🌸 Overview
Line Name: Tobu Kinugawa Line
Operator: Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.
Line Length: 16.2 km
Stations: 7 (Shimo-Imaichi → Shin-Fujiwara)
Opened: 1917 (as Shimotsuke Electric Railway) / Merged with Tobu in 1925
Connections: Tobu Nikko Line (Shimo-Imaichi) / Yagan Railway (Shin-Fujiwara) → Aizu Railway (direct access to Aizu-Wakamatsu area)
Train Types: Local / Limited Express “Liberty Aizu” and “Kinugawa” / Steam Locomotive “Taiju” 🚂
📜 History & Background
・1917: The Shimotsuke Electric Railway opened between Shimo-Imaichi and Oya-Mukai.
・1925: Tobu Railway acquired the line and began developing it as a tourist route.
・1970s–1980s: The Kinugawa Onsen boom made it one of Japan’s most popular resort lines.
・2017–Present: The revival of the SL “Taiju” train has brought renewed attention to the area.
🌟 Highlights & Advantages
✅ Direct Access to Famous Hot Springs♨️
The line connects directly to popular destinations such as Kinugawa Onsen, Kawaji Onsen, and Ryuokyo Gorge — ideal for weekend getaways and relaxing stays.
✅ Enjoy the Retro SL “Taiju” Experience🚂
Ride a real steam locomotive through lush valleys! The “Taiju” train is a favorite among tourists, families, and railway enthusiasts.
✅ Gateway to the Aizu Region🌲
Through connections with the Yagan and Aizu Railways, travelers can easily reach Aizu-Wakamatsu and the Tadami Line — perfect for exploring Northern Japan.
✅ Surrounded by Nature🍃
The entire area is wrapped in forested mountains and rivers, offering peaceful scenery and four distinct seasons — far from the city hustle.
⚠️ Challenges & Drawbacks
❌ Limited Train Frequency
Trains run about once per hour during the day, and express services are limited.
❌ Not Suitable for Daily Commuting
As a primarily tourist-oriented line, it’s not practical for commuting to Tokyo; most residents rely on cars.
❌ Weather-Related Service Interruptions⛈️
Because it runs through mountainous terrain, the line is sometimes affected by heavy rain or snow.
🧺 Living Environment & Comfort
Transportation Access: ★★☆☆☆ (Car-oriented lifestyle is essential)
Shopping Facilities: ★★☆☆☆ (Few large malls, but small supermarkets available)
Nature & Environment: ★★★★★ (Abundant nature, hot springs, and scenic valleys)
Child-Raising Environment: ★★★☆☆ (Basic facilities available, limited school choices)
Safety: ★★★★★ (Very low crime rate, quiet and friendly community)
🏠 Real-Estate Perspective (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent
Kinugawa Onsen: ￥40,000–￥50,000 / ￥60,000–￥80,000 — resort-area apartments and homes available
Shin-Takatoku: ￥35,000–￥50,000 / ￥60,000–￥70,000 — quiet, surrounded by greenery
Shimo-Imaichi: ￥45,000–￥60,000 / ￥70,000–￥100,000 — convenient hub with access to the Tobu Nikko Line
👉 Land and detached homes remain very affordable — spacious properties can be purchased at low prices compared with Tokyo suburbs.
🏘 Housing Trends
・Kinugawa Onsen area: many inns, villas, and short-term rental apartments.
・Rural districts: renovated traditional houses (kominka) attract relocation seekers.
・Low land prices make it easy to own large lots or second homes.
🎯 Best Suited For
✅ Those seeking a relaxed resort-style life in nature
✅ Travelers who frequently visit Nikko or Aizu regions
✅ Remote workers or digital nomads who don’t need to commute to the city
✅ People interested in traditional-house renovation or rural living
✅ Entrepreneurs in tourism, hospitality, or local revitalization projects
📌 Summary
The Tobu Kinugawa Line is a unique blend of tourism, nature, and regional revitalization🌿.
While it’s not ideal for urban commuters, it offers exceptional value for those who dream of a slower, more sustainable lifestyle.
With the revival of the SL “Taiju” and ongoing redevelopment around hot-spring towns, this area is once again becoming a hotspot for living, working, and relaxing — a perfect base for those who want to “live, play, and work” all in one community.