JAPAN: Steam & Freights
14. - 25. May 2027 (plus more optional steam action until 31. May)

The Japan itinerary is taking shape: featuring as much steam action as possible across various track gauges, plenty of photo opportunities with scheduled passenger and freight trains, and the occasional museum visit.
As is typical for my trips, the schedule includes all necessary permits, depot visits, and potential special excursions. While the rail enthusiast scene in Japan is very active, organized photo events—common in our region—are virtually unknown there. I am therefore especially pleased that, thanks to the support of local rail fans, I have been able to arrange night photography sessions and special train runs with several railway operators! Regular steam operations in Japan almost always take place on weekends; consequently, we have dedicated the two weekends of this trip to the best steam services on the main island: two days with the SL Yamaguchi, plus the SL Moka and SL Paleo. We can even enjoy the SL Taiju and some narrow-gauge steam action during the week! In total, our program features up to nine active steam locomotives! For those who want to experience even more steam, there is an optional extension available to stay for a third steam-focused weekend!
Naturally, what is *not* included in the itinerary of this 14-day railway adventure through Japan are temple tours or lunch breaks in upscale restaurants. The focus is primarily on scheduled rail services and steam operations. If you have any suggestions for the itinerary, please send me an email!
ITINERARY:
Day 1
Friday, May 14, 2026
Individual arrivals at Tokyo-Haneda Airport and meeting of all participants at 12:00 PM. Group transfer to the station and Shinkansen journey to Hiroshima. From there, we travel by bus to the small town of Yamaguchi. International flights are not included in the tour price, though I am happy to book tickets for you at current market rates. Departures from Europe would be on the afternoon of the previous day. Dinner and overnight stay in Yamaguchi. Days 2 & 3
Saturday, May 15, 2026 +
Sunday, May 16, 2026
For two days, we will follow one of the most attractive narrow-gauge heritage railways using our dedicated photo-chase bus. The SL Yamaguchi operates its Class D51 steam locomotive along a photogenic, non-electrified route through Yamaguchi Prefecture on Japan’s main island, Honshu; the line features steep gradients, tunnels, rice paddies, and bamboo groves. I am not planning for us to ride the train itself, though anyone wishing to do so may book the outbound and/or return journey between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano for Sunday. The ticket costs 50 yen (€1) and must be booked well in advance, as these steam trains are usually fully booked. Dinner and overnight stay in Yamaguchi.
Day 4
Monday, May 17, 2026
After breakfast, we travel by bus to Hiroshima. During a brief city tour, we will visit—among other sites—the memorial dedicated to the first atomic bombing in history. Afterward, we will focus on the city's extensive tram network; a special evening charter run will give us the opportunity to photograph some of the city's best locations from our own dedicated tram. Dinner and overnight stay in Hiroshima.
Day 5
Tuesday, May 18, 2026
A city tram day pass allows each participant to plan their own itinerary for the day. Depending on personal preference, you might choose to photograph trams, freight trains on the main line, or visit the Shinkansen station. Dinner and overnight stay in Hiroshima. Day 6
Wednesday, May 19, 2026
East of Hiroshima, the electrified Sanyo Main Line runs partly right along the coast, offering wonderful photo opportunities of regular traffic—featuring everything found on Japanese rails outside of high-speed services: modern and vintage trainsets with sometimes unusual designs, as well as heavy freight traffic hauled by single or double locomotives. We follow the railway line in our dedicated photography bus as far as Onomichi. Dinner and overnight stay in Onomichi.
Day 7
Thursday, May 20, 2026
We cover the next section—which offers relatively little of photographic interest—by train, traveling to Okayama. Here, we visit the Tsuyama Museum, home to a large collection of rolling stock representing all types of traction, housed in a 15-bay roundhouse complete with a turntable. Afterward, we focus on the extensive freight traffic on the main line. Dinner and overnight stay in Okayama.
Day 8
Friday, May 21, 2026
To reach our next destination, Tokyo, we first travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto. There, we visit one of the country's largest and finest railway museums, featuring over 35 locomotives and trainsets. A Class C56 steam locomotive is currently operational and runs passenger trips for the public. In the afternoon, we continue our journey toward Tokyo via high-speed rail. Dinner and overnight stay in the Greater Tokyo area.

