Summary of 2018 summer seasonal trains of JR trains

Specialized fleet of HIGH RAIL 1375(C) D-s-yama [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons

Summer is very hot and humid in Japan. It is not the best season to travel. However summer is very busy travel season. In Japan, most public schools have summer break from July 20 to August 31. This period is busier than usual. Especially mid August is called “Obon”. This is one of the busiest season. Many of Japanese go back to hometown and spend the time with families. It is Japanese tradition. Many of trains are booked out very quickly. Please see the link below to learn more:

2018 busiest period to travel by train. Tips to book your seat in even busy period

All JR companies add lots of seasonal trains during all summer season. In this post, I show you many seasonal trains that will run in major tourist spots until the end of September.

*Fall seasonal train schedule (October and November) will come up in late August. But you can find many of JR East train schedules until September, 2018. You also can find JR Kyushu train schedules until February, 2019.

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.

Operation dates

Two round trips will run on the following dates:
Jun 2-4,8-30
Jul 1-31
Aug 1-31
Sep 1-3, 7-24

Only train #1 and #2 will run on the following dates:
Sep 25-30

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

Two round trips will run on the following dates:
Jun 30
Jul 1-31
Aug 1-5

Only #3 and #4 will run on the following dates:
Aug 5-19,25,26
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24

Timetable

*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 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.
*Summer schedule (July to October) will be released in late May.

Operation dates
Jun 9,10,16,17,23-30
Jul 1-31
Aug 1-19,25,26
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24

Timetable

*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.

Rapid Furano Biei

This rapid train is operated by limited express fleet.

Operation dates
Jun 30
Jul 1-31
Aug 1-12

Timetable

*This train stop at Biei, Bibaushi, Kamifurano, Lavender Farm, and Nakafurano.

JR East (Tohoku and Kanto area)

Genbi Shinkansen

Genbi Shinkansen that runs between Echigo-Yuzawa and Niigata is called the world fastest art gallery.

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
Jun 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30
Jul 1,7,8,14-16,21,22,28,29
Aug 4,5,18,19,25,26
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24,29,30

Timetable

All trains stops at all stations between Echigo-yuzawa and Niigata.

You can find more information about this train at the post, The world fastest art gallery, Genbi Shinkansen.

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
Jun 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30
Jul 1,7,8,14,16,21,22,28,29
Aug 4,5,25
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24,29,30

Timetable

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

Izu Craile

Renovated exterior looks very lovely.

This is another JR East’s new train. It runs between Odawara and Izu. All seats are Green reserved seat.

Operation dates
Jun 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30
Jul 1,7,8,14-16,21,22,28,29
Aug 4,5,11,12,18,19,25,26
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24,29,30

Timetable
Odawara 11:40 – 14:08 Izukyu-Shimoda
Izukyu-Shimoda 15:20 – 17:12 Odawara

You can find more information about this train at the post, Cruising train Izu Creile offers you very comfortable train experience to Izu peninsula from Odawara.

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. It runs two locations in Tohoku region.

POKÉMON Train Ichinoseki
Jul 1,7,8,14-16,21,22
Aug 1-19,25,26
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24,29,30

POKÉMON Train Miyako
Jul 27-30

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. There are three routes in this spring.

Koshino Shu*Kura
Jun 1-3,8-10,29,30
Jul 1,13-16,27-29
Aug 4,5,24-26,31
Sep 1,2,21-24

Yuzawa Shu*Kura
Jun 22-24
Jul 6-8
Aug 17-19
Sep 7-9,14-17

Ryuto Shu*Kura
Jun 15-17
Jul 20-22
Aug 10-12
Sep 28,29

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

Oykot

This train runs between Nagano and Tokamachi on Iiyama line. It has old style Japanese housing interior.

Operation dates
Jun 2,3,9,10,23,24,30
Jul 1,7,8,14-16,22,28,29
Aug 4,5,11,12,19,25,26
Sep 1,8,9,16,17,22-24,29

Timetable

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

Narita Express #8 and #41

E259 series is the fleet for Narita Express.

Narita Express runs Narita airport and downtown Tokyo or Yokohama, Ofuna. One round trip of Narita Express extend to run to Kawaguchiko via Shinjuku. You can get Lake Kawaguchi area from/to Narita airport directly by this train. But if you use this train by Japan Rail Pass or JR East Pass, the basic fare and limited express train seat fee between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko is not covered. Tokyo Wide Pass covers base fare fully but limited express train seat fee between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko is required. The seat fee is 400 yen for Ordinary class and 1,000 yen for Green class.

Operation dates
All Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

Timetable

*Narita Express makes a stop at Shibuya, Tachikawa, Hachioji, Otsuki, Tsuru-Bunkadaigakumae, Fujisan and Fujikyu-Highland.

Rapid Holiday Kaisoku Fujisan

This train connects Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) directly. Transfer at Otsuki station is not required. But if you use this train by Japan Rail Pass or JR East Pass, the basic fare between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko is not covered.

