed Second Grade of Timetable Test in Japan.

A rapid train, “SL Ban-etsu Monogatari“, (abbreviated as “Ban-etsu Monogatari”) serviced between Niitsu, Niigata Prefecture and Aidu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture via Ban-etsu Sai Line, shall be resumed on March 31 this year, after the end of the suspension holidays in winter. It is scheduled to be operated on weekends, as a general rule, until fall.

Features of this train

(1) It is proud of the longest run (approximately 111 km / 69 miles) for one way during the trains powered by steam locomotive (SL) in Japan.

(2) This 7-car train, of which all seats are reserved, has observation cars/rooms at both ends and at the middle.

The Car Layout is as follows:

SL（For Aidu-Wakamatsu, on this side）(Progress direction of outbound travel ↑)

Car no. 1: Observation Car

Car no. 2: Ordinary Car

Car no. 3: Ordinary Car

Car no. 4: Observation Car

Car no. 5: Kiosk and Ordinary Car

Car no. 6: Ordinary Car

Car no. 7: Green Car, extra charged (First Class, 2+1 abreast), with Observation Room for the green car passengers only

SL（For Niitsu, on this side）(Progress direction of inbound travel ↓)

(3) Green Car is especially recommended! The additional green fee is reasonably priced at 1,670 yen for each way in all sections.

Timetable

Outbound・・・Niitsu Lv 1005 → Aidu-Wakamatsu Ar 1335

Inbound・・・ Aidu-Wakamatsu Lv 1525 → Niitsu Ar 1840

Although it is tight to take a day and round trip in all sections, you could visit at Tsurugajo Castle (national historic site) in Aidu-Wakamatsu, as a quick sightseeing by taxi.