The rolling green fields are alive with green tea leaves dancing to the breeze and shimmering under the sun’s golden rays. The gushing sounds from the nearby Oi River form the soundtrack, interspersed with atmospheric interludes of steam locomotives chugging along the Oigawa Railway track.
Now’s the time for the interlude. You hear the unmistakable sounds of whistling and chuffing from a distance, a telltale sign of a steam locomotive approaching. And approach, it does, as you find yourself staring at … Thomas the Tank Engine?
No, you’re not seeing things. The life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine appears on selected times of the year on Oigawa Main Line, one of the two railway lines operated by Oigawa Railway, built along the Oi River in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Characterised by fast current speeds, the Oi River flows from the Akaishi Mountains, also known as the Southern Alps. As a result of the stunning natural beauty of the region, the two railway lines serve primarily as sightseeing lines, offering scenic views of towering mountain ranges, deep V-shaped valleys, and sparkling emerald lakes.
The Oigawa Railway covers 65km in total, encompassing Shimada City and Kawanehon-cho, the former located in the Shida Plains of Shizuoka Prefecture, and the latter a quaint town situated along the upper reaches of the Oi River. The Oigawa Main Line connects Kanaya Station in Shimada City with Senzu Station in Kawanehon-cho. Meanwhile, the second line, the Ikawa Line, runs from Senzu Station and terminates at Ikawa Station, which is the highest railway station in Shizuoka Prefecture.
The juxtaposition of Thomas the Tank Engine and the green tea plantation hints at the coexistence of old and new, tradition and innovation. Over the next few pages, you will be able to witness how the Oigawa Railway and the Oi River have helped shape the lives and livelihoods of the locals who call this picturesque countryside their home.
>>Read more about Sumatakyo Food
>>Read more about Oigawa Green Tea
>>Read more about Oigawa Souvenir
Travel Back In Time
Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Your Oigawa Railway experience begins here.
In this fast-paced world, there is a certain longing for time to slow down so we can pause, breathe, and just be. Consider that longing well and truly fulfilled at Oigawa Railway.
Named after the Oi River along which it was built, Oigawa Railway operates two railway lines, the Oigawa Main Line, and the Ikawa Line. The latter boasts the only rack railway line in Japan, while the main line is famed for its steam locomotives that were revived in 1976 – and it’s the only one in the world that operates them every day.
When the railway company opened the first section of its lines in 1927, the trains were solely used for freight services, transporting equipment and materials such as timber and tea. Today, both the Oigawa Main Line and Ikawa Line serve as a memorable sightseeing experience. The 65km-long journey rewards you with plenty of postcard-perfect moments, from verdant blankets of tea plantations to soaring suspension bridges set against a backdrop of emerald green lake and stunning mountains. And as you gaze out of the windows to bask in the rustic scenery, enjoy your lovingly prepared ekiben (bento lunch box) and take a sip from the rare traditional green tea takeaway bottle – a wonderful pairing of senses that highlights the fresh produce of the mountaineous region, including green tea, mountain vegetables and river fish. Every so often, the soothing sounds of harmonica will fill your ears, courtesy of the train conductor.
It is this multisensory experience, coupled with the nostalgic sounds of the steam locomotive, that takes you back to a time where worries are but a myth, and beauty is truly all around.
>>Read more about Sumatakyo Food
>>Read more about Oigawa Green Tea
>>Read more about Oigawa Souvenir
Oigawa Main Line
Welcome to the only train line that operates the classic black steam locomotives every day.
At The Beginning
Your unforgettable journey begins at Shin-Kanaya Station, which was built in 1927 and whose building is kept in its original condition. Before boarding the steam locomotive, be sure to visit Plaza Loco. Located right in front of the station, this is where you can purchase cute souvenirs as well as ekiben – with such a wide assortment of ekiben available, you might want to factor in some time to make your buying decision!
Ohayo, Thomas & Friends!
In 2014, something magical happened at Oigawa Railway – the birth of a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine. Along with James the Red Engine who joined Thomas in 2015, the two steam locomotive pals have been making special appearances every summer, providing a delightful experience for both young and old. The trains will be back for six days during the holiday season as well (sporting Santa hats, no less!). During other parts of the year, Thomas and James will be painted back to black, resembling the classic and majestic steam locomotives of the past once more.
Snacks-To-Go
Shimada is famous for many things, not the least of which is their knack for making irresistibly yummy snacks. You’re probably familiar with Dorayaki, a popular Japanese confectionery consisting of red bean paste sandwiched between two small pancake-like patties. For Pudding Dorayaki, the red bean paste is replaced with custard, and the one sold at Minoya is a decade-long favourite, thanks to a secret custard recipe that gives it an exquisite creamy and milky undertone. Another must-try is Komanju, which are essentially miniature steamed red bean buns. A signature item at Shimizuya, one of the oldest sweets shops in Shimada that has been selling Komanju for over 300 years now, the buns encasing the sweet red bean are soft and slightly chewy. You’d be hardpressed to stop at just one!
