Image courtesy of YouTube
The “Fukushima Destination Campaign,” which began on April 1st, saw the special train “SL Shiawase no Kaze Fukushima” (SL Happy Wind Fukushima) run through Fukushima Prefecture on April 11th and 12th, the second weekend of the campaign. This was the first time the SL had visited Koriyama in 15 years, since 2011.
On the 12th, many people boarded at Koriyama Station and departed for Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. Under clear skies, the SL, running for two days only, sped through Fukushima, adorned with the spring scenery. From the windows of the special train, passengers could see beautiful cherry blossoms and many railway enthusiasts with cameras in hand.
As the train ran on sections it doesn’t normally travel, many people gathered along the route to take pictures at scenic spots with Mount Bandai in the background.
One passenger who rode to Aizu-Wakamatsu said, “It was exciting and fun. The seats and everything were luxurious, which was great.” Another passenger from Kansai said, “It was my first time riding it, but it was amazing! SLs are so romantic.”
During the Fukushima Destination Campaign, various special trains will operate in Fukushima Prefecture. Many tourists will be welcomed by the beautiful scenery of Fukushima.
