Oza-Toro-Tembo Train
Gaze upon Aizu’s natural wonders from aboard this sightseeing delight
Seated on tatami and unwinding under kotatsu, lose yourself in the majesty of Japan’s luscious landscapes.
A view of Aizu’s scintillating scenery is unmatched when looking out of the tall windows of the Oza-Toro-Tembo train.
Seated on tatami and warmed by the embrace of a sunken kotatsu (low table), riders of the Oza-Toro-Tembo may lose themselves in the majesty of Aizu’s splendor. With sizable windows, there is nothing obstructing an encapsulating view of the luscious landscape that runs along the length of the Aizu Railway. Stopping at various points along the line, the Oza-Toro-Tembo is also the best way for visitors to reach popular points of interest, including the traditional village of Ouchi-Juku and the awe-inspiring cliffs of To-no-Hetsuri Crags.
The train consists of three distinct carriages, each one offering a unique viewing experience. The Oza carriage is set with sunken kotatsu-style seating with cushions and floor chairs, encouraging guests to recline in comfort and enjoy a drink and a light bite as they take in the world around them. The Torokko (trolley) carriage features open windows during the peak seasons of Spring through Autumn, bringing riders just that much closer to Aizu’s beauty. Finally, the Tembo carriage performs the role of the observation deck, boasting elevated seats that promise the most all-encompassing of views. Delicious ekiben (train lunchboxes) can be reserved prior to boarding the Oza-Toro-Tembo train. To use this service, you must place your order at least three days in advance.
Note that this is a limited service with tickets being purchasable from crewed stations along the Aizu Railway Line or on board from the ticket collector. Furthermore, due to the train’s exposure to the elements, it only operates on certain days of the season, and the trolley car window frames are only removed during the peak season of June - September. Autumn is the best time to ride along, as guests can witness the changing of the seasons and the literal changing of the leaves aboard the Oza-Toro-Tembo.
Business hours
The Oza-Toro-Tembo train operates between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and Aizu-Tajima Station.
This special service mainly runs on weekends and national holidays from spring through autumn, with two northbound trains (from Aizu-Tajima to Aizu-Wakamatsu) operating in the morning, and two southbound trains (from Aizu-Wakamatsu to Aizu-Tajima) running in the morning and afternoon.
Charges
All seats between Nishi-Wakamatsu Station and Aizu-Tajima Station are reserved, and a reserved-seat ticket is required (¥400 for adults / ¥200 for children).