Schedule of 2015 fall seasonal trains of Japan Railways

Setouchi Marine View runs between Hiroshima and Mihara via Kure line along the shore of Setonaikai sea.

Autumn is the best season to travel in Japan. The climate is very mild and fall foliage is amazing. JR will operate many seasonal trains and introduce some new trains.

It is too many to introduce all seasonal trains. So I pick up the trains that run in the popular spots only.

JR Hokkaido (Hokkaido area)

Limited Express Asahiyama Zoo

Limited Express Asahiyama Dobutsuen

This train connects Sapporo with Asahikawa and is operated by Asahiyama Zoo featured train. Asahiyama Zoo is the most popular and the best zoo in Japan. The interior of this train is designed by Dr. Abe, former chief zoo keeper of Asahiyama Zoo. I am sure kids will love it! If you travel with your kids, try to get on this train!

Operation dates
September 5,6,13,19-23,26,27
October 3,4,10-12,17,18,24,25,31
November 1,3

Timetable
Sapporo 08:30 – Asahikawa 10:07
Asahikawa 16:04 – Sapporo 17:46
Train makes a stop at Iwamizawa and Takikawa.

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
September 4-30
October 1-12,17,18,24,25

Timetable

If you are looking for more information about Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train, please see the post, 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, “Crystal Express” that has double deck and compartment. Please refer the detail about this train at Furano Lavender Express / Koyo Express.

Operation dates
September 5,6,12,13,19-23,26,27
October 3,4,10-12

Timetable

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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 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
September 5,6,12,13,19-23,26,27
October 3,4,10-12

Timetable

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

Limited Express Niseko

This train connects Sapporo and Oshamanbe via Otaru and Niseko.

Operation dates
September 5,6,12,13,19-23,26,27
October 3,4,10-12,17,18,24,25,31
November 1,3

Timetable
Sapporo 07:57 – Oshamanbe 12:05
Oshamnabe 15:42 – Sapporo 19:29
Train makes a stop at Teine, Otaruchitsuko, Otaru, Yoichi, Kucchan, Konbu and Kuromatsunai.

Overnight Express Hamanasu

This is not a seasonal train but this train will be suspended on some dates because of Hokkaido Shinkansen inspection, test run and maintenance.

Suspension dates
Hamanasu to Sapporo will not run on the following dates:
December 31
January 1
February 14,21
Hamansu to Aomori will run on all dates until the end of February in 2016. But the schedule of Hamanasu to Aomori will be changed after October 1.

Timetable

JR East (Tohoku and Kanto area)

Overnight Limited Express Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia will still run as seasonal train. But operation dates are a bit different from original one. Please find the date as follows:

Operation dates
To Sapporo :
September 1,4,6,8,11,13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
October 2,4,6,9,11,13,23,25,27,30
November 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27,29
December 1,4,6,8,11,13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29
January (2016) 2,4,6,8,10,12,15,17,19,22,24,26,29,31
Feruary (2016) 2,5,7,9,12,14,16,19,21,23,26,28
To Ueno :
September 2,5,7,9,12,14,16,19,21,23,26,28,30
October 3,5,7,10,12,14,24,26,28,31
November 2,4,7,,9,11,14,16,18,21,23,25,28,30
December 2,5,7,9,12,14,16,19,21,23,26,28,30
January (2016) 3,5,7,9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30
Feruary (2016) 1,3,6,8,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27,29

Timetable
Ueno 16:20 – 11:15 Sapporo
Sapporo 16:12 – 9:25 Ueno

If you need more information about Cassiopeia, please see the post, Overnight express train Cassiopeia, very popular overnight train between Tokyo and Sapporo.

Toreiyu Tsubasa

The first ever Shinkansen cruise train, Toreiyu Tsubsa. (C) James Chuang

This is the first ever Shinkansen train that has foot Onsen bath in the car.

Operation dates
September 5,6,12,13,19-23,26,27
October 3,4,10-12,17,18,24,25,31
November 1,3,7,8,14,15,21-23,28,29

Timetable

You can find more information about this train at the post, Toreiyu Tsubasa. First ever Shinkansen train that has foot bath.

SL Ginga

It is the newest SL train. It connects Hanamaki and Kamaishi. The interior is amazing. It display the world of Kenji Miyazawa who is a poet and author of children’s literature.

Operation dates
For Kamaishi
September 5,12,19,22,26
October 3,10,17,24,31
November 7,14,21,28
For Hanamaki
September 6,13,20,23,27
October 4,12,18,25
November 1,8,15,23,29

Timetable

Oykot

This train is the newest cruising trains of JR East. It runs between Nagano and Tokamachi on Iiyama line. It has old style Japanese housing interior.

Operation dates
September 5,6,13,19-23,26,27
October 3,4,10-12,18,24,25
November 3,7,8,14,15,23,28,29

Timetable

You can transfer to the following train, Koshino Shu*Kura at Tokamachi.

Shu*Kura

Shu*Kura is one of the newest cruising train of JR East. It promote 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 in Niigata prefecture. But route and schedule are not fixed. There are three routes in this fall.

