Oza-Toro Scenic Train

It’s truly a “rolling showcase of Aizu’s charm,” where passengers can experience both the area’s natural beauty and its warm local hospitality

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What is the Oza-Toro Rail Train?

The Oza-Toro Sightseeing Train is a leisurely tourist train running through the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture.The name “Oza-Toro” comes from a combination of “O-zashiki” (tatami seating) and “Torocco” (open-air carriage). As the name suggests, the train features three types of seating: traditional tatami rooms, open-air torocco seats, and observation seats with panoramic views. This allows each traveler to enjoy the journey in their preferred style.

Originally part of the local transport supporting Aizu residents, the train has now become a popular sightseeing line, attracting railway enthusiasts and travelers from across Japan. It’s truly a “rolling showcase of Aizu’s charm,” where passengers can experience both the area’s natural beauty and its warm local hospitality.

It connects Aizu-Wakamatsu Station with Aizu-Tajima Station, offering passengers a relaxing ride while enjoying the region’s rich natural scenery and historic towns.

Enjoy Aizu’s Scenic Beauty from the Open-Air Torocco Seats

The biggest appeal of the Oza-Toro Sightseeing Train is its open-air torocco seats. From late April to early November, the windows are removed, allowing passengers to feel the refreshing breeze while taking in the stunning views of valleys and rural landscapes up close.

Along the route, the scenery changes with the seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms line the rivers, while the lush greenery of early summer brings the countryside to life. In autumn, vibrant fall colors fill the train windows, attracting travelers with cameras eager to capture the beauty.

Unique spots can be found at some of the stations along the way. For example, Yunokami Onsen Station is one of the few stations in Japan with a thatched roof and a nostalgic waiting room with a traditional irori hearth. A foot bath is also available, making it a perfect place to relax while waiting for the train.

Highlights of Oza-Toro Rail Train

Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time

The Oza-Toro Rail Train itself is a special experience, where the journey becomes part of the trip. Take your time and enjoy Aizu’s natural beauty and local culture by stopping at interesting points along the way.

A highlight is getting off at To-no-Hetsuri Station for a walk. The natural rock formations of To-no-Hetsuri, created over a million years ago, are designated as a National Natural Monument. Crossing the suspension bridge and seeing the cliffs up close is awe-inspiring. The site is just a 5-minute walk from the station, making it very accessible.

From Yunokami Onsen Station, you can also take the Saruyu-go bus to visit the Edo-period post town of Ouchi-juku. Walking along streets lined with thatched-roof houses feels like stepping back in time. You can enjoy local flavors such as hand-made soba noodles, local sake, and the traditional dish shingoro.

To fully appreciate the ever-changing scenery along the route, it’s best to take a morning train. In autumn, the torocco train moving slowly through morning mist creates a magical atmosphere. In spring and summer, traveling during daylight lets you enjoy the green forests and sparkling rivers along the route.

From Tokyo, it takes about 3.5 hours from Tobu Asakusa Station to Aizu-Tajima Station, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed and scenic train journey from the city.

Spot Information

Spot Name：Ozatoro- Railway Ozatoro Scenic Train (Aizu Railway)

Train route section：JRAizu-Wakamatsu Station〜Aizu Railway AizuTajima Station

Operating Period：Late April to early November (not in winter)

Number of services：2 trains per day (operates on designated dates)

Fee：Regular fare for the travel section + 400 JPY for the Torocco reserved seat (adult)

Seat Type：Observation seat / Tatami-style seat / Torocco seat

Access

Boardable from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station or Aizu-Tajima Station

JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station: 1-1 Ekimae-machi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima 965-0041, Japan

Aizu-Tajima Station: Tajima Nishibanba Ko, Minamiaizu Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima 967-0004, Japan

The inn of sincerity -Hoshinoi-

The inn is renowned for its heartfelt hospitality, natural hot springs with free-flowing water from Yunokami Onsen available 24 hours a day, and homemade dishes featuring local ingredients, including the signature simmered potatoes. Guests can also enjoy the Ōuchi-juku Night Tour guided by the inn’s owner. With its warm, homey atmosphere, about 70% of visitors return, making it truly a place where “once you come, you’ll want to come back again.”

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