Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) of 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin infusion (FP) is standard therapy for stage IB/II/III (excluding T4) esophageal cancer from results of JCOG9907 and definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) of FP is one of the curative options for resectable esophageal cancer with organ preservation results of JCOG9906 in Japan. However, the efficacy and feasibility of NAC FP and CRT for elderly patients (pts) are unclear. Methods: We examined stage IB/II/III (excluding T4) esophageal cancer pts aged 70 or over, who received NAC FP or dCRT at our institution between April 2008 and August 2015, retrospectively. Results: 16 pts received NAC FP at least 1 course, while 5 pts received dCRT because of intolerability for surgery, reject of surgery, and patient's wish. Median age was 73/75 (NAC FP/dCRT) and pts in NAC FP had more advanced stage cancer compared with pts in dCRT (p = 0.02). With respect to the toxicity, bone marrow depression developed in dCRT with more high frequency compared with NAC FP, but no pts had febrile neutropenia. Adverse effects of fatigue, nausea and appetite loss developed in both group frequently. 3 pts were not performed surgery because of decreased respiratory function, decreased PS and progression disease and 4 pts did not achieved 4 cycle of FP infusion because of leukopenia, decreased renal function, and gastrointestinal toxicity. 12 pts in NAC FP undergone R0 resection surgery and 4 pts had a complete remission. The 5-year progression free survival rate was 50% (95% CI: 12-86%) in dCRT and 50% (95% CI: 20-80%) in NAC FP (p = 0.69). The 5-year overall survival rate was 50% (95% CI: 12-86%) in dCRT and 67% (95% CI: 36-88%) in NAC FP (p = 0.83). Conclusions: NAC FP and dCRT for stage IB/II/III (excluding T4) esophageal cancer might be effective even in pts ≥ 70 years of age. The therapy of dCRT might be one of options for elderly inoperative patients.