Steam Locomotive - Paleo Express
Experience the power of traditional steam power
Steam Locomotive - Paleo Express
Experience the power of traditional steam power
The nearest steam locomotive from Tokyo Paleo Express
The Paleo Express is the nearest steam locomotive from Tokyo. It is popular as passengers of all ages can experience the smell of smoke, the sound of its horns, and the loud rattling as it runs on its tracks, all experiences that you cannot have on a modern electric train.
Seats on the SL Paleo Express are available by reservation only.
2025 Operation Schedule
The Paleo Express mainly operates on Saturdays and Sundays. It stops at eight different stations, and passengers can choose the most convenient station to board or disembark from the Paleo Express.
Timetable
Outbound Journey
Stops
Return Journey
10:15 a.m.
Kumagaya
4:20 p.m.
10:43 a.m.
Fukaya-Hanazono
3:53 p.m.
11:07 a.m.
Yorii
3:41 p.m.
11:42 a.m.
Nagatoro
3:13 p.m.
11:55 a.m.
Minano
2:57 p.m.
12:20 p.m.
Chichibu
2:39 p.m.
12:24 p.m.
Ohanabatake
2:33 p.m.
12:54 p.m.
Mitsumineguchi
2:05 p.m.
Fare
Aside from the ticket for your journey, you are required purchase a SL seat reservation ticket (1,000 yen, adults and children pay same price). You can make your reservation online via the Chichibu Railway SL Reservation System.
※ Credit Card payment only.
※ Reservations can be made one month before the date of your journey. The number of reservation tickets available are limited.
※ Only available in Japanese
※ If you have not made a prior seat reservation, you will need to purchase an SL seat reservation ticket (1,100 yen, same price for adults and children) at the station ticket counter.
Reserve your seat on the Paleo Express
※ Only available in Japanese
Chichibu Railway One-Day Pass
You can purchase this pass either on the Chichibu Railway mobile app or through the Chichibu Railway website, and you can use it directly from your smartphone. You will be asked to enter your credit card information for payment.
Price - Adults 1,500 yen, children 500 yen
Purchase date - Can be purchased one month before the day of your journey
Availability - Year-round
How to Ride the Paleo Express
1. Purchase your ticket.
2. If you have made a reservation in advance, please through the ticket gates. If you are passing through a manned ticket gate, please show your ticket to the staff.
3. Head to the platform.
4. Board the Paleo Express.
5. Check your seat number and sit in your reserved seat.
6. Pass through the ticket gates. Insert your ticket in the ticket box.
Paleo Express Passenger cars
Paleo Express Onboard Services
Merchandise and souvenirs are offered in the passenger cars.
If you would like to try our original bento box lunches, you will need to make a reservation in advance.
SL Tenshadai Park
The Paleo Express terminates at Mitsumineguchi Station, where you can observe how steam locomotives are rotated.
・Available on days when the Paleo Express is operational
・Time: Around 1:00 p.m.~1:30 p.m.
Access
Beginning at Kumagaya Station and ending at Mitsumineguchi Station, you can enjoy picturesque views of the countryside, Arakawa River, and the Chichibu Mountains on this leisurely, 160-minute, 56.8km journey through Chichibu's vast and magnificent nature. Catch stunning views during all four seasons from the comfort of your seat as you enjoy your relaxing journey on a steam locomotive.
- Hanyū Station Transfer from the Tobu-Isesaki Line 5 minutes
※ If you will be riding the SL Paleo Express, please take an electric train to the station where you will be boarding the SL Paleo Express.
- Kumagaya Station Transfer from the JR Takasaki Line, the Jōetsu Shinkansen, or the Hokuriku Shinkansen 5~10 minutes
- Yorii Station Transfer from the JR Hachikō Line or the Tōbu Tōjō Line 3~5 minutes
- Ohanabatake Station Transfer from Seibu-Chichibu Station on the Seibu Line 5~10 minutes
