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Ōigawa Railway will begin operating Ex–Japan National Railways Class 12 passenger carriages, transferred from West Japan Railway Company (JR West), starting Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Since March 2025, our railway has been running electric locomotives painted in the classic “Blue Train” livery. The Class 12 carriages, paired with the “Blue Train” livery electric locomotive, will revive the nostalgic long-distance passenger trains of Japan—now brought back to life along the Ōigawa Main line.
As autumn deepens, we warmly invite you to experience the new face of Ōigawa Railway—the Class 12 passenger cars.

Overview of the Class 12

The Class 12 passenger coaches were introduced by the former Japanese National Railways (JNR) between 1969 and 1978, with a total of 603 vehicles built. They represented the last generation of express‑type loco‑hauled coaches in Japan, designed to modernise passenger rolling stock at a time when many pre‑war carriages were still in service.

Origins and Purpose

The Class 12 coaches were developed to meet the transport demand spike of the 1970 Osaka Expo, and to provide flexible stock for seasonal and group trains. Unlike electric or diesel multiple units, coaches could be stored during quieter periods and hauled by locomotives that were otherwise under‑utilised outside peak freight seasons.

Design Innovations

These coaches featured bright interiors with laminated panels, automatic folding doors, and improved seating, marking a significant step forward in passenger comfort. Their design influenced later rolling stock, including the KiHa 65 diesel multiple units.

Operational Role

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Class 12 coaches were widely used on express services across Japan, replacing ageing stock such as the SuHa 32 and OHa 35 series coaches. They became a familiar sight on loco‑hauled express trains, though they were distinct from the famous “Blue Train” sleeping cars, as the Class 12 were strictly standard‑class day coaches.

Later Years and Variants

In the late JNR era and after privatisation, many Class 12 coaches were rebuilt into “Joyful Trains”—special excursion sets with themed interiors, panoramic windows, or distinctive liveries. These conversions extended their service lives and gave them a new role in leisure travel.

Future Operations on the Oigawa Main Line

From 17 November 2025 onwards, our tourist train services will operate using a combination of Class 12 passenger coaches and older‑style coaches, with the specific formation varying by day.
The locomotives rostered will also differ depending on the schedule.

Please refer to the operational calendar (Ōigawa Railway Schedule) to check which trains are rostered to run with the Class 12 coaches. Trains formed of Class 12 coaches can be identified by the notation “12系”.

Get ready to step back in time as Oigawa Railway proudly presents our Limited Themed Train – the “Blue Train Express.”
From June 7th to October 5th, 2025, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays, our ED31 4 electric locomotive will lead these special express trains, donning the iconic “Blue Train” livery.

The “Blue Train” holds a cherished place in Japan’s railway history and in the hearts of rail enthusiasts. These “night specials” once symbolized the vital connection between Japan’s rural communities and its bustling capital. Travel on our “Blue Train Express” to glimpse the rich lore of Japanese railways from the 1970s, all while immersing yourself in the serene countryside scenery of the Oigawa River Basin.

Highlights of Your Journey:

Tickets and Seating:

To travel on our “Blue Train Express,” an additional express charge is required:
・Adults: 1,500 JPY per train
・Children: 750 JPY per train

This charge is in addition to the standard base travel fare. Please note that there are no seat assignments on these services.

Please purchase relevant tickets at station ticket offices or from the train conductor on your day of travel.

Consist

← Senzu　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Kanaya →
[ED31 4]-[C Arriage]-[C Arriage]-[Electric Loco]

※ The consist may be altered without prior notice.

On-Board Services:

“Blue Trains” in Japanese Railway Culture:

The legendary long-distance sleeper express trains, operated by the Japanese National Railways (JNR), were famously characterized by their distinctive blue and cream-white livery, earning them the affectionate nickname “Blue Trains.” In an era when air travel was a luxury, these magnificent trains served as the primary mode of long-distance transportation, connecting regional towns directly to Tokyo. They became powerful symbols of the aspirations of the Japanese people towards the capital and were integral to significant life events, such as students heading to Tokyo for job hunting. The last “Blue Train” on the JR network retired in 2015, marking the end of a truly iconic era.

At Oigawa Railway, our core principle is to preserve and share these invaluable snippets of Japanese railway history. While our ED31 4 is not one of the exact locomotives that pulled the original “Blue Trains,” we strongly believe that its distinguished livery will play a crucial role in keeping the prestigious legacy of these legendary trains alive for coming generations of rail enthusiasts to discover and cherish.

Hello everyone, and a warm welcome to the brand new “News & Stories” section of the Oigawa Railway English website!
We are absolutely thrilled to launch this new space, designed specifically to keep our international visitors and railway enthusiasts better informed and more connected with everything happening at Oigawa Railway.
Here, you can look forward to regular updates on a variety of topics, including:

• Service Announcements:
  Important information about our train operations, including any temporary service changes or timetable amendments.
• Upcoming Events:
  Be the first to know about special events, themed trains, and unique experiences happening along our railway!
• Seasonal Train Information:
  Discover details on our beloved seasonal trains, such as the iconic “Day Out With Thomas” events, autumn foliage trains, and more.
• Travel Tips & Local Highlights:
  We’ll also share helpful advice for planning your trip and introduce you to the charming attractions and natural beauty of the Oigawa River Basin.

Our goal is to make your visit planning easier and your experience with Oigawa Railway even more enjoyable. We believe this new section will be a wonderful resource for anyone looking to explore the magic of our steam locomotives, the stunning scenery, and the unique culture of our area.
We invite you to check back regularly for the latest updates. We look forward to sharing many exciting stories with you!
Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to welcome you aboard soon!

The Oigawa Railway International Team