Japan, Tochigi

Steam tourist railway in Japan, shows an incredible station that resembles a giant steam locomotive! Also views of passenger trains in the station.

All steamed up The SL Mooka runs through a field in Mashikomachi, Tochigi Prefecture, on the Mooka Tetsudo line. The line runs 41.9 kilometers from Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, to Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture. Although diesel trains are in operation for everyday use, mainly carrying students to and from school, the SL Mooka and another steam locomotive run sometimes coupled together on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, attracting hoards of train enthusiasts. The two steam locomotives were restored in 1994 and put back into operation to attract tourists and provide a dream on wheels for children. The Tokyo metropolitan area is fairly close, and in spring and autumn many tourists visit Mashikomachi, located on the line, which is famous for Mashikoyaki pottery. The line also is called Cotton Way, as the city flower of Mooka in Tochigi Prefecture is cotton and because "Yto Japanese ears" steam trains make a sound similar to "cotton" when they run.

Site URL: http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm
Date resource added: 7-Jun-2003
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