Kenji's dream and world are back for the first time in a year! ～SL Ginga-go - SL Ginga-go - [Tetsubi Online] (In Japanese Only)

  • Iwate
  • Special Features
Photo courtesy of JR East
The Kamaishi Line connects Hanamaki and Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture. The line is dotted with tourist attractions such as Hanamaki and the English coast, Hanamaki Hot Springs, the beautifully illuminated Miyamori Bridge, Tono, known for its folk tales and Kappa Fuchi, and the limestone caves of Takikan-do and Kamaishi on the rias coast, making the line an attractive tourist route. The SL Ginga-go will be back in operation in August for the first time in a year after a year of inspection and maintenance, and the local people have high expectations for it.

SL Ginga, what is its origin? ・・・・

Constellations and animals that appear in "Night on the Galactic Railroad" are on the SL Ginga! The paint that looks blue is actually 8 different colors!

Car 1 is inspired by the constellation Scorpius. Photo courtesy of JR East
Owls and herons from Car 4 to Car 3
Photo courtesy of JR East
Car 3 with Cygnus Cygnus
Photo courtesy of JR East
Each car is decorated with motifs of constellations and animals that appear in "Night on the Galactic Railroad. At first glance, they appear to be blue or navy blue, but in fact they are painted in eight different colors, representing the sky as it changes from night to morning.

Gallery to touch the world of Kenji Miyazawa

Needless to say, the name "SL Ginga-go" comes from "Night on the Galactic Railroad," written by Kenji Miyazawa, who was born in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, and loved Ihatov Iwate. The "Night on the Galactic Railroad" is set along the Kamaishi Line, and the entire interior of the train is themed around "Night on the Galactic Railroad," allowing passengers to experience the world of the story. The line is nicknamed the "Ginga Dream Line Kamaishi Line," and the station signs at each station are marked in Esperanto, Kenji's favorite language.
Car 1, Museum of the Moon and Stars
Photo courtesy of JR East
Car 2 Ihatov and Kenji
Photo courtesy of JR East
The interior of the train is designed to recreate the atmosphere of the Taisho and Showa periods in which Kenji Miyazawa lived. In Car 1, you will be introduced to the impressive scene in "Night on the Galactic Railroad" in which the moon and constellations appear, and in Car 2, you can learn about the trajectory of Ihatove and Kenji. You can immerse yourself in Kenji's world.
Car 4 SL Gallery
Photo courtesy of JR East
Large sofa in the SL gallery
Photo courtesy of JR East
Car 4 with SL gallery and store.
Photo courtesy of JR East
Arch decoration and stained glass in each box.
Photo courtesy of JR East
Car 4 is a particularly well-equipped car with an extensive gallery. The gallery shows the versatility of Kenji Miyazawa. The SL Gallery features photos of C58 locomotive production, its preservation and exhibition at Iwate Sports Park, and its one-year restoration work at Iwate Prefectural Sports Park, up to its revival. All the seats are box seats facing each other, just like a scene from a story. Why don't you enjoy a trip to Ihatove Iwate this summer while relaxing and enjoying the view from the train windows that Kenji loved?

The splendor of the SL should not be overlooked!

Although we have introduced the SL Ginga-go as a matter of course, the fact that you can take a trip on the SL itself is a rarity in Japan. Why not experience firsthand what is related to Kenji Miyazawa and Ihatov, and at the same time, feel the extraordinary value of traveling on the SL itself? The smoke and the sound of the locomotive, the sense of unity and harmony of the original Japanese landscape, including the running countryside, and the warm feelings and thoughts of the people along the route who wave to you. It is a wonderful time to experience the splendor of Japan. We would be more than happy if you feel that you would like to visit Iwate again, or that you have become interested in the works and characters of Kenji Miyazawa.
Photo courtesy of JR East
Photo courtesy of Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
The Miyamori River Bridge, also known as the Megane Bridge, is a 10-minute walk from Miyamori Station. It is a semicircular arched bridge that is popular as a viewpoint associated with the night of the Galactic Railroad, and is a popular spot for train windows and photography.

If you like the SL Galaxy and want to ride it....

We hope that you would like to ride on the SL Ginga-go.
In order to ride the SL Ginga, you will need a reserved seat ticket in addition to the regular train ticket. To obtain a ticket, you must purchase it at the Ticket Office one month before the ticket goes on sale. You can also try to purchase tickets in advance at Ekinetto.
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