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SL Ginga: Ride Japan's Starry Steam Locomotive Train for FREE with JR East Pass
SL Ginga: Japan's Starry Steam Train Journey
Experience JR East's unique steam locomotive with onboard planetarium through Iwate's magical landscapes. Inspired by Miyazawa Kenji's universe.
Train Info
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Name: SL Ginga (SL銀河)
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Route: Hanamaki to Kamaishi (Iwate Prefecture)
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Duration: 4.5 hours (full route)
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Key Stops: Hanamaki, Tono, Sumita, Kamaishi
Key Features
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Unique: Japan's first train with onboard planetarium
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Theme: Inspired by Miyazawa Kenji's literature
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Cars: Four uniquely themed carriages
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Access: Free with JR East Tohoku Area Pass
The Miyazawa Kenji Experience
SL Ginga with its distinctive starry theme and blue exterior
"The train offers a magical journey through landscapes that feel like stepping into Kenji's stories."
4 Themed Carriages
SL Ginga features four distinct cars inspired by Miyazawa Kenji's literary universe:
- Car 1: Planetarium showcasing Kenji's horoscope
- Car 2: Literature gallery with books and maps
- Car 3: Science & agriculture exhibition
- Car 4: Art gallery featuring Kenji's artwork
The train was created to revitalize the Tohoku region after the 2011 tsunami and earthquake.
The Scenic Journey
The planetarium car - Japan's first train planetarium
- Must-see: Planetarium shows throughout journey
- Unique: Station signs in Esperanto
- Photo ops: Special stops for photography
Through Ihatov, by Miyazawa Kenji
The SL Ginga travels through landscapes that inspired Miyazawa Kenji's fictional world of Ihatov:
- Rolling hills and countryside of Iwate
- Traditional villages and farming landscapes
- Rivers and forests from Kenji's stories
During stops, passengers can experience cultural performances including tiger dances in Kamaishi.
Onboard Experience
SL Ginga's beautiful star-themed design
Starry Interiors & Planetarium
Experience unique features throughout the train:
- Planetarium: 15-minute shows with Kenji's constellations
- Gallery Spaces: Exhibits on science, agriculture & art
- Observation Areas: Large windows for landscape viewing
- ORAHO Counter: Local Iwate snacks and souvenirs
The train's dark blue exterior features star motifs that glow at night.
Cultural Immersion
Throughout the journey, experience:
- Live performances of local dances
- Kenji's literature readings
- Educational activities about astronomy
- Local Iwate treats and crafts
Staff share stories about Kenji's connection to the landscapes you pass through.
SL Ginga making a station stop for photos
What I Loved
- World's first train with onboard planetarium
- Deep cultural immersion in Kenji's universe
- Authentic steam locomotive experience
- Free with JR East Tohoku Area Pass
- Unique photo opportunities at stops
- Thoughtfully designed themed interiors
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Considerations
- Limited departures (weekends only)
- Requires advance reservation
- Full journey takes 4.5 hours
- Planetarium has limited capacity
- Some stations lack accessibility features
Ride the Starry Express!
Ready for your journey through Kenji's universe?
Check Schedule & Reserve SeatsReservations open 1 month in advance
Final Verdict
★★★★☆ 4.8/5
The SL Ginga offers a truly unique journey through literary landscapes. Combining nostalgic steam travel with modern planetarium technology and deep cultural immersion, it's a must for literature lovers and train enthusiasts exploring Tohoku.
Perfect for
Literature & astronomy enthusiasts
Steam train lovers
Cultural experience seekers
Travelers with JR East Pass
Steam train lovers
Cultural experience seekers
Travelers with JR East Pass
Consider if
You enjoy immersive storytelling
You appreciate heritage transportation
You want to explore rural Japan
You appreciate heritage transportation
You want to explore rural Japan
Travel Tip: Book at least one month in advance through JR East's Eki-Net. Combine with visits to Hanamaki's Miyazawa Kenji Museum and Kamaishi's Dai-kannon Statue. The best photo spot is at Tono Station with the meganebashi bridge in the background.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the blog running - thank you! 🙏
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