Some of seasonally operated trains are suspended until the end of July or the further notice due to COVID-19 outbreak.

JR group companies put some extra departure of the train during the peak season. You may find the schedule of major seasonally operated trains in this page.
High season of the travel in Japan
Please find the calendar of the peak travel season in the post below if you nee:
JR Hokkaido (Hokkaido area)
SL Fuyu no Shitsugen train

This train is operated by steam locomotive. This is a cruising train that goes through Kushiro marsh. It is similar type train to Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train in summer period. But this train is not operated by Norokko train. There are reserved seat only. You need to book it before boarding.
Operation dates
This season’s operations have ended.
For your reference, I will note the operation dates for 2019-20. The operation schedule for the 2020-21 season is expected to be close to this.
January 25,26
Feb 1-11,14-16,21-24,29
Mar 1
Timetable
Kushiro 11:05 | Shibecha 12:35 |
Shibecha 14:00 | Kushiro 15:40 |
This train stops at Higashi-Kushiro, Kushiro Shitsugen, Toro, and Kayanuma.
Ryuhyo Monogatari (means “the story of drift ice”)
![Ryuhyo monogatari Kiha 54 鯨六寸 [CC BY-SA 4.0]](https://i0.wp.com/jprail.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Kiha54508b.jpg?fit=600%2C401&ssl=1)
Shiretoko is very popular destination in winter time for Ryuhyo (流氷=Drift Ice) viewing. Open air passengers car train, “Ryuhyo Norokko train” used to run in this season. But it was discontinued in previous season. This train will replace Ryuhyo Norokko train in Drift Ice season but this is not open air train. This train will be operated by a refurbished ordinary diesel fleet.
Operation dates
This season’s operations have ended.
For your reference, I will note the operation dates for 2019-20. The operation schedule for the 2020-21 season is expected to be close to this.
February 1– 29
March 1
Timetable
#1 | Abashiri 09:45 | Shiretoko-Shari 10:40 |
---|---|---|
#2 | Shiretoko-Shari 11:30 | Abashiri 12:30 |
#3 | Abashiri 12:45 | Shiretoko-Shari 13:35 |
#4 | Shiretoko-Shari 13:48 | Abashiri 14:46 |
*This train stop at Kitahama and Hamakoshimizu.
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train

This train operates on “Torokko”, which is open-air type fleet. You can take in the picturesque views of Kushiro marsh.
Operation dates
July 18,19,23-26
August 1,2,8-10,15,16,22,23,29,30
September 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,27
Timetable and operation dates
Train# | Kushiro | Toro | Dates |
---|---|---|---|
#2 | 11:06 | 11:54 | July 18,19,23-26 August 1,2,8-10,15,16,22,23,29,30 September 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,27 |
#4 | 13:37 | 14:19 | July 18,19,23-26 August 1,2,10 September 5,6,12,13,19-22 |
#94 | 15:25 | 16:07 | August 8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30 |
Train# | Toro | Kushiro | Dates |
---|---|---|---|
#1 | 12:17 | 13:05 | July 18,19,23-26 August 1,2,8-10,15,16,22,23,29,30 September 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,27 |
#3 | 14:50 | 15:38 | July 18,19,23-26 August 1,2,10 September 5,6,12,13,19-22 |
#95 | 16:42 | 17:30 | August 8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30 |
If you are looking for more information about Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train, please see the post about Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train.
Furano Lavender Express / Furano Koyo Express
Furano is very popular spot in Hokkaido during summer season. Only this train takes you to Furano from Sapporo directly. In this season, this train will be operated by specialized fleet.
Operation dates
July 18,19,23-26
Timetable
Train# | Sapporo | Furano |
---|---|---|
#1 | 07:53 | 09:49 |
Train# | Furano | Sapporo |
---|---|---|
#4 | 16:51 | 18:50 |
*Train stops at Iwamizawa, Takikawa and Ashibetsu.
If you are looking for more information about trains for Furano Lavender Express, please see the post, Furano Lavender Express / Koyo Express.
Furano Biei Norokko train
This train operates on “Torokko” which is open air passenger fleet. This train runs on Furano line between Asahikawa, Biei and Furano. Please refer the detail about this train at Furano Biei Norokko train.
Operation dates
July 18,19,23-26
August 1,2,8-10,15,16,22,23,29,30
September 5,6,12,13,19-22
Timetable
Station train# | Asahikawa | Furano |
---|---|---|
#1 | 10:00 | 11:31 |
Station train# | Furano | Asahikawa |
---|---|---|
#6 | 16:11 | 17:45 |
Station train# | Biei | Furano |
---|---|---|
#3 | 13:09 | 13:57 |
#5 | 15:13 | 16:02 |
Station train# | Furano | Biei |
---|---|---|
#2 | 12:02 | 12:50 |
#4 | 14:05 | 15:00 |
*Train makes stops at Biei, Bibaushi, Kami-Furano, Lavender-Batake and Naka-Furano.
If you are looking for more information about Furano Biei Norokko train, please see the post, Furano Biei Norokko train.
The express Hanatabi Soya
This express train runs on Soya line between Asahikawa and Otoineppu, and between Otoineppu and Wakkanai.
Timetable and operation date
Station train # | Asahikawa | Otoineppu | Operation date |
---|---|---|---|
#1 | 07:20 | 12:12 | Suspended currently |
Station train # | Otoineppu | Asahikawa | Operation date |
---|---|---|---|
#2 | 12:35 | 16:23 | Suspended currently |
Station train # | Otoineppu | Wakkanai | Operation date |
---|---|---|---|
#3 | 11:07 | 13:39 | Suspended currently |
Station train # | Wakkanai | Otoineppu | Operation date |
---|---|---|---|
#4 | 14:00 | 17:02 | Suspended currently |

