Tsugaru Railway Stove Train
Ride a historic train with a real coal stove, grill your own squid, and enjoy snowy Aomori landscapes. A unique winter adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best snow views
Tsugaru Railway Stove Train
Best Time
Best snow views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic train with a real coal stove, grill your own squid, and enjoy snowy Aomori landscapes. A unique winter adventure!
"A wonderful experience drinking sake, chewing bbq squid and munching apple chips in old school stove train."
🎯 Book Tickets Early
The Stove Train is very popular! Arrive early or book in advance to secure your spot, especially on weekends.
♨️ Embrace the Warmth
Sit near the stove for maximum warmth, but be prepared to move if it gets too hot!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Coal Stove Experience
Inside the train carriage
Feel the warmth of a real coal stove and even grill your own snacks. A truly unique and cozy way to travel.
Snowy Tsugaru Landscapes
Window views from the train
Witness the picturesque beauty of Aomori's winter scenery unfold outside your window.
Grilled Squid (Surume)
Onboard vendor
Savor the taste of dried squid, grilled to perfection on the train's stove. A must-try local delicacy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Wonderland Ride
Snacks & Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Early
The Stove Train is very popular! Arrive early or book in advance to secure your spot, especially on weekends.
♨️ Embrace the Warmth
Sit near the stove for maximum warmth, but be prepared to move if it gets too hot!
🦑 Grill Your Own Snacks
Purchase dried squid (surume) and other snacks from the onboard vendor to grill on the stove.
🍶 Enjoy Local Sake
Pair your grilled snacks with a warm cup of local sake for the ultimate cozy experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Early
The Stove Train is very popular! Arrive early or book in advance to secure your spot, especially on weekends.
♨️ Embrace the Warmth
Sit near the stove for maximum warmth, but be prepared to move if it gets too hot!
🦑 Grill Your Own Snacks
Purchase dried squid (surume) and other snacks from the onboard vendor to grill on the stove.
🍶 Enjoy Local Sake
Pair your grilled snacks with a warm cup of local sake for the ultimate cozy experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Keep your camera ready for the stunning snowy landscapes of Aomori.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Tsugaru Railway Stove Train as a unique and unforgettable winter experience. The warmth of the coal stove, the fun of grilling snacks, and the picturesque snowy scenery are consistently praised. Some visitors note that it can get crowded, so arriving early is advised.
"A wonderful experience drinking sake, chewing bbq squid and munching apple chips in old school stove train"
Yvonne Chou
"The Tsugaru Railway is famous for its stove train, which of course only operates in the winter. I took the train from Goshogawara Station to Ashino Park Station during the cherry blossom season in spring on a tour. A female train attendant made announcements along the line. Our train was the "Run, Meros." At Kunigi Station, we passed a train that transforms into a stove train in the winter. It seems to be popular even outside of winter, as many people were waiting to board the stove train bound for Goshogawara Station. I got off at Ashino Park Station and visited Ashino Park. The Cherry Blossom Festival was taking place at the time, and the cherry blossoms, nearly in full bloom, were incredibly beautiful."
クーちゃん
"This is Japan's only sightseeing train equipped with heaters in winter. The moment you step into that warm, nostalgic carriage, you'll want to take off your coat. Enjoying grilled squid, sipping sake, listening to the train conductor's commentary in his Aomori accent, and admiring the snow-covered northern countryside along the way—this unique experience is definitely worth the ticket price.
It's the best place to stay in Japan. It's the perfect place to stay.
Nostalgic grills, saké, saké, and explications of préposé au train avec unaccented d'Aomori et la campagne enneigée tout au long du chemin. Cette expérience spéciale en vaut vraiment la peine."
程沛宏
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tsugaru Railway operates between Goshogawara Station and Tsugaru-Nakazato Station in Aomori Prefecture. You can reach Goshogawara by train or bus. Many visitors arrive from Tokyo via an overnight bus to Goshogawara.
