#Japan #Tobu Top Tours #Tomakomai #Muroran Main Line #SL 50th

Special Train Tour Commemorating 50 Years Since the Last SL Operation

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the last regular passenger service of the steam locomotive (SL) on the Muroran Main Line, Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd., based in Sumida, Tokyo, is excited to announce a one-day special tour. The 'Sayōnara SL 50th Anniversary - Muroran Main Line Kiha 40 Special Charter Train Tour' is set to take place on November 2, 2025. This exclusive event celebrates the historical significance of the SL and offers participants a unique opportunity to experience the region's rich railway culture.

The tour will feature a chartered operation of the nearly-retired Kiha 40 train, dubbed the 'Semi Express Yubari', which will journey through Japan's designated heritage site known as 'Sutetsu-ko', highlighting remarkable railway structures and coal mining culture.

Highlights of the Tour

The itinerary is crafted for railway enthusiasts and includes several exclusive experiences:

• - A special behind-the-scenes exploration at the Abira D51 Station, where guests can have a rare look at the D51 and Kiha 183 models in restricted areas.
• - A guided exploration of the Yubari Railway's abandoned tracks, bringing history to life.
• - Insightful commentary from the curator of the Yubari Coal Museum during a guided tour, deepening the understanding of the region's coal mining heritage.

Additional perks for participants include:

• - A commemorative badge with a special head mark and an A-type hard ticket as keepsakes.
• - Onboard sales featuring local specialties and limited-edition railway goods, providing fantastic souvenirs of the experience.

Making this event even more unique, special guests including the mayors of Abira and Yubari will also be onboard, sharing the allure of regional history and railway culture with the participants.

Tour Details

• - Tour Name: Sayōnara SL 50th Anniversary - Muroran Main Line Kiha 40 Special Charter Train Tour: A Special Day Exploring the Railway Landscapes of Sutetsu-ko
• - Date: November 2, 2025 (one-day tour)
• - Assembly/Dispersal Point: In front of the JR Tomakomai Station ticket gate
• - Travel Cost: 27,500 yen (tax included)
• - Included Meals: One lunch featuring a special farewell SL bento box
• - Maximum Participants: 40 (minimum required: 30)
• - Bus Company: Yutetsu Bus / Yubari Railway
• - Tour Guide: Accompanied by a tour conductor
• - Train Specifications: A single Kiha 40 unit with reserved seating

Main Itinerary

• - Depart from Tomakomai Station
• - Boarding the special train 'Sayōnara SL 50th Anniversary Train'
• - Short stop at Oiwake Station
• - Exclusive tour of Abira D51 Station
• - Stop at Shin-Yubari Station
• - Visit to the abandoned Yubari Railway tracks
• - Guided tour by the curator at the Yubari Coal Museum
• - Return to Shin-Yubari Station
• - Ride the 'Semi Express Yubari' back to Tomakomai Station for dispersal

Recommended Experiences Include:

• - Special access to the normally restricted Kiha 183-220 class train.
• - Complimentary head mark badge and A-type hard ticket for memories to take home.
• - Onboard shopping for local specialties and exclusive railway merchandise.
• - Insightful commentary during the Abira D51 Station tour.
• - Expedition of the Yubari Railway's abandoned tracks by bus, exploring key historic sites.
• - Curated visit at the Yubari Coal Museum with a guided tour.
• - Participation of local city mayors onboard this historic journey.

How to Apply

For registration, please fill in the dedicated form accessible via the following link:
Registration Form

For Tour Details

Find more information about the event at this link:
Tour Details

This tour promises a magical experience for all attendees, celebrating a significant railway milestone while enhancing regional tourism and cultural vibrancy.