by Ride on Steam Locomotive train! While you stay in Chichibu, there is no reason to miss the chance to get on Chichibu SL Paleo Express! Enjoy the traditional train and the great view of Chichibu from the SL window!
1. About Chichibu Paleo Express
SL was being operated especially in north Japan area by the state government. In 1972 the SL operation was ceased but when an expo in Saitama was held between March and May in 1988, a lot of people wished to revive the SL operation again. Then in the same year 1988, the SL has been restarted as Chichibu railway line, called Paleo Express.
The name origin “Paleo” is from a sea creature “Paleoparadoxia” which lived in Chichibu area 20,000,000 years ago, according to the research.
2. How is the inside?
**The above three photos are from Tanayu Kotsukyoku, parts of Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SjO18ZGIdQ
It’s like going back to 50 years ago, very retro design.
Food & drink are sold inside SL. I strongly recommend getting board with hunger! You can purchase special BENTO lunch box in the SL train!
Chichibu Paleo Express moves very slow. This is a sightseeing train so you can enjoy much more Chichibu nature view from the window.
3. Must book in advance!
All Chichibu Paleo Express seats are required to book in advance and all seats are reserved seats.
Also, due to steam locomotive train, this train can’t be operated during winter season. This year 2022 operation was already over. We are looking forward to next year’s time table!
Basically Paleo Express starts to operate around March or April.
