Travelled on 22.05.2016 (Sun)
Torokko Aizu Roman-go train トロッコ会津浪漫号 is a limited express sightseeing themed train commuting between Aizu Wakamatsu 会津若松駅 and Aizu Tajima 会津但馬駅 via Aizu line 会津線 and operated by Aizu Railway 会津鉄道. The train operates usually on weekends and public holidays and makes 1 to 1.5 round trip on its day of operation.
1 round trip itinerary:
Yumeguri-go 湯めぐり号: Aizu Tajima (1157 hrs) > Aizu Wakamatsu (1328 hrs)
Hoshi-go 星号: Aizu Wakamatsu (1358 hrs) > Aizu Tajima (1531 hrs)
1.5 round trip itinerary:
Hana-go 花号: Aizu Wakamatsu (0930 hrs) > Aizu Tajima (1059 hrs)
Kaze-go 風号: Aizu Tajima (1154 hrs) > Aizu Wakamatsu (1328 hrs)
Hoshi-go 星号: Aizu Wakamatsu (1358 hrs) > Aizu Tajima (1531 hrs)
*Hoshi-go train makes an 8 mintues stop at Ashinomaki Onsen Station 芦ノ牧温泉駅.
Normal ticket fare:
- Aizu Wakamatsu <> Ashinomaki Onsen: 610 yen
- Aizu Wakamatsu <> Yunokami Onsen: 1050 yen
- Aizu Wakamatsu <> Aizu Tajima: 1690 yen
An additional fee of 320 yen is required on top of normal ticket fare for Torokko Aizu Roman-go train.
Train schedule: http://www.aizutetsudo.jp/trip/ozatoro/
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In memory of Basu. After visiting Tsuruga Castle 鶴ヶ城, I returned to Aizu Wakamatsu Station 会津若松駅 to catch the Torokko Aizu Roman-go train トロッコ会津浪漫号 to get to my next destination, Ochijuku 大内宿. The version of Torokko Aizu Roman-go train which I took in May 2016 was made up of two carriages, comprised of Torokko トロッコ and Ozashiki お座敷 seats. There is another version which has an additional compartment of Tenbo or viewing 展望 seats. When the two-carriage train pulled into station, I was immediately tickled by the pictures decorated on the exterior of the Torokko carriage. It is beautifully wrapped with pictures of a cute cat, who plays an important role in improving the train ridership along Aizu line. Named Bus ばす, this cat called Ashinomaki Onsen Station 芦ノ牧温泉駅 (one of the train stations along Aizu line) its home since 1999 and many people would specially drop by this train station to come up close with her, which in turn boosted the number of passengers utilising this local railway line. In 2008, Bus was bestowed the title of Honourary Stationmaster and she continued to serve the train station faithfully for another 8 years before she passed away.
Interior. Sat in the Torokko section, a trolley train with wide, open windows to ensure passengers are treated to an unobstructed view of the scenery throughout the entire journey. On the other hand, Ozashiki (translates as tatami room) section of Roman-go train will make the locals relate to home immediately, as the tatami seats and tables resembled kotatsu, in which heater can be placed beneath the table, with quilt covering the sides, and passengers can tugged their legs under the tables to keep themselves warm especially during cold weather. There is a small stall selling souvenirs, snacks and drinks set up in the Torokko section. A small post box is also placed in the train and postcards delivered through this post box are stamped with an exclusive postmark bearing the image of Bus.
Meow! The train made a brief stop at Ashinomaki Onsen Station to allow the opposite direction train to pass by. Together with most passengers, I alighted the train excitedly, hoping to see the stationmaster on duty today. Alas, I found Love らふ, the 2nd and current stationmaster who was feeling shy that day, hiding beneath the bench near the ticket gate. Love took over the position of stationmaster from Bus in 2015 and is as popular as his predecessor. There are numerous endearing photos of Bus and Love put up on display within the train station; and their fans will be delighted to find related merchandise (such as photographs, postcards, clear folders, tumblers, etc) available for sale in the train station as well. Bought a postcard depicting Bus from here and sent through the post box on board the train.
Tunnel theater. It was finally time to bade farewell to Love and continue my train cruise along the scenic Aizu line. Running alongside Aganogawa 阿賀野川 (Aga River), the train has to pass through several tunnels due to surrounding mountainous terrain. Fortunately, thanks to the creativity of a fan who was chosen through public recruitment, a surprise awaits passengers in these cold, pitch black tunnels. Images of Bus are painted onto the walls of the tunnels and these collective images are transformed into an animated movie as the train passed through these tunnels! Keep a lookout for luminous cat paws prints that would glow in the dark in the Torokko section of the train. Check out the video of Bus "chasing" the train when the train cruised through the tunnel below.
Stop and admire. One other unique experience on board Roman-go train, which makes it different from other local trains commuting along Aizu line, is that it will make brief stops at several scenic spots, such as railway bridges, along the way. The intent is to provide passengers with ample time to admire the beautiful scenery of Aganogawa and its surrounding terrain. An hour later after departing from Aizu Wakamatsu Station, the train arrived at Yunokami Onsen Station 湯野上温泉駅, where I disembarked and transferred to a bus heading for Ochijuku. Overall, I enjoyed myself thoroughly during the hour long, fun filled train ride.
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Video: Take a look at NHK's Train Cruise documentary featuring Torokko Aizu Roman-go train.
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