A steam locomotive returns to Aizu after 52 years! I took a ride on the test run of the SL Taiju “Tsuchitsu”.

On June 27th (Sat) and 28th (Sun), 2026, four railway companies, including Tobu Railway, will collaborate to make a special run of the SL Taiju “Hanitsu” between Tobu Railway’s Shimo-Imaichi Station and JR’s Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. This will be the first time a steam locomotive has run on the former JNR Aizu Line in 52 years, since 1974! Tickets for this train are already sold out due to its popularity, but registration for a “special photo event” to be held at Aizu-Tajima Station will begin on June 5th (Fri) at 2:00 PM. Ahead of the main event, I infiltrated a test run ride experience held on June 4th between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Aizu-Tajima Station. Along with the origin of the name “Hanitsu” and a report on the spectacular scenery from the train window, I will deliver essential information for those who want to go see the steam locomotive!