Schedule of 2012 fall seasonal trains of Japan Railway

KIHA183 Niseko Express is used for Furano Koyo Express (C) Sonic Rail Garden

Fall is very popular season to travel in Japan for local tourist too. JR Group operate lots of seasonal trains during this season and increase the number of trains. I show you seasonal trains information mostly for October and November, 2012 in this post. If you are looking for the information of seasonal train that is operated in September only, please see 2012 summer seasonal trains information.

It is too many to introduce all seasonal trains. So I pick up the popular trains and are operated in the popular spot.

• JR Hokkaido (Hokkaido)
• JR East (Tohoku, Kanto and Hokuriku)
• JR Central (Chubu and Tokai)
• JR West (Kansai, Chugoku and Hokuriku)
• JR Kyushu (Kyushu)

JR Hokkaido (Hokkaido area)

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train

This train is operated by “Torokko” (open air type passenger’s car). This is a cruising train that goes through Kushiro marsh. Please refer the detail about this train at Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train. This train is extended to operate to Kawayu Onsen (Kawayu hot springs) in October.

Operation dates
September 1-4, 8-30, 2012 *Operation between Kushiro and Toro
October 1-31, 2012 *Operation between Kushiro and Kawayu Onsen

Timetable in September

Timetable in October

This train stop at Higashi-Kushiro, Toya, Kushiro Shitsugen, Hosooka, Toya, Kayanuma, Gojikkoku, Shibecha, Isobunnai, Minami-Teshikaga, Mashu and Biruwa.

If you are looking for more information about Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train, please see the post, Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train.

Limited Express Asahiyama Dobutsuen

Limited Express Asahiyama Dobutsuen

This train connects Sapporo with Asahikawa and is operated by Asahiyama Zoo featured train. Asahiyama zoo in the most popular zoo in Japan. This train has only reserved seat. (Japanese site link)

Operation dates
September 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30, 2012
October 6-8, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2012
November 3, 2012

Timetable
Sapporo 08:30 – Asahikawa 10:07
Asahikawa 16:05 – Sapporo 17:46
Train makes a stop at Iwamizawa and Takikawa.

Furano Koyo Express

Furano is very popular spot in Hokkaido during fall season too. Only this train takes you to Furano from Sapporo directly. Please refer the detail about this train at Furano Lavender Express / Koyo Express.

Operation dates
September 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30, 2012
October 6-8, 13-14, 2012

Timetable

If you are looking for more information about trains for Furano Koyo Express, please see the post, Furano Lavender Express / Koyo Express.

Aki no Minami Furano Norokko train

This train is operated by “Torokko” (open air type passenger’s car). This is a cruising train that goes on Furano line and is extended to operate to Shintoku.

Operation dates
September 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30, 2012
October 6-8, 13-14, 2012

Timetable

This train is operated by same train set of Furano Biei Norokko train. Please see the post, Furano Biei Norokko train to get the detail.

SL Niseko train

This train is operated by steam locomotive between Sapporo and Niseko to enjoy fall color season. There are only reserved seat in some sections. Please see the below.

Operation dates

September 15-17, 22-23, 29-30, 2012
October 6-8, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2012
November 3-4, 2012

Timetable

The train will stop at Otaru, Yoichi, Niki, Kozawa, Kucchan, Niseko, Konbu. All seat is reserved between Sapporo and Kucchan.

JR East (Tohoku and Kanto area)

Hotels in Hiraizumi, Japan
Hotels in Sendai, Japan

Rapid Sendai Hiraizumi Sekai Isan (October) / Rapid Sendai Morioka Zipangu Hiraizumi (November)

You can use this train to the newest UNESCO World Heritage Hiraizumi from Sendai directly. This train is operated by the specialized train “Zipangu” that has observation car in November and Japanese style “Tatami” seat train in October. Please see this link that is given by one of my visitor James. It is in Japanese but you can get some images.

Operation dates
October 6-8. 2012
November 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 23-25, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Shiogama, Matsushima, Kashimadai, Kogota and Ichinoseki

Rapid Zipangu Hiraizumi

This train connects Ichinoseki and Morioka (both Shinkansen station) with newest UNESCO World Heritage Hiraizumi directly. This train is operated by the specialized train “Zipangu” that has observation cars. Please see this link that is given by one of my visitor James. It is in Japanese but you can get some images.

Operation dates
September 1-11, 15-17, 22, 23, 29, 30, 2012
October 6-8, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Hanamaki, Kitakami, Mizusawa and Hiraizumi.

Some of Resort Shirakami are operated by the newest Hybrid train.

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

This train makes a stop at Oiwaki, Hachirogata, Moritake, Higashi-Noshiro, Noshiro, Akita-Shirakami, Iwadate, Juniko, WeSpa-Tsubakiyama, Fukaura, Senjojiki, Ajigasawa, Mutsu-Morita, Kizukuri, Goshogawara, Mutsu-Tsuruta, Itayanagi, Kawabe, Hirosaki and Shin-Aomori. If you need more information about this train, please refer Rapid Resort Shirakami.

*The schedule after April has not been released yet.

Rapid Resort View Furusato

This train goes straight to Minamiotari where is located on Oito line in North Alps area from Nagano. This train is operated by one of the newest Hybrid train. You can see some images in JR East Nagano branch website.

Operation dates
September 1-3, 7-10, 21-24, 28-30, 2012
October 1-2, 4-9, 11-16, 25-30
November 1-5, 9-12, 22-26, 30, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Ubasute, Matsumoto, Hodaka, Shinano-Matsukawa, Shinano-Omachi and Hakuba.

Rapid Resort Minori

This train connects Sendai with Shinjo via several popular hot springs area, like Naruko, Akakura. This train is operated by specialized KIHA 40 series. You can see some images at JR East Sendai branch website.

