Photo= "SL Kita Biwako-go" running powerfully through the northern Lake Biwa area, where the colors of the autumn foliage are deepening (November 16, near JR Kawake Station, Kohoku-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture)

The fall operation of the tourist steam locomotive "SL Kita Biwako-go" started on November 16, for the 22.4-kilometer route between Maibara and Kinomoto Stations on the JR Hokuriku Main Line in Shiga Prefecture. With many railway fans and families on board, the locomotive ran powerfully through the northern area of Lake Biwa in the late autumn scenery.

The first train on the 16th left Maibara Station filled to full capacity. A lot of railway enthusiasts were holding their cameras along the track to capture the dignified image of the locomotive as smoke puffed out.

"SL Kita Biwako-go" will operate twice a day on Sundays until December 14, leaving Maibara Station at 10:09 a.m. and 1:16 p.m. All seats are reserved. Both the basic fare and an additional reserved seat fee are necessary.