Step into *Night on the Galactic Railroad*: Iwate’s “SL Ginga” Train Resumes Service in April

▲ The “SL Ginga” train, themed after the renowned anime *Night on the Galactic Railroad*, will begin service between “Hanamaki” and “Kamaishi” in Iwate Prefecture from April 12, aiming to help boost local tourism. (Photo / Courtesy ofJR East Japan Official Website)

Travel Center / General Report

Do you remember the story from the famous Japanese anime *Night on the Galactic Railroad*, where the protagonist and his friend ride a train traveling along starry cosmic tracks and encounter many beautiful and wondrous sights? To revitalize local tourism, Japan’s northeastern region has created a steam locomotive themed after this beloved animation, named the “SL Ginga.” Starting mid-April, it will once again run along the JR Ou Main Line between “Hanamaki” and “Kamaishi” in Iwate Prefecture.

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, the northeastern region initially saw a decline in tourism due to severe damage. In an effort to revive local travel, “JR East Japan” invested 400 million yen to restore the C58 No. 239 steam locomotive, which had been on display at a transportation park in Iwate Prefecture and was built 73 years ago. Themed around the literary work *Night on the Galactic Railroad* by famed Japanese author and poet Kenji Miyazawa, the “SL Ginga” train features beautiful galactic imagery both inside and out. The goal is to allow railway enthusiasts to enjoy the stunning scenery of the northeastern region while traveling through the starry night sky.

The exterior of the “SL Ginga” train is adorned with scenes from the story *Night on the Galactic Railroad*, depicting the galaxy and the various fantastical sights encountered by the characters. (Photo / Courtesy of JR East Japan Official Website)

The “SL Ginga” train can accommodate up to 180 passengers. Its design is inspired by the galaxy theme and features animals that appear in *Night on the Galactic Railroad*.. The interior is decorated with motifs representing the culture, nature, and landscapes of the Tohoku region. To evoke the atmosphere of the Taisho and Showa eras when Kenji Miyazawa lived, the ceiling is adorned with lighting that resembles gas lamps and stained glass, creating a strong nostalgic vibe.

The main passenger seating areas are located in cars 2 to 4. Car 1 is designed as an open lounge space with a small shop, and from cars 1 to 3, the interiors are arranged as a “Miyazawa Kenji Corridor,” displaying works related to him and his life, as well as introducing scenic spots in the Tohoku region. The final car, car 4, becomes an onboard “mini galaxy,” where passengers can sit and admire the vast starry sky projected by a small planetarium.

An interior view of the passenger cars on the “SL Ginga” train, with nostalgic decor that vividly captures the atmosphere of the Taisho and Showa periods. (Photo / Courtesy of JR East Japan Official Website)

FromApril 12, the “SL Ginga” train will mainly operate on weekends and holidays between “Hanamaki” and “Kamaishi,” running one round trip every two days.Currently, the tentative ticket price is 820 yen (approx. NT$240) for adults and 410 yen (approx. NT$123) for children.