Japanese train sets used for charters, special events and tourist excursions
Joyful Train (ジョイフルトレイン, joifuru torein) is the name given to railway rolling stock or train sets operated by the JR Group in Japan primarily for charters, special events, tourist excursions, and other similar purposes.[1] Traditionally, this term is only used for chartered trains dedicated to large group travel, but in recent years, it has expanded to include sightseeing trains and tourist trains as well, often called notte tanoshii ressha (のってたのしい列車, lit.'fun-to-ride train') in Japanese, and their distinctions are made ambiguous. This page includes all trains considered "Joyful trains" and "Sightseeing trains".
The "Joyful Train" concept can be traced back to 1960, when a 1935-vintage SuHaShi 29 dining car was converted into a Japanese-style o-zashiki train with tatami flooring and shoji paper screens on the windows. This could be coupled to regular service trains for use by charter parties. A second car was similarly modified in April 1961.
[2]
The first train to directly be called "Joyful Train" was the Salon Express Tokyo, a European styled train. The term has since been applied in retrospect to all trains produced before then that fits the descriptions. Many conversions of trains were done due to surplus rolling stock after the abolishment of certain express lines, and purpose-built Joyful Trains are rare. All cars on a Joyful Train are considered Green Cars.
Since the bursting of Japan's Bubble Economy, small group travel using buses have become more mainstream, and opportunities to use group trains have decreased, and so have been the demand of European style salon trains. Some JR companies such as JR Kyushu has at once completely abolished chartered trains in order to save costs, and European-styled Salon Trains disappeared from JR Central's rolling stock after the retirement of the Euroliner in 2004.
On the other hand, this shift has led JR companies to target individual travellers directly with sightseeing trains, in an attempt to increase regional development. The first JR-operated train to be referred to as a 'tourist train' was the Nostalgic View Train, launched by JR East in 1990. Unlike previous Group trains, the Nostalgic View Train exclusively operated on the Gono Line as a primarily sightseeing-oriented service. Due to the popularity of the train, it was later supplanted and replaced by the Resort Shirakami which continue to operate today, and other JR East lines followed suit with Kirakira Uetsu on the Uetsu Line (later replaced by the Kairi) and Kirakira Michinoku in the Nanbu area of Aomori. Onboard such tourist-oriented trains, one can enjoy local products, famous sake, or other activities. Sometimes, JR companies has not used the term "Joyful Train" to refer to tourist trains, but since tourist trains are often operated as group trains as well, railway hobby magazines often use both terms, if not use them interchangeably.
Originally ran by a KiHa 54 series train. Currently runs using two of the aforementioned Hokkaido no Megumi trainsets, being Dohoku Ryuhyo no Megumi and Doto Mori no Megumi.
Formerly a Limited Express Service and a tourist train, the Cassiopeia trainset has been running as a group charter train since 2016. Its role as a Limited Express service was replaced by the Hokkaido Shinkansen, and its role as a cruise train was replaced by the Train Suite Shikishima. Will end in June 2025.
The Banetsu Monogatari trainset hauled by D51 498, April 2011
Sightseeing trains are operated on each line of JR Shikoku. All of these trains are operated by DMUs, and there are no trains operated by electric trains. This is because most of the lines within JR Shikoku's jurisdiction are non-electrified.
JR Kyushu officially does not operate any Joyful Trains in the traditional definition. However, the following sightseeing trainsets that they operate are classified as "D&S Trains" (Design and Story trains), as according to JR Kyushu, each train has a design and a story based on the region that they operate in. In addition, the Trans-Kyushu Limited Express is classified as a D&S Train as well despite not appearing on this list. Most D&S Trains are converted from regular rolling stock into sightseeing expresses, and are designed by Eiji Mitooka. The Kampachi Ichiroku was designed by IFOO Corporation instead. However, it is important to note that the Seven Stars in Kyushu is not classified as a D&S train, but a "Luxury Sleeper train".
36 represents Kyushu (the 36th largest island in the world) and the 3 represents surprise, excitement, and happiness. In addition, "39" is pronounced like "Thank You" in Japanese.[9]
[11] KiHa 140 series car converted from former Hayato no Kaze car in March 2012.[12] When the door opens, white smoke resembling that from a Tamatebako are dispensed from the top of the door.
Karaokes and Mahjong tables were installed in the two cars, KiHa 28-2006 and KiHa 28-2114.
Rakuda
らくだ
KiHa 58 Series
2
Seating
1983 (initial introduction)
1987
KiHa 58 series
Kagoshima
Three sets in total, all introduced between 1983 and 1986. All have kareoke machines. Retired due to the Privatisation of JNR and two of the three were converted into Yutopia (of JR Kyushu) and Kichishiroku.
KiHa 182-6001 was scrapped in 2015 while the remaining cars operated in a 2 car set. They were repainted into regular JR Hokkaido Limited Express color scheme and the "Kutsurogi" nameplate was dropped. The set was scrapped in 2022.
