Travelling through Japan on a steam train seems to be coming out of another era. However, between the modern city of Shin-Yamaguchi and the historic village of Tsuwano, train C571 – affectionately nicknamed “Lady” – continues to give life to this railway dream. More than just a simple means of transport, it is a real tourist experience, a two-hour journey through sumptuous landscapes, thermal springs and cultural gems.
The C571: a legend on rails
The C571 is a Class C57 steam locomotive built in 1937. NamedIt has long been used for passenger transport throughout Japan. Retired at the end of the 1960s, this iconic train was restored and revived in the 1970s to offer visitors an immersion in Japan.
Today, the train travels betweenShin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano, a distance of about 63 km, using the JR Yamaguchi line. It only works on certain days of the year (mainly on weekends and during tourist periods), andspaces are only available upon reservation, with reserved seat tickets which it is advisable to buy in advance.
A two-hour journey through the heart of Yamaguchi
The C571 route is an invitation to contemplation. At moderate speed, the locomotive crossesthe peaceful countryside of western Japan, punctuated with rice fields, winding rivers, small hamlets and green mountains. The panoramic windows allow you to fully enjoy the changing landscape.
The train serves several major points of interest, transforming the journey into a series of discoveries:
- Yuda Onsen, a famous spa in Yamaguchi.
- Yamaguchi city centre, impregnated with culture
- Chōmonkyō, a spectacular gorge, classified national picturesque site.
- Tsuwano, a historic city nicknamed “the little Kyoto of San’in”.
Each of these stages adds a cultural and natural dimension to the journey, making the C571 much more than just a tourist train.
Yamaguchi: heritage of culture
The train then crosses the heart ofthe city of Yamaguchi, former capital of the clan Between the 15th and 16th centuries, this dynasty transformed the region into a flourishing cultural centre, welcoming Chinese, Korean and European influences.
Today, this wealth is found in several emblematic monuments:
- Ryūfuku-ji Templeand her Zen garden.
- Yamaguchi Daijingū Shrine, with deep Shinto influences.
- Yamaguchi Museum of Art, which exhibits modern and classical works.
- Scenic streets lined with old houses.
A stop in Yamaguchi provides a better understanding of the region’s historical influence in the cultural development of medieval Japan.
Yuda Onsen: relaxation and tradition
Shortly after the departure of Shin-Yamaguchi, the train passes throughYuda Onsen, a thermal district renowned for more than 800 years. Known for itswaters rich in alkaline, ideal for the skin, this site attracts both curists and travellers.
The neighborhood is full oftraditional ryokans, public baths, restaurants and small cafes. An imposing statue of Tanuki (the legendary raccoon dog) sits at the exit of the railway station, welcoming visitors kindly. It is possible to stop there before or after the trip in C571 to extend the wellness experience.
Chōmonkyō : nature and panoramas
At mid-term, the train runs along the banks ofChōmonkyō Valley, one of the most photogenic landscapes in the region. This gorge, about 12 km long, is particularly appreciated in spring (cherries and magnolias), in summer (fresh glass), and especially in autumn, whenmaples blushing mountains.
From the windows of the train, travellers can admire thesuspension bridges, rocks with strange shapes, waterfalls and changing forests, all without leaving their seat. It is a living window on rural Japan.
Tsuwano: the little hidden Kyoto of San
After two hours of travel, the C571 arrives atTsuwano, a small town nestled in a peaceful valley of Shimane Prefecture. Known as Little Kyoto from the West, Tsuwano is distinguished by its preserved atmosphere, its canals populated by colorful carp, and its traditional architecture.
The main streets are lined withhouses of samurai, antique shops, museums and galleries. Among the must-haves:
- Taikodani Inari Shrine, perched on a hill, accessible via a long red tori corridor.
- Former Yōmei Gakkō School, symbol of Confucian education.
- Washi workshops (handmade Japanese paper), which we can visit.
- The Mori Ogai Museum, dedicated to one of the major writers of the Meiji era.
Another highlight of Tsuwano is its local gastronomy, where you can enjoymountain soba,artisanal sake, and sweet sweets like thegenji-maki.
Practical information for your trip
To experience this experience aboard the C571, here are some essential elements to remember:
- Compulsory reservations: reserved seat tickets are available at JR stations and online. The official website (https://www.c571.jp/index.html) gives up-to-date information on days of circulation.
- Limited places: the train has only five cars, each with its vintage style. Reserve in advance is highly recommended, especially in autumn.
- Seasonal hoursThe train mainly travels on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. Always check the operating dates before planning your trip.
- Services on boardThe vintage uniform staff offers souvenirs, regional snacks, and sometimes even theme animations.
- Photograph authorized: many train enthusiasts go on the route to photograph the C571. The train slows down in some places to allow better shooting.
- Departures from Shin-Yamaguchi: easily accessible by shinkansen from Fukuoka (Hakata), Hiroshima or Osaka.
It is also possible to make the reverse journey, from Tsuwano to Shin-Yamaguchi, according to the traffic schedule.
Why choose the C571 to explore Yamaguchi?
Unlike modern high-speed trains, the C571 invitesslow down, observe, feel. It transforms the journey into a sensory and historical experience, far from the stress of the main lines.
By opting for this steam trip, we rediscover thepleasure of travel, at the rhythm of the whistle of the locomotive, the gentle tremors of the wagon and the slow moving landscapes. It is also an opportunity to gain access to less well-known places but an exceptional wealth, both natural and cultural.
To board the C571, is to make a jump into the past, a journey where the train becomes a moving theatre, between thermal springs, wild valleys and historic villages. For those passionate about Japanese culture, railway history or simply peaceful beauty, this line is a must to be integrated into any itinerary in the Yamaguchi region.
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
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