Japan 2011 » 3-Oigawa Railway

English | Deutsch

Arriving at Kanaya for a long railway day.	I'm now leaving JR and head to Oigawa Railway.	This train takes me in a couple of minutes to Shin-Kanaya station.	The steam trains are already put together at Shin-Kanaya.
As nice as this turntable looks, it seems only to be used as a showcase.	Another steam engine is currently fired up.	This is my first steam train for today.	A quick view into the driver's cab.
They're still cheating a little bit with an electric pusher.	However this engine is just as historic as the steam engine.	A view of my carriage.	Track connections are not seen as important here as elsewhere.
And we're heading into the tunnel at full steam.	Steam engine in tall grass.	The train in the opposite direction is waiting until we pass through the station.	Always open for a friendly wave to the passing passengers.
A pretty young steam train fan enjoys the views.	A lot of photographers are set up along the tracks.	Travelling further along the Oi river.	One of many bridges across the river.
The conductor is looking to get the train ready for departure again quickly.	Everything is properly constructed here around the bridges, even the reinforcements in the river bed.	Shizuoka is a huge producer of tea, so you see many large and small tea fields.	Riding along the street for a change.
A real scary suspension bridge, at least for me.	We're almost arriving at Senzu.	Entering Senzu station.	Terminal station Senzu.
There are also a few somewhat younger electric engines here.	A last view on this morning's steam train.	And this nice little red train will take me to my next destination.	This diesel engine somewhat looks like a mine engine.
Every carriage has its own brake wheel.	And another suspension bridge along the way.	Being pushed up the mountain we're crossing one of the many bridges.	There's my young train fan again.
The orange bridge provides a nice contrast to the nature.	We're getting more support for the steepest rise of the journey (and the steepest in Japan).	Two cog engines help us to climb the mountain.	The engines are connected so we can continue our ride.
An interesting view on the start of the cograil.	This train was built to erect Nagashima Dam.	The engines all have famous names from the Swiss Alps.	Approaching my final destination for today.
This way the station looks pretty normal.	However something must be special about this station.	The train continues its journey in the meantime.	Not to forget, the station name is Okuoi-Kozyo.
A scenic bridge connects the station with the eastern shore.	Where the tracks are leading into a tunnel right away.	From above the tunnel entrance you have a nice view of the bridge and station.	While climbing up the hills further, finally the full magnificience of the station appears.
A hiking map shows the local possibilities.	Finally you can see the station in its full beauty.	The station is on a small piece of land and even extends out to the western bridge.	The eastern bridge as seen from above.
This view demonstrates the delicate construction of the station.	Construction details of the eastern bridge featuring a walkway as well.	View of the station entrance.	Interesting track details.
Another kind of tunnel view.	And the bridge view is stunning as well.	Train driver's view of the bridge and tunnel.	Station view from the western bridge.
The lake is directly below the tracks.	My return trains is arriving at the station.	This engine is not as nicely preserved as the previous one, but again has a well known name.	Abt-Ichishiro is the home of the cog railway engines.
The turntable in Senzu is turned manually.	The return trip is on a different steam engine.	It looks just as nice as the first engine.	The carriages are about the same age as on my trip this morning.
They even feature energy saving lamps and air conditioning.	Crossing one of the last bridges before arriving at Shin-Kanaya.	The conductor plays a song on the harmonica.	Shin-Kanaya is pretty busy after the full steam train has arrived.
A last impression of Kanaya station before it gets completely dark.

77 Images | Japan 2010 | Japan 2012 | Help