A 4-car 201 series set (W1) was modified in 2001 by JR East to become the special Shikisai (四季彩) tourist train, entering service on the Ōme Line from 4 August 2001. This train featured panorama windows and transverse seating bays on one side of the train only. It was repainted into a new livery in June 2005. The train was withdrawn from regular service at the end of June 2009, with a number of special finale runs scheduled for July.
Formerly Resort Shirakami "Buna" (Replaced by HB-E300). Exclusively operated between Akita and Akita Port for passengers of cruise ships calling there. In 2020, the train was replaced by non-dedicated GV-E400 series trains.
Formerly 2 cars, central car added in 1985. Destroyed by fire in 1988. End cars repaired and used as spectator transport for 1992's Sanriku Expo, then rebuilt as Kenji.
Replaced by Edo. Handed down to JR East by JNR, which operated the train as Ozashiki Shinagawa due to its location in Shinagawa. It was often nicknamed Shinaza by travellers. After its transfer to Mito due to Edo taking its spot in Shinagawa, it was often nicknamed as Mitoza following the example of Shinaza.
Was the Japanese-style trainset of the Niigata Bureau of the JNR. The Salon Sado, an European style car, was added to it in 1985. In 1999, Oro14-782, another European styled car, was added from the former Salon Express Tokyo. Oro12-704 was scrapped in 2001 when the train were relabeled as Ordinary Cars, and the train itself was withdrawn and scrapped in 2002.
Converted to become Yutori trainset. Oro14-702 was removed from the trainset during conversion and incorporated into the Ozashiki train of the Niigata bureau.
Traveled around Japan in an attempt to foster American-Japan friendship. It stopped at stations around Japan and didn't take passengers, as its main intention was to be a mobile exhibition centre for American culture. Was also sent to Okinawa.
Sold to Watarase Railway, becoming "Salon de Watarase". Watarase Railway used the train as a 3 car set (the other 3 cars were used as parts cars), taking both end cars and Oro12-853 and ran it as their own Joyful Train before scrapping it in 2009.
The cars remained in regular 12 Series paint scheme, unlike other Joyful Train sets. It's the second time the name Ikoi has been used for a named train in Japan, as it was used before by JNR.
Was in standard JNR 20 Series colours until 1990, when it was repainted to white and grey with a purple body stripe. Later used to run Asakaze and Genkai service before scrapping.
Extensively refurbished in September 1994 for the Asian Games held that year in Hiroshima. Changes include new panorama end cars, repainting and reordering of the cars, and the removal of individually named carriages. [22]
KiRo 186 4 + KiRo 186 8 + KiHa 185 11 + KiHa 185 12. KiRo 186 4 was converted to Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari car in January 2017. Ceased operations in March 2020 but officially withdrawn in March 2021 following the conversion of KiRo 186 8 into Iyonada Monogatari car. KiHa 185 11 and KiHa 185 12 retain their decals and resumed operation as regular trains.
Replaced by a KiHa 185 based train with the same name.
Tabidachi
旅立ち
KiHa 58 Series
4
Seating
1988
?
KiHa 58 series
Takamatsu
Modified to accommodate group excursions over the Great Seto Bridge.
Rainbow
レインボー
KiHa 58 Series
4
Seating
1988
?
KiHa 58 series
Takamatsu
Painted in JR Shikoku corporate colours. Equipped with a train radio compatible to lines in Honshu, as it was planned for the train to be able to operate there in group operations.
Cycle Train
サイクル列車
KiHa 58 Series
1
Seating
July 1999
August 1999
KiHa 58 series
Takamatsu
The entirety of KiHa 58-770 was repurposed to hold bikes. Bike racks replaced seats as bike decals were painted onto the sides. Passengers rode in an attached KiHa 32 series car.
KiHa 140 2125 was the initial car, and was also used as a spare car for Kawasemi Yamasemi before being converted to become a car for Two Stars 4047, relabeled as Kishi 140-4047. KiHa 47 9089 added in October 2004. KiHa 47 8159 was added in 2009. Except KiHa 140 2125, rest converted to become Kampachi / Ichiroku.
Kusenbou
九千坊
KiHa 31
1
Tatami
March 1996 (as Isaburo / Shinpei), 2004 (as Kusenbou)
April 2009
KiHa 31 series
Kumamoto
Original Isaburo / Shinpei before being replaced by a KiHa 47 series based train in 2004. Replaced by SL Hitoyoshi in 2009.
Kiha 58 190 has a tatami interior, while Kiha 28 2487's interior is half seating, half tatami. Converted from a Rakuda set, and it was later known as Joyful Train Oita before being combined into the Shiranui.
Yutopia
ゆ〜とぴあ
KiHa 58
2
Mixed
1987
1993
KiHa 28/58
Oita
Frontmost passenger doors were removed, with large windows in its place. Converted from a Rakuda set, it was later combined into the Shiranui.
Shiranui
しらぬい
KiHa 58
2
Tatami
1993
1994
KiHa 28/58
Oita
Combined from Kiha 58 190 of Joyful Train Oita and Kiha 28 2436 of Yutopia, the Shiranui was intended to be an updated version of the Japanese-style tatami car. However, with JR Kyushu withdrawing group charter trains just 10 months later, the Shiranui was withdrawn and scrapped.