Hotels in Hiraizumi, Japan
Hotels in Sendai, Japan
JR East (Tohoku and Kanto area)
Saphir Odoriko
This train replaced Super View Odoriko in March 2020. All seats are Green seat or Premium Green seat. JR Pass Green car covers only Green seat. You have to pay extra for taking Premium Green seat.
Timetable and operation dates
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
Genbi Shinkansen

This newest Shinkansen train is called “The World Fastest Art Gallery”. There are many artwork displayed in the train. This train is operated as train name, “Toki”.
Operation dates
August 1,2,15,16,22,23,29,30
September 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,27
Timetable
Station train# | Echigo Yuzawa | Niigata |
---|---|---|
Toki 451 | 08:24 | 09:14 |
Toki 453 | 12:44 | 13:38 |
Toki 455 | 15:20 | 16:14 |
Station train# | Niigata | Echigo Yuzawa |
---|---|---|
Toki 452 | 11:26 | 12:20 |
Toki 454 | 14:02 | 14:56 |
Toki 456 | 16:42 | 17:32 |
All trains stops at all stations between Echigo-yuzawa and Niigata.
Please see the post below to find more information about Genbi Shinkansen.
SL Banetsu Monogatari
It is operated by one of the legendary steam locomotive “C57” and the old style carriages between Niitsu and Aizu-Wakamatsu.
Operation dates and timetable
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
If you need more info about this train, please see the post below:
Rapid Resort Minori
This train connects Sendai with Shinjo via Naruko Onsen. It is operated by specialized train. You can see some images at JR East Sendai branch site.
Operation dates and timetable
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
Toreiyu Tsubasa

This is the first ever Shinkansen train that has the foot Onsen bath in the car.
Operation dates
July 23-26
August 1,2,8-10,22,23,29,30
September 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,27
Timetable
Station | Toreiyu Tsubasa #1 | Station | Toreiyu Tsubasa #2 |
---|---|---|---|
Fukushima | 10:02 | Shinjo | 15:00 |
Yonezawa | 10:36 | Oishida | 15:16 |
Takahata | 10:44 | Murayama | 15:28 |
Akayu | 10:50 | Sakuranbo-Higashine | 15:34 |
Kaminoyama-Onsen | 11:08 | Tendo | 15:40 |
Yamagata | 11:26 | Yamagata | 16:13 |
Tendo | 11:37 | Kaminoyama-Onsen | 16:23 |
Sakuranbo-Higashine | 11:45 | Akayu | 16:45 |
Murayama | 11:50 | Takahata | 16:52 |
Oishida | 12:00 | Yonezawa | 17:07 |
Shinjo | 12:16 | Fukushima | 17:41 |
You can find more information about this train at the post below.
POKÉMON with YOU train
Simply it is Pokemon theme train as you see Google image above. It offers fun and it is very kids friendly train.
Operation dates and timetable
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
Shu*Kura

