The Tobu Urban Park Line (a combination of the Tobu Isesaki and Nikko Lines) starts from Asakusa Station in Tokyo. While many people think of these lines primarily as commuter trains serving the suburban bedroom communities such as Soka and Koshigaya, they also operate numerous limited express services connecting Tokyo with hot spring resort areas like Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen.
Among these services, the longest-running one is the “Liberty Aizu,” which runs four round trips daily. This train travels through Tokyo, Saitama, Gunma, and Tochigi Prefectures and heads into the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, terminating at Aizuwakamatsu Station. Leaving behind the urban skyline including the Tokyo Skytree, the train crosses the Tone River and even passes through the Kinugawa Onsen area, arriving at Aizuwakamatsu after journeying into the mountains.
In this article, we explain how to book the Liberty Aizu, its fares, and the stations at which it stops, so you can enjoy a train journey with ever-changing views.
*Fare and other information are as of November 2020.
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From Asakusa to Aizu! What Is the Tobu Limited Express “Liberty Aizu”? An Explanation of How to Book, Fares, and Stops
Scenic Views from the Liberty Aizu
In Spring, the Cherry Blossoms in Minami-Aizu are Beautiful
The Liberty Aizu route offers a stunning display of seasonal landscapes. The contrast between the cherry blossoms of Minami-Aizu and the modern design of the Liberty Aizu is truly striking.
In Autumn, the Fall Foliage Along the Nogai and Aizu Railway Lines is Breathtaking
Autumn brings spectacular fall colors. You could gaze out of the train window all day. In particular, the autumn foliage near Yunishigawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen is simply overwhelming.
In Winter, There’s Snowy Scenery Too
When winter arrives, the Aizu region is blanketed in snow, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The scenery is completely different from Tokyo, the starting point of your journey.
Riding the Liberty Aizu serves as a vivid reminder of Japan’s distinct seasons.
Onboard Amenities
The Liberty Aizu is designed for a comfortable journey. Each seat is equipped with an electrical outlet, and Wi-Fi is available onboard. The train also features barrier-free facilities including accessible restrooms designed for wheelchair users.
Liberty Aizu Stops
The Liberty Aizu operates four round trips daily with slightly different stopping patterns. For example, at Kasukabe Station only the doors of cars 2 and 5 open.
After departing Asakusa Station, the train stops at: Tokyo Skytree Station, Kitanosu Station, Kasukabe Station, Tochigi Station, Shin-Kanuma Station, and Shimo-Imachi Station. Then, except for Oga Kogen Station, it stops at every station until Aizu Kogen Oseguchi Station, after which it runs non-stop to Aizuwakamatsu Station.
*One down train (Liberty Aizu No. 101) stops at Itakura Toyodai-mae Station.
*One up train (Liberty Aizu No. 150) stops at the above stations plus from Aizuwakamatsu Station to Aizu Kogen Oseguchi Station and also at Oga Kogen Station.
*One pair of down/up trains (Liberty Aizu Nos. 117 and 132) pass through Oga Kogen Station and also stop at Kawaji Onsen Station and Naka-Sanye Onsen Station.
How to Reserve a Seat on the Liberty Aizu
Reservations are available by phone and online. You can book by phone (03-5962-0102) starting one month in advance, or purchase tickets via the “Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase/Reservation Service” (no membership required) or the “Tobu Net Member Service” (membership required but free). Both services require a credit card for payment. In addition, tickets can be purchased at ticket vending machines at most Tobu stations.
The “Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase/Reservation Service” is available from 4:50 AM to 12:20 AM the following day. Tickets must be exchanged at Tobu station ticket counters or at Tobu Top Tours stores within seven days, including the reservation day. Phone reservations follow the same rules.
The “Tobu Net Member Service” is a ticketless service that allows you to use your smartphone or device as your ticket. It’s free to register, so even travelers from outside the Tobu line area can sign up with ease.
For the basic fare, you can purchase a ticket on the day at a ticket machine or window. Up to Shindo-hara Station from Asakusa, you can use Suica, PASMO, or other IC cards; however, from Shindo-hara Station northward (toward Aizuwakamatsu), these cards cannot be used. Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance.