Sound Express Hinokuni
サウンドエクスプレスひのくに
KiHa 58 & KiHa 65
4->2
Seating
1986
1994
KiHa 58 & KiHa 65
Kumamoto
'Sound Express' nickname came from the karaoke machine installed. Equipped with reclining seats. Kiha 65 61 and Kiha 58 700 were taken out of the train in 1992 for use on Huis Ten Bosch services, and the other two cars continued in service until 1994, when they were reconverted into standard Local trains.
BUNBUN
BUNBUN
KiHa 58
2
Tatami
1987
1994
KiHa 58
Kumamoto
The train's name, BUNBUN, was painted across the front end. Withdrawn and scrapped in 1994 due to JR Kyushu abolishing group charter trains.
Joyful Train Nagasaki
ジョイフルトレイン長崎
KiHa 58 & 65
2
Seating
1988
1994
KiHa 58 & 65
Nagasaki -> Kumamoto
Renamed to Joyful Train Kumamoto when the train was transferred there in 1992. Withdrawn and scrapped in 1994 due to JR Kyushu abolishing group charter trains.
Saloon Express
サルーンエクスプレス
KiHa 58 & 65
2
Seating
1988
1994
KiHa 58 & 65
Kumamoto
Withdrawn and scrapped in 1994 due to JR Kyushu abolishing group charter trains.
Fureai GO
ふれあいGO
KiHa 58 & 65
2
Seating
1988
1994
KiHa 58 & 65
Kitakyushu
Withdrawn and scrapped in 1994 due to JR Kyushu abolishing group charter trains.
Aso 1962, December 2006
Hayato no Kaze, July 2009
Holland Village Express KiHa 183-1000 series in 1990
Siebold KiHa 183-1000 series in 2000
Toro-Q set led by KiHa 65 36 in July 2008
Yufu DX in September 2009
Kawasemi Yamasemi
Isaburo / Shinpei
Kawasemi Yamasemi (front) and Isaburo / Shinpei (rear) coupled together in 2020
Yufuin no Mori II KiHa 183-1000 series in July 1998
The train is nicknamed SL Hitoyoshi due to the engine's former static preservation location in Hitoyoshi. The steam engine used for the SL Aso Boy service broke down in August 2005, necessitating repairs and was eventually replaced by a JNR DE10 series diesel locomotive for the rest of the year as the DL Aso Boy, and later, the SL Aso Boy was entirely replaced by Aso 1962 and the current Aso Boy service. Out of service due to repairs until 2009, the train was brought back into service as the SL Hitoyoshi.
In 2009, the SL Hitoyoshi name is made official. Ran as SL Kimetsu no Yaiba in 2020 as collaboration with the movie. Due to the age of the locomotive, JR Kyushu withdrew the SL Hitoyoshi from service in March 23, 2024 and its locomotive, JNR 58654, was placed on static display in front of JR Hitoyoshi Station.
^"黒い787「36ぷらす3」2020年 秋 運行開始!"(PDF) (Press release) (in Japanese). Kyushu Railway Company. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
^ abcde JR東日本 485系改造車"リゾートやまどり" [JR East converted 485 series "Resort Yamadori"]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine. Vol. 40, no. 327. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. July 2011. p. 70.
^ JR九州 キハ47形改造車 "指宿のたまて箱" [JR Kyushu converted KiHa 47 Ibusuki no Tamatebako]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine. Vol. 40, no. 324. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. April 2011. pp. 80–81.
^ abキハ140 2066が「指宿のたまて箱」仕様になって出場 [KiHa 140 2066 outshopped as Ibusuki no Tamatebako car]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 20 March 2012. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
^ 「或る列車」としてデビュー! キロシ47形 [KiRoShi 47 series debuts as "Aru Ressha"]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 55, no. 654. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. October 2015. pp. 66–68.
^JR九州:豪華列車「ななつ星」 来年10月から運行 [JR Kyushu deluxe train Seven Stars in service from October 2013]. Mainichi jp (in Japanese). Japan: The Mainichi Newspapers. 28 May 2012. Archived from the original on 1 July 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
^ ab 485系ジョイフルトレイン「ジパング」 [485 series Zipangu Joyful Train]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 52, no. 614. Japan: Kōyūsha Co., Ltd. June 2012. p. 90.
^JR東 "ふるさと"廃車回送 [JR East "Furusato" sent for scrapping]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. 7 September 2016. Archived from the original on 7 September 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
^ 車両のうごき2011-2012 [Rolling Changes 2011-2012]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 52, no. 615. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. July 2012. pp. 88–89.
^"SL銀河"が営業運転を開始 ["SL Ginga" enters revenue service]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
^JR東海「Train117」の運用終了 [JR Central "Train117" withdrawn from service]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 22 July 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
^消えた車輌写真館 [Disappeared Rolling Stock Photo Gallery]. Tetsudo Hobidas (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 26 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.