SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” (ＳＬ排雪列車「キマロキ」) is a well-preserved steam engine that is on permanent exhibit on the tracks of the former JNR Nayoro Main Line which is now in Nayoro Park. It is located at 222 Midorigaoka, Nayoro City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” |
SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” Details
The development of Hokkaido began in 1891 with the establishment of Nayoro as a strategic ground, and on September 3, 1901, the Soya Main Line was opened, connecting Nayoro. This marked the beginning of a series of expansions, including the establishment of engine depots, track maintenance depots, conductor depots, and electrical depots. Nayoro City has evolved alongside these railway developments and has continued to flourish as a pivotal city for transportation, culture, and industry in northern Hokkaido. It served as an important junction between the Soya Main Line and the now-defunct Nayoro Main Line/Fukamyo Line.
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| SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” - Nayoro City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In December 1975, steam locomotives were already considered obsolete and were replaced by electric trains. However, thanks to a loan from Japanese National Railways (now JR), the city was able to preserve the original snow removal train configuration of the SL locomotive.
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| SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” as seen from Nayoro Kitaguni Museum |
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| Infoboard about SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” |
At the end of October 1975, the majestic SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” was painstakingly restored and displayed on a hill in Nayoro Park, where it has been enjoyed by a wide range of people, including citizens. In April 1989, with the discontinuation of the Nayoro Main Line, plans were made to build a museum in the area that included the remains of the railway. As part of this development, the exhibit was relocated to the former Nayoro Main Line tracks in front of the museum in June 1993, providing a unique perspective for passengers on the nearby Soya Main Line.
Photos of SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki”
Not many people are aware that the SL Snow Removal Train "Kimaroki" is actually a collection of different train components joined together. The front part of the train is the SL59601, manufactured by Kawasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works on November 3, 1920. Following that is the McCray vehicle Ki911, a snow plow truck manufactured on October 20, 1930, by JNR Naebo Factory. The third component is the Rotary vehicle Ki604, a rotary snow plow manufactured on November 20, 1932, by JNR Naebo Factory. Next is the SL D51398, manufactured on January 24, 1945, by Nippon Sharyo Seisakusho. The final part is the Conductor car No. 4456, manufactured by Kawasaki Vehicles in 1952.
Photos inside the SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki”
Despite the era of new, high-speed trains, the Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” remains a treasured possession and symbol of pride for the citizens of Nayoro. It is a testament to the city's history and serves as one of its prominent landmarks.
Team Nicerio visits SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki”
My family and I visited the SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” for the first time last September 24, 2022, the first day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 327th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We originally wanted to also visit and explore Nayoro Park and Nayoro City Kitaguni Museum but sadly, we missed lunch and everyone was hungry already. That’s why to compromise, we decided to just check out SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” and then look for a place to eat. If we still have time, we will come back to explore the park and the museum.
SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” Fees
It’s FREE to take pictures and board the SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki”.
SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” Operating Hours
SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” is open 24/7.
Why visit the SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki”?
If you are a big fan of trains or historical things then you should check out SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki”. The train is well preserved. Visitors can board different parts of the train for free. It’s truly worth checking.
Getting to SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki”
From Asahikawa Station, ride the Rapid Nayoro of the Soya Line operated by the JR Hokkaido.
Board down at Nayoro Station. From there, walk for about 1.3 kilometers to the SL Snow Removal Train “Kimaroki” in Nayoro Park.
Travel time: 1 hour 53 minutes
Fare: 1,890 yen
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There are a lot of preserved steam locomotive trains there in Hokkaido. I read in your past posts about some of them like the one in Rumoi City and Numata.
ReplyDeleteThank you! That's true. There are dozens of them around the prefecture. I will try my best to visit each one and write about them.
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