Schedule of 2012 summer seasonal trains of Japan Railways

Some of Furano Lavender Express are operated by Kiha183 Crystal Express train.

In summer season, the busiest period is mid August. This period is called “Obon (お盆)”. Everybody try to go back to hometown in this period. In this year 2012, August 10 to 19 will be Obon period. Especially the direction to go out from major cities on Aug 10-12 and the direction to go into major cities on Aug 17-19 will be much busier. These dates are weekend days. Everybody will try to move on these dates. If you travel in this period, try to go opposite direction. It makes you to travel much easier.

JR Group operate lots of seasonal trains during all summer season and increase the number of trains in Obon period. 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)

Limited Express Nupuri

This is new train that is operated between Sapporo and Hakodate via Otaru, Kucchan and Niseko. There are lots of trains between Sapporo and Hakodate via Tomakomai, Noboribetsu and Datemonbetsu. If you just need a train between Sapporo and Hakodate, you don’t need to take this train “Nupuri”. You can simply take Limited Express Super Hokuto/Hokuro.

Operation dates

August 6-31, 2012

Timetable

The train will stop at Otaru, Yoichi, Kucchan, Kuromatsunai, Oshamanbe, Yakumo, Mori, Onumakoen, Goryokaku

*I haven’t received any detailed information about this train yet. I will add some info when I get it.

Hotels in Furano, Japan
Hotels in Sapporo, Japan

SL Hakodate Onuma train

This train is operated by steam locomotive between Hakodate and Onuma Koen (Onuma park) to enjoy spring cherry blossom. There are reserved seat only. You need to book it before boarding.

Operation dates

July 14-16, 21-22, 28-31, August 1-5, 2012

Timetable

The train will stop at Goryokaku and Onuma-Koen on the way to Mori.
The train will stop at Oshima-Sawara, Shikabe, Nagareyama-Onsen, Onuma-Koen and Goryokaku.

Rapid Kita-Taiheiyo Hana to Shitsugen train (North Pacific Ocean, Flower and Marsh train)

This is new train that is operated between Kushiro and Nemuro to enjoy wild Hokkaido nature by Tatami seat specialized train. The local guide will be on board and guide you about this route.

Operation dates

July 21 – August 31, 2012

Timetable

The train will stop at Akkeshi, Itoizawa, Chanai, Hamanaka, Attoko and Higashi-Nemuro.

Limited Express Asahiyama Dobutsuen

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.

Operation dates
June 1-5, 9-30, July 1-31, August 1-31, September 1-4, 8-30, 2012

Timetable

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

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
July 1, 7-8, 14-31, August 1-31, September 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30, 2012

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

Furano Biei Norokko train

This train is operated by “Torokko” (open air type passenger’s car). This is a cruising train that goes on Furano line. Please refer the detail about this train at Furano Biei Norokko train.

Operation dates
June 9-30, July 1-31, August 1-31, 2012

Timetable

If you are looking for more information about Furano Biei Norokko train, please see the post, Furano Biei 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. Please refer the detail about this train at Furano Lavender Express / Koyo Express.
*Summer schedule (July to October) will be released in late May.

Operation dates
Train #1 and #6 — June 30, July 1-31, August 1-12, 2012
Train #3 and #4 — June 9-30, July 1-31, August 1-31, September 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30, 2012
Train #2 and #5 — July 14-29, 2012

Timetable

If you are looking for more information about trains for Furano Lavender 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

Timetable

This train is operated by same type of fleet 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
*This train will be operated in October and early November.

Timetable

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

Limited Express Manpuku Sarobestu

Sarobetsu is a regular limited express train that connects Sapporo with Wakkanai. This train is operated on some days in September by specialized KIHA 183 series North Rainbow Express. Please see the details about this train at Limited Express Sarobetsu and get the details of North Rainbow Express at Furano Lavender Express / Koyo Express.

Operation dates

To Wakkanai – September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2012
To Sapporo – September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2012

Timetable

Hokkaido Destination Campaign trains

JR Hokkaido will carry out “Hokkaido destination to expand their market in this summer. They will operate several old style trains in this period.

Operation dates and timetable

All trains have reserved seat only. Both Marimo and Hokkaido DC overnight trains have two Type B berth cars. You need to pay accommodation fee to use this berth. However, it is very very hard to get a seat on all these above trains, daytime trains as well. Japanese train fans will be crazy about these trains, I guess.

JR East (Tohoku and Kanto area)

Hotels in Hiraizumi, Japan
Hotels in Sendai, Japan

Rapid Sendai Hiraizumi Sekai Isan

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 cars on Aug 21 to 23. 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
July 14-16, August 4, 18-19, 21-23, 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
July 1, 7, 8, 14-16, 21, 22, 28-31, August 1-19, 30, 31, September 1-11, 15-17, 22, 23, 29, 30, 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
July 1-3, 5-10, 19-31, August 1-15, 22-31, September 1-3, 7-10, 21-24, 28-30, 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 and 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
July 1, 7, 8, 14-16, 21, 22, 28-31, August 4, 5, 11-15, 18, 19, 25, 26, September 1, 8, 9, 15-17, 22, 23, 29, 30, 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 September, 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.

