Japan’s super-popular steam train SL Galaxy – vintage carriages with a galaxy-themed design that turn heads

Text & photos by /Annie

Originally, we had planned to ride the SL Aizu-Wakamatsu, SL Galaxy, and SL Hitoyoshi, but the SL-series sightseeing trains were so popular that in the end, we could only secure seats on the SL Galaxy. “SL” stands for Steam Locomotive. These days, most SL trains operate as sightseeing services across various regions. The SL Galaxy is a special train themed around Kenji Miyazawa’s work “Night on the Galactic Railroad,” running on the Kamaishi Line between Hanamaki and Kamaishi.

The SL Galaxy only runs on specific dates, with two daily round trips. Initially, we hadn’t managed to get tickets for the SL Galaxy, but to our surprise, we spotted available seats the night before at Morioka Station. We immediately rushed to the ticket window to reserve them.

Lucky tickets bestowed by the travel gods

Seat availability at the station on the day of travel

The new Hanamaki Station is covered in SL Galaxy merchandise

Even the trash cans got the theme...

Seeing a foot bath at a station isn’t unusual, but having one actually inside the station is pretty unique

The timetable for the Kamaishi Line – not many departures

As departure time approached, many train enthusiasts gathered along the tracks to catch a glimpse of the SL Galaxy. When it pulled in, everyone was thrilled and snapping photos non-stop.

The SL Galaxy is powered by a C58-type steam locomotive

Love the galaxy-themed livery on the train

Managed to grab the last available SL Galaxy bento box

Tono Station – with a welcome banner inside

Tono is the origin of many Japanese folk legends, featuring creatures like the kappa and the zashiki-warashi...

The C58239 steam locomotive being refueled with coal

Annie @ Travel Food Play
Getting back to the heart of travel