Once a prominent feature throughout Japan, the steam locomotive is a sight rarely seen today. To bring back those old times, the SL Banetsu Monogatari was put into operation in 1999, drawing passengers to its run between Niigata and Aizu-Wakamatsu with its 1946 C57 steam locomotive. Most of the service is provided along the Ban-etsu-West Line, a romantic journey through forests and along the river. Particularly noteworthy is the beautiful scenery viewed from the cars as it changes through the four seasons.