(TEXT LILI TAN • PHOTOGRAPHY AKIRA TAKISE)
>>Read more about Sumatakyo Food
>>Read more about Oigawa Green Tea
>>Read more about Oigawa Souvenir
Ikawa Line
The only Alternate Biting Tooth (Abt)-system cog railway operating in Japan, the Ikawa Line takes you on a steep mountain trail through a spectacularly dramatic scenery.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow …
… Dreams Really Do Come True
>>Read more about Sumatakyo Food
>>Read more about Oigawa Green Tea
>>Read more about Oigawa Souvenir
The Historic Trip To The Past
During the Edo period (1603-1867), the old Tokaido Highway was one of the administered routes that connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. And the hardest part of the journey for travelers? Crossing the powerful, fast-flowing Oi River. You see, back in the day, the Tokugawa Shogunate forbade the construction of bridges for fear that Edo Castle would be attacked, which left only one way for travelers to cross the Oi River – by wading. It was an immensely strenuous task, what with the high volume of water rushing down from the Southern Alps. To facilitate the crossing, local men were employed to either carry travelers directly on their shoulders or on the Rendais (small carriages) for a fee. Meanwhile, due to a government rule known as Kawadome – it served as a monitoring board to ensure the crossing would be disallowed should there be heavy rainfall – Shimada City thrived with travelers who had to stay in the city during the crossing ban. It was then that a unique culture, known as the Kawadome Culture, fluorished.
The World’s Longest Wooden Walking Bridge
In 1869, the ban to having bridges across the Oi River was finally lifted, which enabled the construction of the Horai Bridge. Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the abovementioned title, the formidable Horai Bridge was completed in 1879 at a length of 897.4 metres. Originally serving as a bridge for the people of Shimada City to cross over to the Makinohara Tea Plantation, the Horai Bridge is now a major tourist attraction. As night falls, the bridge would be lit up, making for a magical sight to behold.
Strolling The Days of Yore
To better understand the Kawagoshi traveling style of a bygone age, step into the Shimada City Museum, followed by exploring the nearby Shimadajuku Oi River Kawagoshi Ruins. The museum displays a comprehensive collection of documents and artefacts pertaining to the Kawadome Culture, from the traveler’s choice of clothing and personal items to a collection of Japanese swords produced by blacksmiths in Shimada City. As you walk down the Kawagoshi Ruins, you’d be able to soak up the ancient sights of post stations, including a restored toll gate.
A Crowning Glory
A cannot-miss festival in Shimada City is the Shimada Mage Festival, held annually on the third Sunday of September. Said to be the origin of Japanese traditional hairstyles for women since the design was first created in the 13th century, this festival involves a bevy of single ladies, each sporting a unique hairstyle, dancing and parading down the grounds of Uda-ji Temple in Shimada’s city centre. The Shimada Mage Festival will be celebrating its 60th year anniversary in 2017, so it should be one heck of a hair-raising spectacle!
>>Read more about Sumatakyo Food
>>Read more about Oigawa Green Tea
>>Read more about Oigawa Souvenir
The Smiles of the Countryside
Interview
Association Of Kawane City Development
Her love of Kawane-cho, which has merged into Shimada City since 2008, is palpable in her work. Handling media relations for the non-profit organisation (NPO), Fumiko actively seeks out opportunities to put the Oigawa Railway in the spotlight in order to help in the development of the city. Here, the cheerful and sprightly lady tells us more about her mission.
Can you share with us more about the NPO you work at?
Before Kawane-cho was merged into Shimada City, it used to have its own local government. Local residents feared that their voices would no longer be heard after the merger, which was why the NPO was founded – to assuage their fears, to ensure their concerns were not silenced.
What’s your role with the NPO?
In essence, I help promote the city to the media. The NPO works closely with the Oigawa Railway, and we always try to find opportunities to promote Kawane-cho as part of the Oigawa Railway experience. Apart from media relations, I also organise activities such as walking tours around tea plantations. I feel extremely blessed to be able to do what I do for the city I love.
Why do you love Kawane-cho?
The mountains, tea plantations, fresh air, people … everything! Truth be told, when I first moved to Kawane-cho from Shizuoka City 47 years ago, I wasn’t used to the slower pace of life here. But over time, the city nurtured me and made me feel I’m finally home. There are great opportunities for women here, thanks to the local women’s association. And, the deep-rooted sense of community fostered among the locals is incredibly humbling.
From unique flavours (curry lemonade, anyone?) to highly innovative packaging, the bottled soft drinks from Kimura Drink are the pride and joy of Hidefumi, the third-generation president of the 63-year-old company. Read on as he shares his work motto as well as what endears him to Shimada City, where he was born and raised.
Tell us more about Kimura Drink.
My grandfather founded the company in 1953. One of our earliest bottled drinks that remains popular today is the Original Marble Ramune, also known as lemonade. The design of the bottle was introduced by an English engineer called Hiram Codd during the 19th century – the bottle is made of glass and sealed with a glass marble. We are one of the only few in the world who still manufacture such bottles today.
There are so many interesting flavours!
We produce very limited quantities for each flavour, but what we lack in quantity, we make up for in variety, quality, and uniqueness. We have more than 200 flavours of bottled drinks. I try to come up with one new flavour every month so as to do my part to help boost the economy of Shimada City.
What do you like about Shimada City?
I like the people and environment. More importantly, I was born and raised here, and I still keep in touch with many good friends whom I grew up together with.
What is your work motto?
When major corporations chase a particular trend, we launch something entirely different. I think our philosophy works, because since 2006, we have been receiving the Gold Quality Award by the Monde Selection every year.
Do you have a personal favourite?
Yes, it’s Isaburo Cider, which has a roasted sweet potato flavour. Isaburo is the name of my grandfather. When I was young, I used to help him roast sweet potatoes in the backyard, so this drink was created to honour him, in many ways.