Overnight Rapid Moonlight Echigo

This is very popular and hard to get the seat. This train does not have any non reserved seat. This train is operated by old type Limited Express cars. But there is no berth or compartment.

Operation dates
July 20-22, 27-31, August 1-31, September 1, 2, 9 ,10, 2012
Only train to Shinjuku from Niigata is operated on July 26, 2012.

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Ikebuuro, Omiya, Takasaki, Nagaoka, Mitsuke, Higashi-Sanjo, Kamo and Niitsu.

Overnight Rapid Moonlight Shinshu 81

This is very popular and hard to get the seat. This train does not have any non reserved seat. This train is operated by old type Limited Express cars. But there is no berth or compartment.

Operation date
July 13, 14, 19-21, 26-31, August 1-11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, September 7, 14, 15, 21, 28, 2012

Timetable

*There is no train to Shinjuku from Hakuba
This train makes a stop at Tachikawa, Hachioji, Otsuki, Shioyama, Kofu, Kobuchizawa, Chino, Kamisuwa, Shimosuwa, Okaya, Tatsuno, Shiojiri, Matsumoto, Toyoshina, Hodaka, Shinano-Omachi and Kamishiro.

JR Central (Chubu, Tokai and Hokuriku)

Overnight Rapid Moonlight Nagara

This is very popular and hard to get the seat. This train does not have any non reserved seat. This train is operated by old type Limited Express cars. But there is no berth or compartment.

Operation dates
To Ogaki: July 27 – September 1, 2012
To Tokyo: July 28 – September 2, 2012

Timetable

*The train that depart from Ogaki on August 12-15 arrive at Tokyo at 06:43.

If you are looking for more information about Moonlight Nagara, please see the post, Rapid train Moonlight Nagara.

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
July 21, 22, 28, 29, August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 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. The extra departure will be operated in July and August.

Operation dates
Regular departure is Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to Sapporo, and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday to Osaka. And these following dates will be added.
to Sapporo — Everyday from July 1 to August 20, 2012
to Osaka — Everyday from July 1 to August 21, 2012

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

Overnight Limited Express Nihonkai

This train will be operated as a seasonal train after annual timetable revise on March 17, 2012. Only regular berth (type B berth) is available on this seasonal “Nihonkai”. You need to pay some extra anyway by Japan Rail pass.

Operation dates
to Aomori – August 10-12, 16-20, 2012
to Osaka – August 9-11, 15-19, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Tsuruga, Fukui, Kaga-Onsen, Kanazawa, Takaoka, Toyama, Uozu, Itoigawa, Naoetsu, Niitsu, Tsuruoka, Sakata, Ugo-Honjo, Akita, Higashi-Noshiro, Takanosu, Oodate, Owani-Onsen, Hirosaki and Aomori.

Overnight Express Kitaguni

This train will be operated as a seasonal train after annual timetable revise on March 17, 2012. Non reserved seat is no longer available on this seasonal “Kitaguni”. Only Green class and regular berth (type B berth) are available. You need to pay some extra anyway by Japan Rail pass.

Operation dates
To Niigata: August 9-19, 2012
To Osaka: August 10-20, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Tsuruga, Takefu, Fukui, Komatsu, Kanazawa, Takaoka, Toyama, Uozu, Itoigawa, Naoetsu, Kakizaki, Kashiwazaki, Raikoji, Nagaoka, Mitsuke, Higashi-Sanjo, Kamo and Niitsu.

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
June all Saturday, all Sunday
July all Saturday, all Sunday and July 16, 2012
August 1,3,4,10-19,24-26, 2012
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
June all Saturday, all Sunday, July 1, 7, 8, 28, 29, August 1-31, September 1, 2, 8, 9, 15-17, 22, 23, 29, 30, 2012

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Hiro and Takehara too.

Misuzu Shiosai

This train is operated between Shin-Shimonoseki and Takibe/Senzaki on Sannin line. Sannin line of this section is very scenic. You can enjoy watching the coastline of Nihonkai sea. This train makes several stops where you can see the nice view. Please check the images at the following links (JR West official site): Exterior | Interior
*This train may be operated by a regular train until March 16 and June 11-16.

Operation dates and timetable
July 1-18, 20-31, August 1-31, September 1, 2, 8-19, 21-30, 2012

*This train is a local train. The train stops at most of stations.

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. (Japanese site link)

Operation dates
June 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30 2012
July 1,7,8,14-31 2012
August 1-31 2012
September 1,2,8,9,15-17,22,23,29,30 2012

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 December 23 to 25. Departure time at Hakata is 08:41 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
June 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30 2012
July 1,7,8,14-17,19-24,26-31 2012
August Everyday except Wednesday 2012
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
June 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30 2012
July 1,7,8,14-31 2012
August 1-31 2012
September 1,2,8,9,15-17,22,23,29,30 2012

Timetable

This train will be extended to operate from Hakata on July 21, 22, August 25, 26, September 22, 23, 2012.

Hakata 8:41 – Kumamoto 10:36 – Misumi 11:14
Misumi 14:53 – Kumamoto 15:31 – Hakata 17:25

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
July 1, 6-9, 13-17, 19-24, 26-30, August 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-28, 30, 31, September 1-3, 7-10, 14-18, 21-24, 28-30, 2012

Timetable

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