Shu*Kura runs as promoting Niigata local product, especially Japanese Sake (pure rice wine). It is like Sake tasting train. You can enjoy many kinds of Sake on board.
This train runs on several routes in Niigata prefecture. This train runs on several routes in Niigata by the season.
Operation dates and timetable
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
You can find more information about this train at the post below:
Rapid Resort Shirakami

This train connects Akita with Aomori through Gono line that has one of the greatest scenery. This train is operated by the specialized train or the newest Hybrid train. This train has only reserved seat.
Operation dates and timetable
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
If you need more information about this train, please refer the post below:
Kairi
This train has just been introduced in October. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the coastline. You can add the local cuisine bento box. (advanced reservation required)
Operation dates and timetable
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
HIGH RAIL 1375
This train runs on Oumi line which goes on the highest elevation in all JR lines. You can enjoy mountain fresh air by riding this train.
Operation dates and timetable
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
Please see the post below to find more information about HIGH RAIL 1375.
SL Ginga

This steam locomotive train connects Hanamaki and Kamaishi. The interior is amazing. It display many items of Kenji Miyazawa who is a poet and author of children’s literature.
Timetable and operation dates
Please see JR East official timetable in the link below:
JR East official site – the timetable
JR Central (Chubu, Tokai and Hokuriku)
Overnight Rapid Moonlight Nagara
This is very popular and hard to book a seat. This train does not have any non reserved seat. You cannot take this train without seat reservation. This train is operated by old type Limited Express train set. But there is no berth or compartment.
Timetable and operation dates
Tokyo | Ogaki | Operation dates |
---|---|---|
23:10 | 05:45 | No scheduled operation in summer season |
Ogaki | Tokyo | Operation dates |
---|---|---|
22:48 | 05:05 | No scheduled operation in summer season |
Please see the post below to find more information about Moonlight Nagara.

Hotels in Kobe
Hotels in Kyoto
Hotels in Osaka
JR West (Kansai, Hokuriku and Chugoku)
Hanayome Noren

This train takes you to Wakura Onsen in Noto peninsula from Kanazawa.
Operation dates
August 1-3,7-11,14-18,21-25,28-31
September 4-6, 11-13, 18-22,25-28
Timetable
Kanazawa | Wakura Onsen | |
---|---|---|
#1 | 10:15 | 11:42 |
#3 | 14:15 | 15:32 |
Wakura Onsen | Kanazawa | |
---|---|---|
#2 | 12:08 | 13:21 |
#4 | 16:30 | 17:54 |
The train makes stops at Nanao and Hakui. All seats are reserved. You cannot take this train without booking.
Belles montagnes et mer

This is new train that will start to run in this fall in Takaoka. This train runs on both Himi line and Johana line.
Timetable and operation dates
Shin-Takaoka | Himi | Operation dates | |
---|---|---|---|
#1 #3 | 10:01 13:54 | 10:56 14:59 | August 2,9,16,23,30 September 6,13,20,27 |
Himi | Shin-Takaoka | Operation dates | |
---|---|---|---|
#2 #4 | 11:05 15:15 | 12:10 15:48 (Takaoka) | August 2,9,16,23,30 September 6,13,20,27 |
Train makes stops at Takaoka, Fushiki and Amaharashi.
Takaoka | Johana | Operation dates | |
---|---|---|---|
#51 #53 | 9:38 13:08 | 10:22 13:55 | August 1,8,15,22,29 September 5,12,19,26 |
Johana | Takaoka | Operation dates | |
---|---|---|---|
#52 #54 | 10:42 14:10 | 11:30 14:59 | August 1,8,15,22,29 September 5,12,19,26 |
The limited express Mahoroba
This is the limited express train which connects Shin-Osaka and Nara directly.
Operation dates
August 22,23,29,30
Timetable
Train / station | Shin-Osaka | Nara |
---|---|---|
Mahoroba | 10:03 | 10:53 |
Train / station | Nara | Shin-Osaka |
---|---|---|
Mahoroba | 16:56 | 17:47 |
Hello Kitty Shinkansen