Operation dates
All Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

Timetable

*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

HB-E300 Buna train set is the newest fleets for 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 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
Jun 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30
Jul 1,7,8,14-16,21,22,28,29
Aug 4,5,11,12,14-19,24-26
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24,29,30

Timetable
Sendai 09:13 – 11:00 Naruko Onsen 11:23 – Shinjo 12:26
Shinjo 15:01 – 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
Jun 1-3,8-10,15-17,22-24,29,30
Jul 1,2,6-9,14-16,20-31
Aug 1-14,16-23,25-31
Sep 1-3,7-10,14-17,21-24,29,30

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

Rapid train, Kira Kira Uetsu runs between Niigata and Sakata on Uetsu line along the coast.

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
Jun 1-3,8-10,15-17,22-24,29,30
Jul 1,6-8,13*,14*,15*,16*,20-22,27-30
Aug 1-6,8-20,22-26,31
Sep 1,2,7-9,14*,15*,16*,17*,21-24,28-30

Timetable
Niigata 10:11 – 12:51 Sakata
Sakata 16:10 – Niigata 18:31
Arrival time at Sakata is 13:14 on Jul 27 to 30, Aug 1 to 6 and 8 to 9.

The following schedule is applied to the train that runs on the *mark dates. This train extends to run to Akita.
Niigata 09:32 – 13:47 Akita
Akita 14:07 – Niigata 18:31

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
Jun 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30
Jul 1,6-8,13-16,20-23,27-30
Aug 2-7,9-14,16-21,23-28,30,31
Sep 1,2,7-9,14-17,21-24,28-30

Timetable

Rapid SL Banestsu Monogatari

Steam locomotive was breakdown. This train will be operation by diesel locomotive until further notice.

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

Operation dates
Jun 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24
Jul 7,8,14,15,21,22,28,29
Aug 4,5,11,12,18,19,25,26
Sep 1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30

Timetable
Niigata 09:30 – Aizu-Wakamatsu 13:35
Aizu Wakamatsu 15:25 – Niigata 19:06
This train makes a stop at Niitsu, Gosen, Sakihana, Mikawa, Tsugawa, Hideya, Nozawa, Yamato, Kitakata and Shiokawa.
*Diesel locomotive train depart later and arrive earlier.

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

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
Jun 2,9,16,23,30
Jul 7,14,21,28
Aug 1,4,8,11,18,25
Sep 1,8,15,22,29
For Hanamaki
Jun 3,10,17,24
Jul 1,8,16,22,29
Aug 2,5,9,12,19,25
Sep 2,9,17,23,30

Timetable

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
Jul 13,14,20,21
Aug 3,4,10,17,18
Sep 14,15,21,22

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)

Overnight Rapid Moonlight Nagara

Seasonal overnight train Moonlight Nagara is operated by this 185 series.

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

Operation dates
To Ogaki
Jul 27-31
Aug 1-18
To Tokyo
Jul 28-31
Aug 1-19

Timetable

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

Hotels in Kobe
Hotels in Kyoto
Hotels in Osaka

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
Jul 13-17,20-24,27-31
Aug 3-6,10-14,17-21,24-28,31
Sep 1,2,7-9,14-17,21-24,28-30

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)
Jun 3,10,17,24
Jul 1,8,15,22,29
Aug 5,12,19,26
Sep 2,9,16,23,30
Johana line (between Takaoka and Johana)
Jun 2,9,16,23,30
Jul 7,14,21,28
Aug 4,11,18,25
Sep 1,8,15,22,29

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.

Hello Kitty Shinkansen

This is one of scheduled Kodama train that is operated by specialized “Hello Kitty” wrapping fleet.
This train will be introduced in the end of June.

Operation dates
Jun 30
Jul 1-17,21-31
Aug 1-7,11-31
Sep 1,2,6-25,29,30

Timetable

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

Rapid Setouchi Marine View

The exterior of Setouchi Marine View

This train is suspended until further notice due to Kure line closure by heave rain storm.

This train runs 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
And this train runs on weekdays from Aug 1 to 24 too.

Timetable
Hiroshima 10:02 – 10:52 Kure 10:53 – Mihara 12:26
Mihara 14:25 – 16:11 Kure 16:12 – Hiroshima 17:04
In weekdays, train from Mihara to Hiroshima run in the following schedule:
Mihara 14:25 – 16:35 Kure 16:36 – Hiroshima 17:22

This train makes a stop at Aki-Kawajiri, Yasuura, Akizu, Tadaumi, Hiro and Takehara too.

OO (maru maru) no Hanashi

This is the newest train by JR West. This train runs along the coast of Sea of Japan. Please check the images at the following link:
JR West official site

Operation dates
Weekend and holidays until the end of February, 2019 except December 29,30 and January 1.

Timetable
Shin-Shimonoseki 09:59 – 10:08 Shimonoseki 10:21 – 12:18 Nagatoshi 12:22 – 12:57 Higashi-Hagi
Higashi-Hagi 14:13 – 15:31 Nagatoshi 15:33 – 17:39 Shimonoseki 17:43 – 17:50 Shin-Shimonoseki
This train makes a stop at Kawatana-Onsen, Kogushi, Takibe, Kottoi, Hitomaru, Hagi and Senzaki (to Shin-Shimonoseki only).

