Japan steam train

In an onsen (hot spring) resort area two hours north of Tokyo, Japan, visitors can book a ride on the steam locomotive SL Taiju.

SL Taiju travels from Shimo-Imaichi station (accessible by train via Tokyo’s Asakusa station) 35 minutes to the Kinugawa-Onsen station, with a stop at Tobu World Square, a theme park featuring scale models of worldwide attractions. During the journey, attendants dressed in traditional Japanese clothing hand out tourist info and travel advice.

A seat on the SL Taiju requires both a standard-fare ticket (¥520 [near $4.50]) and an SL Taiju reservation ticket (¥760). The locomotive operates on a different schedule each day. To reserve seats, visit www.tobu.co.jp/en/sightseeing/nikko_kinugawa/sl.