Fares for Major Stations on the Liberty Aizu
These are the fares and limited express fees for Liberty Aizu from Asakusa Station, Kitanosu Station, and Kasukabe Station, as of November 2020. Please note that the fares may differ when using transportation IC cards. (IC cards cannot be used on the section from Shindo-hara Station northward toward Aizu-Tajima Station.)
Additionally, if you are traveling only on the section between Shimo-Imachi Station and Aizu-Tajima Station, you can use just the regular fare.
To Tobu World Square Station
Asakusa: ¥2,860 (Fare: ¥1,390, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,470)
Kitanosu: ¥2,750 (Fare: ¥1,390, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,470)
Kasukabe: ¥2,370 (Fare: ¥1,220, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,150)
*Tobu World Square Station accepts Suica, PASMO, and other IC cards.
To Kinugawa Onsen Station
Asakusa: ¥3,050 (Fare: ¥1,570, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,470)
Kitanosu: ¥2,750 (Fare: ¥1,390, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,470)
Kasukabe: ¥2,370 (Fare: ¥1,220, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,150)
*Kinugawa Onsen Station accepts Suica, PASMO, and other IC cards.
To Aizu Kogen Oseguchi Station
From Asakusa: ¥4,520 (Fare: ¥2,670, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,850)
From Kitanosu: ¥4,330 (Fare: ¥2,480, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,850)
From Kasukabe: ¥3,940 (Fare: ¥2,310, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,630)
To Aizu-Tajima Station
Asakusa: ¥5,460 (Fare: ¥3,300, Limited Express Fee: ¥2,160)
Kitanosu: ¥5,270 (Fare: ¥3,110, Limited Express Fee: ¥2,160)
Kasukabe: ¥4,880 (Fare: ¥2,940, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,940)
To Aizu-Wakamatsu Station via JR (transfer at Nishiwakamatsu Station)
You can also transfer at Aizu-Tajima Station to continue on to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
From Asakusa: ¥6,930 (Fare: ¥4,770, Limited Express Fee: ¥2,160)
From Kitanosu: ¥6,740 (Fare: ¥4,580, Limited Express Fee: ¥2,160)
From Kasukabe: ¥6,350 (Fare: ¥4,410, Limited Express Fee: ¥1,940)
Please note that you must purchase a ticket to Nishiwakamatsu Station, and then pay an additional ¥190 at the JR Aizu-Wakamatsu ticket counter.
Connection from Aizuwakamatsu
From Aizuwakamatsu Station, the “Relay Train” connects you further. The Relay Train also provides convenient access to Aizuwakamatsu stations like Aizu Shimo-gou, Yunokami Onsen, and Ashinomaki Onsen.
Additionally, the Relay Train from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station connects with Liberty Aizu.
“Yuttari Aizu Tobu Free Pass”
Tobu Railway offers the “Yuttari Aizu Tobu Free Pass,” which combines a ticket for travel from Tobu stations up to Shimo-Imachi Station with unlimited rides on Tobu, Nogai Railway, Aizu Railway, and some JR lines beyond Shimo-Imachi Station.
There are three types of passes available:
・Unlimited rides from Shimo-Imachi Station to Aizuwakamatsu Station (from Asakusa/other areas: ¥5,950; from Kitanosu: ¥5,620)
・Unlimited rides from Shimo-Imachi Station to Ashinomaki Onsen Station (from Asakusa: ¥6,920; from Kitanosu: ¥6,620)
・Unlimited rides from Shimo-Imachi Station to Nishiwakamatsu Station to JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to JR Kitakata Station (from Asakusa: ¥7,390; from Kitanosu: ¥7,110)
Note: The limited express fee is paid separately.
It would be great to ride the Liberty Aizu to visit Tsuruga Castle and enjoy some Kitakata ramen.
Experience the Scenic Journey
Taking the Liberty Aizu not only offers you a comfortable ride but also a chance to explore beautiful areas like Tsuruga Castle or enjoy a bowl of Kitakata ramen.
Embark on a journey through the picturesque Kinugawa and Aizu regions with the Liberty Aizu, and discover the wonders along the way. For more information on the stops along the Liberty Aizu route, please check out our Skyticket tourist guide.
And when you’re planning your stay, be sure to use skyticket for finding great hotel deals. We hope your journey is truly memorable!