SL Yamaguchi

SL Yamaguchi is one of most popular train by steam locomotive. (C) soryofu / JNTO

Due to Sanyo line closure by heavy rain storm, steam locomotive cannot be sent to Yamaguchi line from the base. This train is suspended until further notice.

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
Jun 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30
Jul 1,7,8,14-16,21,22,28,29
Aug 1,4,5,11-15,18,19,25,26
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24,29,30
Oct 6-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,24,25
Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-24

Timetable
Shin-Yamaguchi 10:50 – Tsuwano 12:59
Tsuwano 15:45 – Shin-Yamaguchi 17:30
This train makes a stop at Yuda-Onsen, Yamaguchi, Niho, Shinome, Choumonkyo, Jifuku, Nabekura and Tokusa.

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
Jul 14-16,21-31
Aug 1-31
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-24,29,30

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 travelers must pay 510 yen for reserved seat.

JR Kyushu (Kyushu)

Limited Express Yufuin-no-Mori

The newer fleet KIHA 72 series is used for two round trips of Yufuin no Mori. As of July, 2015, one more car was added to this train set. Not it is five cars formation.

It is very popular train that connect Hakata and Yufuin. Currently Kyudai line near Yufuin is damaged and this segment is closed. Yufuin no Mori will run but it will be different route and different timetable until July 13. Kyudai line will be opened on July 14. It will be back to normal on this date.

The timetable and route of Yufuin no Mori are completely different before July 13 and after July 14.

Timetable and route until July 13

*Yufuin no Mori #91 and #92 run everyday but #93 and #94 will run on the following dates only:
Mar 17-20, 22-27,29-31
Apr 1-3,5-9,13-16,2-22,28-30
Mar 1-7

strong>Timetable and route until July 13

Limited Express Aso Boy!

This train suppose to run between Mt. Aso and Kumamoto by the train that have the panoramic windows at the both end. But due to massive earthquake in last year, this segment is still closed. This train will run between Hakata and Mojiko.

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
Jun 1-3,8-10,16-20,22-24,29,30
Jul 1,2,6-8,14-16,20-22,27-29
Aug 3-5,10-19,24-26,31
Sep 1,2,8,9,14-17,21-30
Oct 1-8,12-14,19-21,26-28
Nov 2-4,9-11,16-18,23-25,30
Dec 1,2,8,9,14-16,21-31
In 2019
Jan 1-6,11-14,18-20,25-27
Feb 1-17,22-24

Timetable

This train makes a stop at Nakahanda, Miemachi, Ogata, Bungo-Takeda, Bugoogi and Miyaji too.

Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi

Limited Express train Umisachi-Yamasachi runs southern Kyushu along Nichina coast.

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

Operation dates
Jun 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30
Jul 1,7,8,14-17,19-24,26-31
Aug 2-7,9-14,16-21,23-28,30,31
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-25,27-30
Oct 6-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,23-25
Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-24,28-31
In 2019
Jan 1-6,12-14,19,20,26,27
Feb 2-5,7-12,14-17,23,24

Timetable

This train makes stops at Tayoshi, Kodomo no Kuni amd Nichinan too.

SL Hitoyoshi

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

Operation dates
Jun 2,3,9,10,16-20,23,24,30
Jul 1,2,7,8,14-17,20-24,27-31
Aug 2-7,10-15,18-21,24-28,31
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,21-26,29,30
Oct 1,2,4-8,12-14,19-21,26-28
Nov 3,4

Timetable

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

Ltd Exp A Train runs between Kumamoto and Misumi is not covered by Northern area pass. (C) Jonathan Ayre

This train connects Kumamoto with Misumi. Misumi is the gateway station for Amakusa. JR Kyushu add one more trip after March 16.

Operation dates
Jun 2,3,9,10,16-20,23,24,30
Jul 1,2,7,8,14-16,19-31
Aug 1-29
Sep 1,2,8,9,15-17,22-26,29,30
Oct 1-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,23-25
Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-31
In 2019
Jan 1-6

Only two round trips, #1,#2,#5 and #6 will run on the following dates:
Mar 19,20,22,23,26-30
Jun 18-20
Jul 2,19,20,23-27,30,31
Aug 1-3,6-9,16,17,20-24,27-29
Dec 25-27
In 2019
Jan 4

Timetable

Limited Express Hayato no Kaze

Hayato no Kaze (C) JP Rail

This train runs between Kagoshima-Chuo and Yoshimatsu. It currently runs as the scheduled train and it runs everyday. However after March 17, this train will runs as the seasonal train. Please see the details at Limited Express Hayato no Kaze.

Operation dates
Jun 2,3,9,10,16-20,23,24,30
Jul 1,2,7,8,14-24,27-31
Aug 1-31
Sep 1-3,7-10,14-17,21-25,27-30
Oct 1-8,13,14,20,21,27,28
Nov 3,4,10,11,17,18,23-25
Dec 1,2,8,9,15,16,22-25,27-31
In 2019
Jan 1-6,12-14,19,20,26,27
Feb 1-17,23,24

Timetable

This train makes stops at Kurino, Osumi-Yokogawa, Hayato and Kagoshima too.