Wakasa Railway: Enjoying Nostalgic Showa-Era Train Journey at the Steam Locomotive Village

The Wakasa Railway, running through Wakasa Town in Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture, is a historic regional railway that opened in 1930 (Showa 5). Along its 19.2 km route connecting Kooge Station and Wakasa Station, station buildings, iron bridges, and turntables built in the early Showa era are still in active use, earning it the name a moving railway museum. The entire line is single-track and non-electrified, with diesel cars running through peaceful rural mountain scenery.

National Registered Tangible Cultural Property Station Buildings

Each station building on the Wakasa Railway is Showa-modern architecture strongly retaining its appearance from the time of opening. In 2008, many facilities were registered as National Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, including the station buildings and platforms at Wakasa, Tanbi, Hatto, Abe, Hayabusa, and Inaba-Funaoka stations, as well as bridges and a turntable. It is a precious railway heritage that draws not only railway fans but also architecture enthusiasts and photography lovers.

The Operational Preservation of Steam Locomotive C12

The steam locomotive C12 167 is preserved at Wakasa Station. This locomotive, transferred from static preservation in Taka Town, Hyogo Prefecture, was restored to a state where it can run under its own power using compressed air. During events, it is shown running within the station grounds, gathering many fans. Together with the turntable, it is a highlight unique to the Wakasa Railway, letting you experience the appearance of Showa-era railways up close.

Hayabusa Station and the Nature of Wakasa

Wakasa Town is a small town in the mountains of the Chugoku range, appealing for its rich nature. Along the line, Hayabusa Station is known as a holy site for the Suzuki Hayabusa large motorcycle because of their shared name, and in summer an event draws fans from across the country. Hot springs also rise in the town, offering relief from the fatigue of hiking and river play.

Seasonal Highlights

May and June with fresh greenery, and October and November with autumn foliage, are seasons when the view from the train is especially beautiful. Cherry blossoms line the route in spring, lush rural scenery spreads out in summer, and in winter the train moves slowly through snow-covered countryside. Because seasonal events are held, such as steam locomotive events and the Hayabusa Station rider gathering, planning around them broadens the fun.

Access and Essentials

JR Inbi Line Kooge Station, the transfer station for the Wakasa Railway, is about 25 minutes from JR Tottori Station. Transfer to the Wakasa Railway at Kooge Station, and it covers the 19.2 km and 9 stations to the terminus at Wakasa Station in about 30 minutes. Even riding the whole line at a relaxed pace takes under an hour one way, and touring the stations with stops along the way is enjoyable. Because service is less frequent than urban lines, checking the timetable in advance is recommended.

Practical Travel Notes

• As a local line, trains often run at intervals of several tens of minutes to an hour, so plan to get off and wait for the next train.
• Value tickets such as one-day passes may be available. If touring the stations, check at the ticket window.
• Many of the Registered Tangible Cultural Property stations are unstaffed, letting you leisurely view the period waiting rooms and equipment. When taking photos, be considerate of train operations and other passengers.
• The C12 steam locomotive runs only during events. If you want to see it run, check the official event schedule in advance.

A Word of Advice

Rather than glamour, the joy of the Wakasa Railway lies in savoring the station buildings that retain the traces of the Showa era and the rural views from the train. It is recommended for railway lovers and anyone who wants a relaxed journey. Try building a retro train trip into a day plan together with the Tottori Sand Dunes and Tottori city sightseeing.

📚 Sources

This article draws on information published by the Wakasa Railway, Wakasa Town, and its tourism association, along with cultural-property materials on the station buildings and turntable registered as tangible cultural properties. Guidance within Wakasa Station was also consulted. Timetables, fares, and steam-locomotive event details may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about half a day for the ride plus a look around Wakasa Station.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes suit walking the station grounds and facilities.
• Getting around: Early-Showa station buildings and railway bridges dot the line from Koge to Wakasa.
• Highlights: The turntable at Wakasa Station and Showa-era facilities reward even non-railfans.
• Note: As a rural line, services are limited, so check the timetable in advance to plan safely.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• The line and fares: The Wakasa Railway is a third-sector railway linking Koge Station and Wakasa Station. It runs through onto the JR Inbi Line, and the one-way fare from Tottori Station to Wakasa Station is 680 yen
• Value tickets: The "1-Day Free Ticket" costs 760 yen for 1 adult. It is available all year round and allows unlimited boarding and alighting between Koge and Wakasa for a day. It is sold at Wakasa Station, Inaba Funaoka Station, Koge Station (the tourism association's Platt Pia Yazu) and by the train crew; it is not sold within the JR network
• Class C12 steam locomotive: "Class C12 No. 167," acquired in 2007 (Heisei 19) from Taka-cho in Hyogo Prefecture, is preserved within the grounds of Wakasa Station. It runs on compressed air from an air compressor rather than on coal
• Steam locomotive demonstration runs: These are not held regularly but only on set dates. In 2026 they take place only on May 5 and during various events, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 15:00. Riding the steam locomotive trolley costs 200 yen per person (free for infants)
• Platform entry ticket: To enter the grounds of Wakasa Station you need a separate entry ticket costing 300 yen (free for elementary school children and younger)
• Registered Tangible Cultural Properties: In July 2008 (Heisei 20), 23 facilities along the line, including Wakasa Station, were registered as national Registered Tangible Cultural Properties. Hard-card tickets are still in use today

* The dates and times of the demonstration runs may change depending on the state of maintenance of the locomotive and other factors. Please check the notices on the official website for the latest dates before visiting.

(Sources: Wakasa Railway official website, "C12 Demonstration Run Schedule" and "Fares and Other Value Tickets"; Wakasa Town Tourism Association)