Ride a Rare Train in Japan this Autumn! Special DL Taiju Journey Runs for Just 2 Days This October

What is the DL Taiju “Hanitsu”?

Normally, Tobu Railway’s DL Taiju sightseeing train operates around Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. This special edition, however, continues much farther north.

“Hanitsu” takes its name from Hanitsu Shrine in Inawashiro, which enshrines Hoshina Masayuki, the first lord of the Aizu Domain. It is a fitting name for a journey designed not just to reach Aizu, but to introduce travelers to the region’s rich history and culture along the way.

What makes the journey particularly unusual is that the train runs continuously across tracks operated by Tobu Railway, Yagan Railway, Aizu Railway, and JR East, allowing passengers to travel through the mountains of Tochigi and Fukushima without the usual changes of train. The route broadly follows the historic Aizu Nishi Kaido, once an important road connecting the Nikko area with Aizu.

Adding an extra dose of nostalgia for railway fans, the train itself uses classic former Japanese National Railways 14-series passenger cars.

Sake, Local Food, and an Aizu Festival Onboard

This isn’t the kind of sightseeing train where you simply find your seat and watch the scenery roll past.

During the journey, passengers will be introduced to the culture and communities of the Aizu region, with local sake tastings and tips on how to best appreciate the area’s nihonshu. Local snacks, including sakura jerky and goma-miso senbei, are also planned, alongside a special bento featuring ingredients and dishes associated with Aizu.

One of the most unique onboard experiences is a recreation inspired by the Aizu-Tajima Gion Festival’s bridal procession, a long-standing Minamiaizu tradition.

Passengers can also expect warm welcomes and send-offs from residents at stations along the way. At Aizuwakamatsu Station, some tours include a special arrival greeting featuring performers dressed as samurai warriors and “Akabee,” a mascot inspired by the region’s famous Akabeko cow.

Make It an Overnight Railway Adventure

For travelers who really love trains, one of the available packages turns the journey into a complete two-day rail trip.

After riding the DL Taiju “Hanitsu” to Aizuwakamatsu on October 17, passengers stay overnight in the city before continuing on the scenic Tadami Line the following day aboard a special anniversary train.

One itinerary visits Aizu-Bange Station, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. Events planned around the anniversary include railway activities, the local Bange Meat Festival, and a tour of Akebono Shuzo, the brewery behind celebrated sake brands like Tenmei. Travelers on this route will even get a special anniversary onigiri bento featuring local flavors such as miso-grilled rice balls, pickles, simmered horse offal, and Aizu-style bamboo shoots.

For travelers keen on Japanese trains, sake, and regional food, it’s a perfectly packed two days.

Can You Ride the Train Without Joining a Tour?

Here’s the important catch: boarding is strictly limited to participants in the designated tours. This isn’t a regular train where you can simply buy a standard ticket at the station.

Several packages are being sold through JR East View Tourism & Sales, including:
・Itinerary 1 / October 17–18 (2 Days / 1 Night): Touring Aizu via DL Taiju “Hanitsu” & Tadami Line Anniversary Train (Includes Aizu-Bange or Aizu-Kawaguchi round-trip options)
・Itinerary 2 / October 17 (Day Trip): Crossing 4 Railways: DL Taiju “Hanitsu” Aizu Nishi Kaido Special Operation (Outbound Journey)
・Itinerary 3 / October 18 (Day Trip): Crossing 4 Railways: DL Taiju “Hanitsu” Aizu Nishi Kaido Special Operation (Return Journey)
・Itinerary 4 / October 17 (Day Trip): Crossing 4 Railways: DL Taiju “Hanitsu” Aizu Nishi Kaido Special Operation (Shimo-Imaichi Station to Aizuwakamatsu Station)
・Itinerary 5 / October 18 (Day Trip): Crossing 4 Railways: DL Taiju “Hanitsu” Aizu Nishi Kaido Special Operation (Aizuwakamatsu Station to Shimo-Imaichi Station)

Some packages also let participants start from stations including Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Kita-Senju, and Kasukabe, making the trip easy to join directly from Tokyo.

A Rare Way to Continue Your Trip Beyond Nikko

Many international visitors treat Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo, but this special service offers a very different possibility: keep going north.

Instead of doubling back toward the capital, travelers can follow an old route through the mountains into Fukushima, arriving in historic Aizuwakamatsu while sampling the region’s food, sake, festivals, and hospitality along the way.

Because the DL Taiju “Hanitsu” will make this special journey only on October 17 and 18, it’s one of those rare trips where the transportation itself may end up being the highlight of your Japan itinerary.