Shimo-Imaichi Station Turntable Square 🚂🌟

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Address:
Shimo-Imaichi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan 📍 (Near Shimo-Imaichi Station on the Tobu Nikko Line, about a 1-2 minute walk from the station exit)

Atmosphere/Location:
Shimo-Imaichi Station Turntable Square is an open space that's a highlight of Shimo-Imaichi Station, a key connection point to Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen, and Tobu World Square. 🚉 The surrounding atmosphere evokes a nostalgic Japanese feel, combined with the bustling atmosphere of tourists waiting to see the SL Taiju steam locomotive. 🛤️ The station itself is simple yet clean, with overpasses connecting the platforms and the Turntable Square, a large steam locomotive turning platform, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountain views. 🌳 Perfect for train and history lovers, this place has been a key location since 1929 and is still in use for tourist trains today (as of 2025). 😊 However, it can be quiet on weekdays. But on days with SL Taiju (mostly weekends and holidays), it's bustling and fun!

Highlights:
• Turntable Square: A large, working locomotive turntable! 🚂 You can watch the SL Taiju steam locomotive spin up close, preparing to run. It's like stepping back in time to the 蒸汽 era of trains. Many visitors say it's thrilling, especially the sound and smoke from the engine.
• SL Exhibition Hall: A small but comprehensive exhibition hall within the station, featuring steam train models, dioramas, and life-size photos of the driver's cabin. 🖼️ Admission is free (included with train tickets), making it ideal for children or train enthusiasts wanting to learn about the history of the Tobu Railway.
• Tourist Connection: This station is a key hub for the Nikko Pass (4 days, 3,000 yen), which includes unlimited train rides to Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen, and places like Edo Wonderland. 🎡 Convenient for travelers from Tokyo (2 hours on the Limited Express).
• SL Taiju Experience: If you can get your timing right, Take the SL Taiju steam train to Kinugawa-Onsen (35 minutes) and come back to watch the Turntable spin – the view of the Kinugawa River and the Nikko mountains is stunning! 🌄
• Nearby attractions: 3-minute walk to Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine and near the Soba Festival in November. 🍜

Average price per person:
• Admission to Turntable Square and Exhibition Hall: Free (includes regular train ticket) 🎉
• Tobu Nikko Line ticket (from Tobu-Nikko to Shimo-Imaichi): 320 yen (approximately 75 baht) 🚉
• Nikko Pass (4 days): 3,000 yen (approximately 700 baht) for adults 🚌
• SL Taiju (if reserved): 2,000-3,000 yen (approximately 480-720 baht) including steam train ticket

Rating:
⭐ 4.5/5
Shimo-Imaichi Station Turntable Square is a paradise for train fans and history buffs! 🌟 The Turntable Square and Exhibition Hall offer a rare up-close experience of the SL Taiju, a rare find in modern Japan. Convenient for your Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen trip with the Nikko Pass. Minus points: Some days the SL Taiju isn't available (check the schedule in advance), and the station can be quiet without special trains. 🙈 Highly recommended for a retro holiday – don't forget to watch the locomotive turn. It's truly thrilling!

Tip:
• Check the SL Taiju schedule on the Tobu Railway website (runs on weekends and holidays) for the best timing. 🚂
• Use the Nikko Pass to get unlimited travel and free or discounted admission to attractions like Tobu World Square. 🎫
• Arrive early (before 10:00 AM) to avoid the crowds, especially in the cool fall weather. 🍁
• Try some local soba near the station (Imaichi is famous for its soba) before or after watching the Turntable. 🍜
• If you're a train lover, don't miss the train separation at Shimo-Imaichi – some trains will depart to Kinugawa!