Ever ridden a train powered like a toy? Let’s step back in time to experience the curious story of the Otogi Train. This unique railway operated in Kyoto during the 1950s. It offered scenic tours along the Uji River.
The Otogi Train was no ordinary railway. It began as a private line. It was built to transport materials. These materials were needed for the construction of a dam. The dam was part of the Uji River Electric Power plant.
After the dam was complete the railway found a new purpose. It became a tourist attraction. What made the Otogi Train truly special was its legal status. It was not classified as a railway under the Local Railway Act. Instead it was considered an amusement facility. This classification avoided complicated regulations.
Imagine the post-war era. People sought leisure and recreation. The Uji River offered boat tours. However, the boats could not navigate all the way to the dam. This limited their appeal. The existing railway offered a solution. It could provide access to the more remote areas.
However transforming the material railway into a public transport line presented challenges. Operating under railway laws meant complex procedures. It also meant high costs and taxes. The solution was clever. Classifying the railway as an amusement ride sidestepped these issues.
The Otogi Train officially began operations on October 11 1950. The Kyoto Electric Railway operated it. The train consisted of a small locomotive and seven passenger cars. The fare was 40 yen for adults and 20 yen for children.
The Otogi Train ran between two stations. These were named “Amagase Station” near the power plant. The other was “Dam Station” at the dam itself. There were no stops in between. Initially only one train operated. Service was suspended during the winter. The following spring a second train was added.
The Otogi Train became very popular. On holidays long lines formed at the boarding areas. Interestingly the Otogi Train also benefited local bus services. Tourists often combined a train ride with a bus trip. This created a loop tour.
However the Otogi Train’s success was not to last. A major typhoon caused significant damage in 1953. Despite recovery efforts a new threat emerged. Plans were made to build a new dam the Amagase Dam. This new dam would submerge much of the Otogi Train’s route.
The Otogi Train ceased operations on May 31 1960. It had run for just ten years. The Uji River sightseeing boats also eventually closed. Today no public transportation operates along the Uji River. However the memory of the Otogi Train remains. It was a unique and charming chapter in Kyoto’s history. It is a reminder of a time when ingenuity and a little bit of fun could create something special.