The goal is clear: I would like to feature as much steam action as possible across various track gauges, plenty of photo opportunities with scheduled passenger and freight trains, and the occasional museum visit. Including all necessary permits, depot visits, and charter activities. While the rail enthusiast scene in Japan is very active, organized photo events - common for us - are virtually unknown there. I am therefore especially pleased that, thanks to the support of local rail fans, I have been able to arrange night photography sessions and additional activities with several railway operators! Regular steam operations in Japan almost always take place on weekends only; consequently, I have dedicated the two weekends of this trip to the best steam services on the main island: two days with the SL Yamaguchi, plus the SL Moka and SL Paleo. In total, my program features up to nine active steam locomotives! For those who want to experience even more steam, there is an optional extension available to stay for a third steam-focused weekend!
Naturally, what is *not* included in the itinerary of this 14-day railway adventure through Japan are temple tours or lunch breaks in upscale restaurants. The focus is primarily on scheduled rail services and steam operations. If you have any suggestions for the itinerary, please send me an email!

ITINERARY:
Day 1
Friday, May 14, 2026
Individual arrivals at Tokyo-Haneda Airport and meeting of all participants at 12:00 PM. Group transfer to the station and Shinkansen journey to Hiroshima. From there, we travel by bus to the small town of Yamaguchi. International flights are not included in the tour price, though I am happy to book tickets for you at current market rates. Departures from Europe would be on the afternoon of the previous day. Dinner and overnight stay in Yamaguchi. Days 2 & 3
Saturday, May 15, 2026 +
Sunday, May 16, 2026
For two days, we will follow one of the most attractive narrow-gauge heritage railways using our dedicated photo-chase bus. The SL Yamaguchi operates its Class D51 steam locomotive along a photogenic, non-electrified route through Yamaguchi Prefecture on Japan’s main island, Honshu; the line features steep gradients, tunnels, rice paddies, and bamboo groves. I am not planning for us to ride the train itself, though anyone wishing to do so may book the outbound and/or return journey between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano for Sunday. The ticket costs 50 yen (€1) and must be booked well in advance, as these steam trains are usually fully booked. Dinner and overnight stay in Yamaguchi.
Day 4
Monday, May 17, 2026
After breakfast, we travel by bus to Hiroshima. During a brief city tour, we will visit—among other sites—the memorial dedicated to the first atomic bombing in history. Afterward, we will focus on the city's extensive tram network; a special evening charter run will give us the opportunity to photograph some of the city's best locations from our own dedicated tram. Dinner and overnight stay in Hiroshima.
Day 5
Tuesday, May 18, 2026
A city tram day pass allows each participant to plan their own itinerary for the day. Depending on personal preference, you might choose to photograph trams, freight trains on the main line, or visit the Shinkansen station. Dinner and overnight stay in Hiroshima. Day 6
Wednesday, May 19, 2026
East of Hiroshima, the electrified Sanyo Main Line runs partly right along the coast, offering wonderful photo opportunities of regular traffic—featuring everything found on Japanese rails outside of high-speed services: modern and vintage trainsets with sometimes unusual designs, as well as heavy freight traffic hauled by single or double locomotives. We follow the railway line in our dedicated photography bus as far as Onomichi. Dinner and overnight stay in Onomichi.
Day 7
Thursday, May 20, 2026
We cover the next section—which offers relatively little of photographic interest—by train, traveling to Okayama. Here, we visit the Tsuyama Museum, home to a large collection of rolling stock representing all types of traction, housed in a 15-bay roundhouse complete with a turntable. Afterward, we focus on the extensive freight traffic on the main line. Dinner and overnight stay in Okayama.
Day 8
Friday, May 21, 2026
To reach our next destination, Tokyo, we first travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto. There, we visit one of the country's largest and finest railway museums, featuring over 35 locomotives and trainsets. A Class C56 steam locomotive is currently operational and runs passenger trips for the public. In the afternoon, we continue our journey toward Tokyo via high-speed rail. Dinner and overnight stay in the Greater Tokyo area.