From Tokyo, an overnight bus is a popular and economical option to reach Goshogawara. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Aomori Station and then transfer to a local train.
Yes, the Tsugaru Railway line connects to other local train lines within Aomori Prefecture, allowing for travel from various points.
The Stove Train typically operates from December 1st to March 31st. It's best to check the official Tsugaru Railway schedule for exact times and any special event trains.
Yes, it's possible to take a day trip to ride the Stove Train, especially if you are staying in or near Aomori City. Plan your travel time accordingly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The fare includes the regular train ticket plus a small fee for the Stove Train experience. Prices can vary, but it's generally considered affordable for the unique experience.
Tickets can be purchased at the station, typically Goshogawara Station. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, as it can get crowded.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving very early is highly recommended due to the train's popularity.
There's a standard fare for the train ride, and an additional fee for the Stove Train experience. Special event trains might have different pricing.
The ticket grants you access to the unique carriage with the coal stove. You can then purchase snacks like grilled squid and beverages onboard.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the cozy interior with the stove, the unique wooden carriage, and the snowy landscapes through the windows. Don't forget to photograph the grilled squid!
It can be challenging during peak times. Try to find a good vantage point early or be patient. The atmosphere is worth capturing.
Low light conditions inside the train might require a higher ISO or a wider aperture. The snowy scenery outside will be bright, so adjust accordingly.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash directly at people.
It's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of the staff, especially if they are interacting with passengers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The highlight is purchasing dried squid (surume) from the onboard vendor and grilling it yourself on the coal stove. Apple chips are also a popular snack. 
Yes, beverages like local sake and other drinks are available for purchase from the onboard vendor.
The prices for snacks and drinks are generally reasonable for a unique onboard experience.
The primary food offering is grilled squid, which is not vegetarian. It's best to bring your own snacks if you have dietary restrictions.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. However, the experience is enhanced by purchasing and grilling the local specialties.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the train can get crowded, arriving early can help secure seats where children can comfortably observe the process. The snowy scenery provides a magical backdrop, and the warm, cozy atmosphere is perfect for a family outing during winter. Remember to supervise children closely around the stove.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Outside, the snow-covered landscapes of Aomori offer stunning opportunities for winter photography. Be prepared for varying light conditions, from the dim interior to the bright, snowy exteriors. Capturing the interaction between passengers, the stove, and the scenery will result in truly memorable images.
🍜 Foodies & Culture Seekers
Beyond the food, the Stove Train offers a glimpse into a slower pace of life and a unique aspect of Japanese railway history. The nostalgic ambiance and the friendly, local interactions make it a rich cultural immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nostalgic Charm of the Stove Train
This experience is particularly popular for its interactive element: passengers can purchase dried squid (surume) from an onboard vendor and grill it themselves over the stove. This simple act of cooking and sharing food in a moving, warm carriage amidst a snowy landscape is what makes the Stove Train so memorable. Many travelers describe it as feeling like a character in an anime, surrounded by the charm of old Japan.
+1Beyond the stove and snacks, the scenic winter views of the Tsugaru region are a major draw. As the train chugs along, you'll witness snow-covered fields, traditional houses, and a serene, quiet countryside. The journey is enhanced by the friendly announcements from the train staff, often delivered with a charming Aomori accent, adding to the local flavor of the experience.
Planning Your Stove Train Adventure
Tickets can be purchased at the station, and while advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's wise to check the Tsugaru Railway website for any special booking procedures or event train schedules. The fare typically includes the standard train ticket plus a small supplement for the Stove Train experience. Consider purchasing local snacks like grilled squid and apple chips, along with a warm beverage such as sake, to fully immerse yourself in the onboard culinary delights.
+1When choosing your seat, remember that while sitting near the stove offers the most warmth, it can also get quite hot. Many travelers find that even seats further away provide ample warmth and a great view. The journey itself is relatively short, often between Goshogawara and Tsugaru-Nakazato, but the experience is designed to be savored.
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