Koshino Shu*Kura
September 4-6,18-23
October 2-4,9-12,23-25,30,31
November 1,3,6-8,20-23,27-29

Yuzawa Shu*Kura
September 11-13
November 13-15

Ryuto Shu*Kura
September 25-27
October 16-18

You can find more information about this train at the post, Enjoy premium Japanese Sake on board. Cruising train Koshino Shu*Kura.

Rapid Holiday Kaisoku Fujisan

This train connects Shinjuku with Lake Kawaguchi or Oyama/Omiya with Lake Kawaguchi directly. You don’t need to transfer the trains at Otsuki. But if you use this train by Japan Rail Pass or JR East Pass, basic fare between Otsuki and Lake Kawaguchi is not covered.

Operation dates
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays until Novmber 30

Timetable

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

*Rapid Holiday Kaisoku Fujisan makes a stop at Mitaka, Tachikawa, Hachioji, Takao, Sagamiko, Uenohara, Shiotsu, Otsuki, Tsurushi, Tsuru-Bunkadaigakumae, Mitsutoge, Fujisan and Fujikyu-Highland.

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.

Rapid SL Banestsu Monogatari

It is operated by steam locomotive and old style passenger’s cars between Niigata and Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Operation dates
By steam locomotive
September 5,6,19-23,26,27
October 3,4,10-12,17,18,24,25,31
November 1,3,7,8,21-23,28,29

Timetable
Niigata 9:30 – Aizu-Wakamatsu 13:32
Aizu Wakamatsu 15:25 – Niigata 19:01
This train makes a stop at Niitsu, Gosen, Sakihana, Mikawa, Tsugawa, Hideya, Nozawa, Yamato, Kitakata and Shiokawa.

If you need more info about this train, please see the post, Popular Steam Locomotive train, SL Banetsu Monogatari.

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
September 4-6,11-13,18-23,25-27
October 2-4,9-12,16-18,22-26,29-31
November 1-3,5-8,13-15,20-23,27-29

Timetable
Sendai 09:13 – 11:00 Naruko Onsen 11:25 – Shinjo 12:28
Shinjo 15:00 – 15:58 Naruko Onsen 16:00 – Sendai 17:39

This train makes a stop at Matsuhima, Kogota, Furukawa, Iwadeyama, Yubikan, Kawatabi-Onsen, Naruko-Gotenyu, Naruko-Onsen, Nakayamadaira-Onsen, Akakura-Onsen, Mogami and Semi-Onsen.

Rapid Resort View Furusato

This train connects Nagano with Minami-Otari via Matsumoto, Shinano-Omachi and Hakuba. It is operated by Hybrid train. You can see some images at JR East Nagano branch site.

Operation dates
September 1-7,11-14,18-27
October 2-5,9-13,16,19,23-26,30
November 2,3,6-9,13-16,20-23,27

Timetable
Nagano 09:04 – 10:29 Matsumoto 10:41 – 10:59 Hodaka 11:26 – 11:47 Shinano Omachi 11:51 – 12:23 Hakuba 12:29 – 12:47 Minami Otari
Minami Otari 15:16 – 15:31 Hakuba 15:37 – 16:13 Shinano Omachi 16:18 – 16:40 Hodaka 16:51 – 17:15 Matsumoto 17:23 – 18:28 Nagano

Rapid Kirakira Uetsu

This train connects Niigata and Sakata or Ugo-Honjo on Uetsu line. You can enjoy local foods and beautiful coast scenery of Sea of Japan. It is operated by specialized train “Kirakira Uetsu”. You can see some images at JR East Niigata branch site.

Operation dates
September 4-6,11-13,18-23,25-27
October 2-4,9,10-12*,16-18,23-25,30,31
November 1,3,6-8,20-23,27-29
On Oct 10-12, train extend to run to Sakikata.

Timetable
Niigata 10:12 – 12:51 Sakata (13:29 Sakikata on Oct 10-12)
(Sakikata 14:06 on Oct 10-12) Sakata 16:11 – Niigata 18:32

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
September 4,11,18,19,25
October 10
November 20,21

Timetable
Shinjuku 23:54 – Hakuba 05:40
*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)

Rapid Nice Holiday Kisoji

This train goes on Chuo line and stop at the station where is near the post towns in Edo period. Any surcharge to take this train is not required. If you want to go to Matsumoto from Nagoya by single ticket, this train gives you the cheapest way to get there.

Operation dates
October 10-12,18,31

Timetable
Nagoya 08:16 – 11:10 Shiojiri
Shiojiri 14:18 – 17:11 Nagoya

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

JR West (Kansai, Hokuriku and Chugoku)

Hanayome Noren

This is new train that will start to run in this fall in Kanazawa. This train takes you to Wakura Onsen in Noto peninsula.

Operation dates
October 3-6,9-13,16-20,23-27,30,31
November 1-3,6-10,13-17,20-24,27-30

Timetable

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.

