Ultimate Guide to Oigawa Railway Pilgrimage Map: Anime, Movies, and Dramas

The Oigawa Railway is famous for its operating steam locomotives (SL), but did you know it is also one of Japan's leading locations for "Sacred Site Pilgrimages" (visiting real-life locations of anime and movies)?

The retro stations and carriages, retaining the strong atmosphere of the Showa era, have colored famous scenes in numerous movies and dramas. Additionally, the breathtaking "secluded stations" and fantastical lake scenery have served as models for many anime works.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to the "Sacred Sites of Oigawa Railway," loved across generations. Whether you are a fan of these works or a railway enthusiast, this is the ultimate map for your location hunting journey.

1. Journey to Find Hidden Anime "Sacred Sites"

While the Oigawa Railway became widely famous with the hit anime "Yuru Camp / Laid-Back Camp," there are "hidden sacred sites" that core anime fans have been visiting even before that. In particular, "Okuoikojo Station," floating on the lake, has inspired many works due to its extraordinary beauty.

📚 The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan

Location: Okuoikojo Station, Sessokyo-Onsen Station, Rainbow Bridge (Lake Sesso)
Highlights: Featured in Episode 10, "Someday in the Rain," as the destination for the Literature Club's training camp. The red trolley train of the Ikawa Line and the scenery of the station on the lake are depicted carefully, allowing you to immerse yourself in the quiet and beautiful world of "Nagato."

🔪 Riddle Story of Devil (Akuma no Riddle)

Location: Okuoikojo Station
Highlights: Beautifully depicted in the ending of Episode 10 and other backgrounds. The characteristic shape of the station on a peninsula protruding into the lake is perfect for anime visuals.

🏝 ISLAND

Location: Along the Ikawa Line
Highlights: The atmosphere of the Oigawa Railway is incorporated into key visuals and parts of the scenery in the game and anime. Try to find the landscapes that evoke a somewhat nostalgic and slightly mysterious "Island Summer."

💡 Tip The best base for anime pilgrimages is around "Senzu Station"! From here, transfer to the Ikawa Line (trolley train) and head towards the secluded regions of Okuoi.

2. Time Travel to Nostalgic "Silver Screen Sites"

The Oigawa Railway, where steam locomotives and old passenger cars operate just as they did in the past, is a treasure trove of filming locations for live-action movies and dramas. You will surely feel the excitement of recognizing scenery from movies you've watched.

🎥 Otoko wa Tsurai yo: Rumor of Torajiro (Movie 22)

Location: Ieyama Station, SL Train
Highlights: Features a famous scene where Tora-san travels on an SL. Sitting in a box seat of a wooden passenger car, resting your elbow on the window frame and gazing outside, you will feel just like Torajiro. A trip viewing "The same window scenery as Tora-san" makes for a wonderful filial piety trip.

🎬 Zero Focus (Zero no Shoten) (Movie/Drama)

Location: Ieyama Station, Nukuri Station, etc.
Highlights: A heavy suspense based on the novel by Seicho Matsumoto. To recreate the atmosphere of the Showa 30s (1950s), Oigawa Railway stations are frequently used as stand-ins for Ueno Station or local stations of that era. The wooden station building of Ieyama Station is a spot where you can take dramatic photos just by standing there.

❄️ The Vibe of "Poppoya" (Railroad Man)

Related: KiHa 20 series, etc.
Highlights: Although the main setting is Hokkaido, many fans visit Oigawa Railway seeking old diesel cars (KiHa) like those in the movie and withered landscapes reminiscent of snow country.

3. Family Excitement! Tokusatsu and "New Sacred Sites"

Heroes for children are also here at Oigawa Railway.

🚆 Ressha Sentai ToQger & Super Sentai Series

Location: SL Train, along the line
Highlights: Appeared in scenes running parallel with the SL and ending corners. The smoke and powerful draft sound of a real steam locomotive are even more impactful than on TV. It is irresistible for children who love Tokusatsu (and former children).

🚂 Thomas the Tank Engine (Real Sodor)

Location: Shin-Kanaya Station, Senzu Station, entire line
Highlights: This is the only place in Asia where "Real Thomas" runs. At the annual "DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™," you can meet not only Thomas but also James, Percy, and Hiro. This is no longer just a filming location; it is "The Island of Sodor itself."

4. [Latest Trend] Sacred Site of the Blue Train

Currently, the hottest trend among railway fans and the Showa generation is the reproduction of the "Blue Train (Night Train)."

Events running "12 series" or "14 series" passenger cars, which were active during the JNR era, as night trains are held irregularly. The pitch-black window scenery, the sound of rails echoing, and the "Highchens Serenade" (in-car chime). Oigawa Railway is becoming one of the few places in Japan where you can experience the "Night of Showa."

🗺️ Recommended Pilgrimage Model Courses by Purpose

🎒 Course A: Yuru Camp & Anime Pilgrimage (1 Night 2 Days Recommended)

To fully immerse yourself in the anime world, staying in the Senzu area is recommended!

Senzu Station: Tour the sacred sites of "Yuru Camp." Take a break at a cafe in front of the station.
Ikawa Line (Trolley): Into the world of "The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan."
Okuoikojo Station: Hiking to the observation deck with a superb view.
[Accommodation]: Stay at an inn in Sumatakyo Onsen or Sessokyo Onsen.

🎥 Course B: Nostalgic Showa Trip (Day Trip - 1 Night)

An adult trip to feel the world of Tora-san and Seicho Matsumoto while being healed by hot springs.

Shin-Kanaya Station: Tour the retro station building and ride the SL.
Ieyama Station: Get off and stroll around. Feel the setting of "Otoko wa Tsurai yo."
Kawane Onsen: Relax in an open-air bath where you can see the SL.
[Accommodation]: Stay at a hotel along the Oigawa River, such as Kawane Onsen Hotel.

🚂 Course C: Family & Tokusatsu Course

Create the best memories fulfilling your child's "I love it!"

Shin-Kanaya Station: Tour the Thomas maintenance factory (on event days).
SL or Thomas: An exciting riding experience!
Senzu Station: Play at the Thomas Fair.
[Accommodation]: Stay at a family-friendly hotel or cottage.

Conclusion

The Oigawa Railway is not just a means of transportation. It is a time machine that takes you to "The world of your favorite stories" and "Those nostalgic days."

Why not travel on the Oigawa Railway feeling like the main character of a movie on your next holiday? You will surely find your own special scene.