Operation dates
October 5-8, 12-15, 17-22, 24-29, 31, 2012
November 1-5, 7-12, 16-18, 23-25, 30, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Ubasute, Matsumoto, Hodaka, Shinano-Matsukawa, Shinano-Omachi and Hakuba.

SL Banetsu Mogotari

This train is operated by C57 type steam locomotive between Niigata and Aizu-Wakamatsu. This train has only reserved seat. (Japanese site link)

Operation dates
September 1, 8, 9, 15-17, 22, 23, 29, 30, 2012
October6-8, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2012
November 17-18, 23-25, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Niitsu, Gosen, Sakihana, Mikawa, Tsugawa, Hideya, Nozawa, Yamato, Kitakata and Shiokawa (to Aizu-Wakamatsu only).

Rapid Holiday Kawaguchiko

This train go through Fujikyuko line to Kawaguchiko and connects Shinjuku with Kawaguchiko directly. It is usually operated by 183 series that was previously used for limited express train. There are both reserved seat and non reserved seat. If you take this train by Japan Rail Pass, you need to pay extra for Fujikyuko line.

Operation dates
Every Saturday, Sunday and National holidays until end of November, 2012.

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Mitaka, Tachikawa, Hachiouji, Takao, Sagamiko, Kaminohara, Shihotsu, Otsuki on JR lines and Tsurushi, Tsurubunkadaigakumae, Mitsutoge, Fujisan, Fujikyu-Highland on Fujikyuko line.

JR Central (Chubu, Tokai and Hokuriku)

Rapid Nice Holiday Kisoji

This train goes on Chuo line and stop at the station where is near the post towns in Edo period.

Operation dates
October 6-8, 27-28, 2012

Timetable

*This train stops at Nakatsugawa, Minami-Kiso, Agematsu, Kiso-Fukushima, Yabuhara, Narai, Kiso-Hirasawa

JR West (Kansai, Hokuriku and Chugoku)

Twilight Express

As you know, this is most popular train in Japan.

Operation dates
Regular departure is Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to Sapporo, and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday to Osaka. There is no extra departure in this season.

If you need more information about Twilight Express, please refer the post, Overnight Express Train Twilight Express.

SL Yamaguchi

This train is operated by C57 type steam locomotive between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano. This train has only reserved seat. (Japanese site link)

Operation dates
September all Saturday, all Sunday, and September 17, 2012
October all Saturday, all Sunday, and October 8, 2012
November 3,4,10,11,17, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Yuda-Onsen, Yamaguchi, Niho, Shinome, Choumonkyo, Jifuku, Nabekura and Tokusa.

Rapid Kiyomori Marine View

This train was operated as Rapid Setouchi Marine View between Hiroshima and Mihara via Kure line in last year. In this year, the operation is extended to Miyajimaguchi instead of Hiroshima. This train is operated by specialized train. Please check the images at the following links (JR West official site): Exterior | Reserved seat | Non reserved seat

Operation dates
September 1, 2, 8, 9, 15-17, 22, 23, 29, 30, 2012
October 6-8, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2012
November 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 23-25

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Hiro and Takehara too.

Rapid Sanin Kaigan Geo Liner

This train is operated between Tottori and Toyooka on Sannin line. Sanin line of this section is very scenic. You can enjoy watching the coastline of Nihonkai sea.

Operation dates and timetable

*In November, arrival time at Toyooka will be changed from 10:37 to 11:04.
*This train makes a stop at Iwami, Hamasaka, Amarube, Kasumi, Takeno and Kinosaki-Onsen.

JR Kyushu (Kyushu)

Hotels in Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan
Hotels in Kagoshima, Japan

Limited Express Aso Boy!

This train is operated to Mt. Aso from Kumamoto by the train that have the panoramic windows at the both end. This train has only reserved seat.

Operation dates
September 8-9, 15-17 ,22-23, 29-30, 2012
October 6-8, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2012
November 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 23-25, 2012
December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-28, 31, 2012
January 1-6, 12-14, 19-20, 26-27, 2013

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Shin-Suizenji, Suizenji, Higo-Otsu and Akamizu too.
#101 and #104 will be extended to operate to/from Hakata on Sep 8-9, Oct 6-8, Nov 10-11. Departure time at Hakata is 08:40 and arrival time at Hakata is 18:54.

Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi

This train goes through Nichinan coastline. Please see the details at my post.

Operation dates

September 1,2,8,9,15-17,22,23,29,30 2012
October 6-8,13,14,20,21,27,28 2012
November 3,4,10,11,17,18,23-25 2012
December 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-25,27-31 2012
January 1-6,12-14,19,20,26,27 2013
February 2,3,9-11,16,17,23,24 2013

Timetable

A Ressha de Iko (A列車で行こう=Take the ‘A’ train)

This train is the newest train in Kyushu and connect Kumamoto with Misumi. Misumi is the gateway station for Amakusa.

Operation dates
September 1-2, 8-9, 15-17 ,22-23, 29-30, 2012
October 6-8, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2012
November 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 23-25, 2012
December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-28, 31, 2012
January 1-6, 12-14, 19-20, 26-27, 2013

Timetable

This train will be extended to operate from Hakata on Sep 22-23, Oct 27-28, Nov 24-25, 2012.

Hakata 8:41 – Kumamoto 10:36 – Misumi 11:14
Misumi 14:53 – Kumamoto 15:31 – Hakata 17:26

SL Hitoyoshi

This train is operated by 58654 type steam locomotive between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano. This train has only reserved seat. (Japanese site link)

Operation dates
September 1-3, 7-10, 14-18, 21-24, 28-30, 2012
October 5-8, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, 2012
November 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Yatsushiro, Sakamoto, Shiraishi and Watari.