Oigawa Railway｜A Guide to Exploring Shizuoka's Hidden Gems

Quick Overview of the Area • Oigawa Main Line: Shin-Kanaya ↔ Senzu (Popular route for SL steam trains) • Ikawa Line: Senzu ↔ Ikawa (Japan's only Abt rack railway; stunning views along Oku-Oi Kojo Station, Sessokyo Gorge, and Nagashima Dam) • Key Towns: Kawanehoncho (hot springs and gorges), Shimada City (tea plantations and wooden bridges) ⸻ Top 8 Must-Visit Spots (South to North) 1. Shin-Kanaya Station SL Maintenance Factory & Garage Get up close with steam locomotives, snap photos of coal tenders and turntables; a must-visit for families and train enthusiasts. 2. KADODE OOIGAWA (Newly Opened Tea-Themed Complex) Tea selection, tea desserts, countryside-view restaurants, and an indoor playground for kids; perfect for souvenir shopping. 3. SL Steam Train (Shin-Kanaya to Senzu) A classic route with views of Oigawa Gorge and tea fields. Advance reservation for reserved seats is recommended. 4. Senzu Station & Station Street A transfer hub for the Ikawa Line; features snacks, foot baths, and SL-themed shops near the station. 5. Sumatakyo Onsen & Yume no Tsuribashi (Dream Suspension Bridge) Milky blue lake and a narrow suspension bridge with an unbeatable atmosphere. Stay at an onsen ryokan for a peaceful evening. Hiking Tip: The official "Suspension Bridge Loop" takes about 60–90 minutes; during peak seasons, there may be crowd control or one-way traffic, so go early to avoid long waits. 6. Sessokyo Onsen Village A quieter valley with trails, ideal for soaking in hot springs and leisurely walks. 7. Oku-Oi Kojo Station (Ikawa Line) A station on a small island in the middle of a lake, framed by a red arch bridge and emerald waters. You can enjoy a bird's-eye view from the "Kojo Station Viewpoint" (a 30–45 minute walk with some inclines). 8. Horai Bridge (Shimada City) Known as the world's longest wooden pedestrian bridge, it’s stunning at dusk. Nearby, visit the Makinohara Plateau tea fields and the "Tea Museum" for tea-making and tasting experiences. ⸻ Sample Itineraries 2 Days 1 Night (Departing from Tokyo, Relaxed Pace) Day 1 Tokyo → (Car/Expressway) → Shin-Kanaya • Visit the SL Garage → Ride the SL to Senzu → Stay at Sumatakyo Onsen • Evening hot spring bath and ryokan kaiseki dinner Day 2 Sumatakyo → (Car to Senzu) → Ikawa Line "Oku-Oi Kojo Station" for photos → Sessokyo for a break • Return via KADODE OOIGAWA for supplies + Horai Bridge for sunset views → Tokyo 3 Days 2 Nights (Deeper Exploration + Hiking) Day 1 Same as above (Stay at Sumatakyo) Day 2 Senzu to Ikawa Line: Explore Nagashima Dam, Sessokyo Onsen, and Oku-Oi Kojo Station • Stay at Sessokyo/Kawanehoncho local inn Day 3 Shimada Tea Plantation Tour: Horai Bridge + Tea Museum (Tea-making/Tasting Experience) → Tokyo Advantages of Private Car: Dispersed attractions, fewer transfers, convenience of traveling light; flexibility to match SL/Ikawa Line schedules; luggage stays in the car, unaffected by rain or queues. ⸻ Booking and Seasonal Tips • SL Reserved Seats: Limited availability, highly sought after during holidays; prioritize booking the "outbound" trip from Shin-Kanaya to Senzu. • Ikawa Line: The Abt rack section (Apt Ichishiro to Nagashima Dam) is unique, but trains are infrequent, so check connection times. • Yume no Tsuribashi: Often crowded/one-way during peak seasons; the bridge is narrow, so wear non-slip hiking shoes. The scenery is even more magical after rain when water levels rise. • Best Seasons: • Fresh Greenery: April–June (The blue of the streams is dazzling) • Autumn Leaves: Mid to late November (Gorgeous at the gorge and Kojo Station) • Winter: Mist and SL steam create a dreamy atmosphere • Photography Spots: • Kojo Station Viewpoint (Look for signs "湖上駅ビューポイント") • Midpoint of Yume no Tsuribashi (Best when less crowded) • Shin-Kanaya Turntable, Senzu Station Sign • Packing: Lightweight rain jacket, sturdy shoes, portable charger; mornings and evenings are chilly in autumn and winter. • Food: Tea soba, matcha desserts, Kawane tea gelato; note that onsen town eateries close early. ⸻ Nearby Add-Ons • Yaizu/Yoshimune Fishing Port: Early morning tuna market, seafood rice bowls • Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: Panoramic views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji • Miho no Matsubara at Shimizu Port: Capture the World Heritage view of "Mt. Fuji + Pine Forest by the Sea" ⸻ Who Is It For? • Fans of railways/industrial charm (SL, Abt rack railway) • Nature lovers seeking gorge hikes and hot springs • Families/Parents with kids: SL + tea experiences + moderate hiking, interactive and not too tiring ✨ Oigawa Railway and its surrounding gorges are rare "hidden gems" in Japan. Here, you won’t find the hustle and bustle of big cities, but instead, the roar of steam trains, the emerald waters of gorges, and the romance of suspension bridges. Whether you’re traveling with family, on a romantic getaway, or an avid explorer, you’ll find a unique and unforgettable experience here.