Operation dates
Himi line (between Takaoka and Himi)
October 10,17,24,31
November 7,14,21,28
December 5,12,19,26
January 9,16,23,30
February 6,13,20,27
Johana line (between Takaoka and Johana)
October 11,18,25
November 1,8,15,22,29
December 6,13,20,21
January 10,17,24,31
February 7,14,21,28

Timetable

Train #4 runs between Himi and Takaoka only. It does not go to Shin-Takaoka.
Train makes stops at Takaoka, Fushiki and Amaharashi.

Train makes stops at Shin-Takaoka, Tonami, Fukuno and Fukumitsu.

Sanyo Shinkansen 500 TYPE EVA

This is one of scheduled Kodama train that is operated by specialized “Neon Genesis Evangelion” wrapping fleet.

Operation dates
November 7-26,28,29
After December schedule TBA

Timetable

This train stops at all stations between Shin-Osaka and Hakata on Sanyo Shinkansen line.

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
Sepember 5,6,12,13,19-23,26,27
October 3,4,10-12,17,18,24,25,31
November 1

Timetable
Shin-Yamaguchi 10:48 – Yuda-Onsen 11:04 – Yamaguchi 11:10 – Tsuwano 12:58
Tsuwano 15:19 – Yamaguchi 16:41 – Yuda-Onsen 16:46 – Shin-Yamaguchi 17:04
This train also makes a stop at Niho, Shinome, Choumonkyo, Jifuku, Nabekura and Tokusa.

Rapid Setouchi Marine View

This train was operated between Hiroshima and Mihara via Kure line. 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
All weekend and holidays until Nov 30

Timetable
Hiroshima 10:06 – Kure 10:52 – Mihara 12:27
Mihara 13:25 – 14:59 Kure 15:19 – Hiroshima 16:07
This train also makes a stop at Hiro, Awa-Kawajiri, Yasuura, Akitsu, Takehara and Tadanoumi.

JR Shikoku (Shiokoku)

Shiman Torokko train

This train is operated along Shimanto river by open air car. This open air car has just renovated by most popular train designer, Eiji Mitooka.

Operation dates
September 5,6,12,13,19-23,26,27
October 3*,4,10-12,17,18,24,25,31
November 1,3,7,8,14,15,21-23,28,29
Only trip to Uwajima run on Oct 3.

Timetable
Uwajima 10:29 – Kubokawa 13:16
Kubokawa 14:14 – Uwajima 16:46
*All seats are reserved seats. Reservation required to take this train. Non JR pass travellers must pay 510 yen for reserved seat beside base fare ticket.

JR Kyushu (Kyushu)

Limited Express Yufuin-no-Mori

It is very popular train that connect Hakata and Yufuin. One round trip of this train goes to Beppu. Please see the post, Very popular train to Yufuin from Hakata and Oita. Limited Express Yufuin no Mori / Yufu to get the details.

Operation dates and timetable
This train runs everyday. But it is operated by ordinary express train fleets as “Limited Express Yufu” on the specific dates. In this case, train’s interior is quite different. It is okay but it’s common fleet and you may be disappointed. If you do not want to have common fleets, please avoid to take this train on the day in “Remarks” below.

This train makes a stop at Shin-Suizenji, Suizenji, Higo-Otsu and Akamizu too.

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. Please see the post, Access to Mt. Aso from Kumamoto. Kids friendly train, Limited Express Aso Boy! to get the details about this train.

Operation dates
Sep 5,6,12,13,18-28
Oct 1-7,9-12,16-18,23-25,30,31
Nov 1-3,6-8,13-15,20-23,28,29
Dec 5,6,12,13,19-31
Jan 1-3,9-11,16,17,23,24,30,31 (in 2016)
Feb 6-14,20,21,27,28 (in 2016)

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Shin-Suizenji, Suizenji, Higo-Otsu and Akamizu too.

Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi

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

Operation dates
Sep 5,6,12,13,19-23,26,27
Oct 3,4,10-12,17,18,24,25,31
Nov 1-3,7,8,14,15,21-23,28,29
Dec 5,6,12,13,19-31
Jan 1-3,9-11,16,17,23,24,30,31 (in 2016)
Feb 6,7,11,13-14,20,21,27,28 (in 2016)

Timetable

Rapid SL Hitoyoshi

This train is connects Kumamoto with Hitoyoshi by steam locomotive and specialized passenger’s cars.

Operation dates
Sep 1,5-7,11-14,18-23,25-28
Oct 2-7,9-13,16-19,23-26,30,31
Nov 1-4,6-9,13-16,20-23

Timetable

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.

Operation dates
Sep 4*,5,6,7*,11*,12,13,14*,18*,19-23,24*,25*,26,27,28*
Oct 1*,2*,3,4,5*,6*,7*,9*,10-12,13*,16*,17,18,19*,23*,24,25,26*,30*,31
Nov 1,2*,3,4*,6*,7,8,9*,13*,14,15,16*,20*,21-23,24*28,29
Dec 5,6,12,13,19,20,21*,22*,23,24*,25*,26-31
Jan 1-3,9-11,16,17,23,24,30,31 (in 2016)
Feb 6,7,8*,9*,10*, 11,12*,13,14,20,21,27,28 (in 2016)
Dates have *mark has only two round trips, #1,#2,#5 and #6.

Timetable