This is one of scheduled Kodama train that is operated by the specialized “Hello Kitty” wrapping fleet.
Timetable and operations dates
Train#/station | Hakata | Hiroshima | Okayama | Shin-Osaka | Operation dates |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kodama 840 | 6:32 | 8:16/8:17 | 9:40/9:53 | 11:12 | Jul 1-7,11-27,31 Aug 1-17,21-31 Sep 1-7,11-29 |
Train#/station | Shin-Osaka | Okayama | Hiroshima | Hakata | Operation dates |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kodama 851 | 11:32 | 12:40/12:41 | 14:11/14:19 | 16:11 | Jul 1-7,11-27,31 Aug 1-17,21-31 Sep 1-7,11-29 |
OO (maru maru) no Hanashi

This train runs along the coast of Sea of Japan.
Operation dates
August 1,2,8-10,15,16,22,23,29,30
September 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,27
October 3,4,10,11,17,18,24,25,31
November 1,3,7,8,14,15,21-23,28,29
December 5,6,12,13,19,20,26,27
2021
January 9-11,16,17,23,24,30,31
February 6,7,11,13,14,20,21,23,27,28
Timetable
Shin-Shimonoseki | 9:59 |
Shimonoseki | 10:08/10:21 |
Kawatana-Onsen | 10:53 |
Ogushi | 10:58 |
Takibe | 11:26 |
Kottoi | 11:32 |
Agawa | 11:37/11:40 |
Hitomaru | 11:57 |
Nagatoshi | 12:16/12:18 |
Hagi | 12:47 |
Higashi-Hagi | 12:52 |
Higashi-Hagi | 14:13 |
Hagi | 14:20 |
Senzaki | 14:57/15:27 |
Nagatoshi | 15:31/15:33 |
Hitomaru | 15:57 |
Agawa | 16:14/16:21 |
Kottoi | 16:27 |
Takibe | 16:53 |
Ogushi | 16:59 |
Kawatana-Onsen | 17:03 |
Shimonoseki | 17:39/17:43 |
Shin-Shimonoseki | 17:50 |
Ametsuchi
This train runs in San’in region between Tottori and Izumoshi. Please check the images at the following link:
JR West official site
Operation dates
August 21-24,28-31
September 5-7,13,14,19-21,26-28
October 3-5,10-12,17-19,24-26,31
November 1,2,7,8,14-16,21-23,28-30
December 5,6,12,13,19,20
2021
January 16,17,23,24,30,31
February 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28
Timetable
Tottori | Izumoshi |
---|---|
09:00 | 12:31 |
Izumoshi | Tottori |
---|---|
13:44 | 17:36 |
Okuizumo Orochi train
This train runs on Kisuki line from Kisuki to Bingo-Ochiai. And many train depart from Izumoshi.
You can enjoy the scenery in the mountain area with fresh air by open air passenger car.
Timetable and operation dates
Izumoshi | Kisuki | Bingo-Ochia | Operations dates |
---|---|---|---|
8:45 | 10:07 | 12:36 | August 23,30 September 6,13,20-22,27 October 4,11,18,25,31 November 1,3,7,8,14,15,21-23 |
– | 10:07 | 12:36 | August 21,22,24-29,31 September 4,5,11,12,18,19,25,26 October 2,3,9,10,16,17,19-24,26-30 November 2,4-6,9-13,16-20 |
Kisuki | Bingo-Ochia | Operations dates |
---|---|---|
12:57 | 15:57 | August 21-31 September 4-6,11-13,18-22,25-27 October 2-4,9-11,16-31 November 1-23 |
SL Yamaguchi

This train is operated by a steam locomotive between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano. All seats are reserved seat and the advanced reservation is required.
Operation dates
Aug 1,2,8-10,15,16,22,23,29,30
Sep 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,2
Oct 3,4,10,11,17,18,24,25,31
Nov 1,7,8,14,15,21,22
Timetable
to Tsuwano | to Shin- Yamaguchi | |
Shin-Yamaguchi | 10:50 | 17:30 |
Yuda-Onsen | 11:06 | 17:14 |
Yamaguchi | 11:13 | 17:09 |
Niho | 11:34 | – |
Shinome | 11:57 | 16:42 |
Chomonkyo | 12:03 | 16:32 |
Jifuku | 12:31 | – |
Nabekura | 12:36 | 16:13 |
Tokusa | 12:43 | 16:07 |
Tsuwano | 12:59 | 15:45 |
West Express Ginga