Day 14 Saturday 18 January 2025
Early morning transfer to the airport and flight home to Frankfurt. Arrival there in the late afternoon. Rail&Fly and flights to other airports on request.

End of the tour.

TOUR PRICE
3.250 Euro per person sharing a double room (land-only, no air tickets included)
3.990 Euro per person sharing a double room (air tickets included)
   580 Euro Single room supplement
Minimum number of participants 10, maximum 20. Registration deadline: 30. November 2024, thereafter on request.


SERVICES
• Economy class flights from Frankfurt to Colombo and back in economy class
• 12 overnight stays in 3-4* hotels in a double room including breakfast
• 1 overnight stay in a 5* hotel in a double room including breakfast
• Visit to the railway depot in Dematagoda
• Visit to the locomotive factory in Ratmalana
• All transfers required according to the program
• Photo permits for the state railway
• Local tour guide (English speaking)
• Specialist tour guide on site Eddie Holden
• Tour Manager Peter Patt

NOT INCLUDED
• Tourist visa for Sri Lanka
• Local tips (bus driver, charter train staff, local tour guide) approx. 15 € per participant/day
• Travel insurance (luggage, intl. health insurance, travel cancellation costs)
• Optional visits and entrance fees: Kandy Temple 15 €, Peredeniya Botanical Garden 15 €
• Visit to Mini Adams Peak in Ella and Negambo city tour through the fishing port

GOOD TO KNOW

The Sri Lankan government has recently eased the entry requirements for tourist purposes. Germans, for example, will now get an entry permit upon arrival. Participants of other nationalities should inquire about the entry regulations that apply to them. 

There are no compulsory travel vaccinations, the weather is generally warm (20-28°C on average), in the mountains it is naturally cooler. Short, sometimes heavy rain showers can occur at any time.

The Sri Lankan state railway company only allows seat reservations up to 30 days before departure. Demand always exceeds supply, so I cannot guarantee that we will get a reservation for every train. If seats are available in a lower class than those indicated in the program, we will reserve them. Many trains are overcrowded and it is still better to travel in 3rd class with a reservation than to have to fight for a standing place in 2nd class without a reservation.

Unfortunately, the nonsense of self-portrayal on social media has also found its way onto the most attractive railway lines in Sri Lanka. Since we will be traveling there partly because they are simply the most beautiful routes (with or without social media hustle and bustle), we will not be able to escape the influencers and "I'll be in the picture" tourists. The 9-arch viaduct is one of the most popular destinations even for non-railway enthusiasts and it is unfortunately very unlikely that we will be able to photograph it without people on the tracks. But at least you saw it...

Chasing the scheduled trains is not an easy exercise in Sri Lanka: most trains do not move very fast, but the roads either run far away from the railway lines often or are full of all kinds of other road users. On some days it is also possible to switch between the train and the parallel bus.

As on any trip, calmness, understanding and flexibility are the basic requirements for a great holiday in Sri Lanka, too. You won't make friends with the locals (or the Tour Manager) by being pedantic or believing that life must follow a Swiss-like punctuality everywhere. Everything is on the flow and even with pre-organized and confirmed activities, there is always a need (and time) for another discussion. Being late is not a problem and nobody bothers about it. 

Basically, Sri Lanka is a safe country to travel to and you will receive a friendly welcome. Petty crime occurs as in any other travel destination and can be limited with simple self-precaution. As is customary internationally, most larger hotels and major tourist attractions carry out entrance checks.

Please think about your travel insurance: no one is immune from unpleasant health surprises or life events that make a trip impossible. Cheap flight fares are often not refundable except for a few pittances from the airline, and hospital and doctor visits abroad can quickly reach very unpleasant heights.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please note that our trip includes boarding and disembarking on uneven ground, in high-entry vehicles, or in environments that do not comply with German standards. If you are unsure whether this trip is suitable for you, please contact me.

© all images on this page: Eddie Holden