West Express Ginga is a newly introduced overnight train.
The car is a refurbishment of an old model car, but the interior has been redesigned and there are various types of accommodation.
The operating section varies depending on the season.
Timetable and operation dates
Kyoto | Shin-Osaka | Osaka | Izumoshi | Operation dates |
---|---|---|---|---|
21:15 | 22:07/22:17 | 22:21/22:28 | 09:31 | Sep 11,14,18,21,25,38 Oct 2,5,9,12,16,19,30 Nov 2,6,13,16,20,23,27 |
Izumoshi | Sannomiya | Osaka | Operation dates |
---|---|---|---|
21:15 | 22:07/22:17 | 22:21/22:28 | Sep 11,14,18,21,25,38 Oct 2,5,9,12,16,19,30 Nov 2,6,13,16,20,23,27 |
JR Shikoku
Anpanman Torokko
Anpanman Torokko operates on open-air cars that are wrapped by Anpanman, a popular character for children, and connects Okayama to Takamatsu and Kotohira. In this section, you can cross the train Seto Ohashi brige and enjoy the ride while taking a refreshing seabreeze.
All seats are reserved Green car seat. You must book a seat before boarding.
Operation date
July 11, 12,18-31
August 1-31
September 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,27
Timetable
Train# / Station | Okayama | Kojima | Kotohira |
---|---|---|---|
Torokko #1 | 11:18 | 12:10 | 13:09 |
Train# / Station | Okayama | Kojima | Takamatsu |
---|---|---|---|
Torokko #3 | 15:21 | 16:11 | 17:23 |
Train# / Station | Takamatsu | Kojima | Okayama |
---|---|---|---|
Torokko #1 | 09:13 | 10:05 | 10:44 |
Train# / Station | Kotohira | Kojima | Okayama |
---|---|---|---|
Torokko #3 | 13:16 | 14:04 | 14:54 |
Shiman Torokko
This train operates on open-air cars and runs along Shimanto river which is one of the most beautiful stream in Japan.
Operation date
July 4,5,11,12,18-31
August 1-23,29,30
September 5,6,12,13,19-22,26,27
Timetable
Train# / Station | Kubokawa | Tosa-Taisho | Ekawazaki | Uwajima |
---|---|---|---|---|
Torokko #1 | 13:21 | 13:54 | 14:43 | 15:57 |
Train# / Station | Uwajima | Ekawazaki | Tosa-Taisho | Kubokawa |
---|---|---|---|---|
Torokko #2 | 09:33 | 10:43 | 11:33 | 12:06 |
JR Kyushu (Kyushu)
Limited Express Yufuin-no-Mori

It is very popular train that connect Hakata and Yufuin. This train runs daily basis but some of trips do not run due to the annual inspection.
This train is currently suspended due to the track damage by heavy rain in early July.
Timetable and operation dates
Please see the link below:
JR Kyushu official site – The route map and the timetable of JR Kyushu trains
Limited Express Aso Boy!
This train has been operated between Beppu and Aso because the orginal route between Kumamoto and Aso was damaged by the earthqueake in 2016. This original segment will be finally open on August 8th, 2020. And this train will be oprated between Kumamoto and Beppu via Aso.
Timetable and operation dates
Please see the link below:
JR Kyushu official site – The route map and the timetable of JR Kyushu trains
This train has only reserved seat. Please see the post below to get more information about this train.
Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi

This train goes through Nichinan coastline.
Timetable and operation dates
Please see the link below:
JR Kyushu official site – The route map and the timetable of JR Kyushu trains
Please find more information about this train in the post below.
A Ressha de Iko (A列車で行こう=Take the ‘A’ train)

This train connects Kumamoto with Misumi. Misumi is the gateway station for Amakusa. JR Kyushu add one more trip after March 16.
Timetable and operation dates
Please see the link below:
JR Kyushu official site – The route map and the timetable of JR Kyushu trains
Please see the post below to find more information.
Limited Express Hayato no Kaze

This train runs between Kagoshima-Chuo and Yoshimatsu on Hisatsu line.
Timetable and operation dates
Please see the link below:
JR Kyushu official site – The route map and the timetable of JR Kyushu trains
Please see the post below to find more information about this train.