Introduction of EL Express Services & Temporary Suspension of Steam Operations

Ōigawa Railway is pleased to announce the introduction of its newly restored EL Express services, operating from Tuesday 13 January 2026. These services mark the return of electric locomotive–hauled express trains to the line, following strong interest from customers and railway enthusiasts alike.

The EL Express will feature a distinctive combination of our Blue Train–liveried electric locomotive, newly refurbished Series 12 passenger coaches, and classic vintage rolling stock. Passengers can look forward to a relaxed, nostalgic journey through the scenic Shizuoka countryside, celebrating the charm of traditional locomotive‑hauled travel.

Ōigawa Railway remains committed to preserving and operating its heritage fleet while continuing to provide a warm and memorable travel experience for all visitors.

Service Overview

Route	Ōigawa Railway Main Line: Kanaya ⇔ Kawane-Onsen Senzu Calling points: Kanaya, Shin-Kanaya, Ieyama, Kawane-Onsen Senzu
Operating Period	From Tuesday 13 January 2026, until further notice. Operating days will be announced in advance.
Train Formation	Services will operate using one of the following formations: Blue Train–style electric locomotive + Series 12 coaches + electric locomotive Electric locomotive + Series 12 coaches + electric locomotive Blue Train–style electric locomotive + vintage coaches + electric locomotive
Timetable	Train Departure Arrival EL Express Sumata No. 1 Kanaya 10:00 Kawane-Onsen Senzu 10:49 EL Express Sumata No. 2 Kawane-Onsen Senzu 11:00 Kanaya 11:50 EL Express Kawakaze No. 1 Kanaya 12:00 Kawane-Onsen Senzu 13:01 EL Express Kawakaze No. 2 Kawane-Onsen Senzu 13:17 Shin-Kanaya 13:58 Local Train (No express ticket required) Shin-Kanaya 14:45 Kanaya 14:50 EL Express Oku-Oi No. 1 Kanaya 15:00 Kawane-Onsen Senzu 15:51 EL Express Oku-Oi No. 2 Kawane-Onsen Senzu 16:04 Shin-Kanaya 16:43

Highlights of the EL Express

• Three distinct formations
  Enjoy a different atmosphere depending on the day, with combinations of Blue Train–style locomotives, Series 12 coaches, and vintage rolling stock.
• Fan‑selected train names
  “Sumata,” “Kawakaze,” and “Oku‑Oi” were chosen through submissions from the Ōigawa Railway Fan Club.
• A classic passenger‑car experience
  Series 12 coaches from the late Shōwa era and vintage coaches from the early Shōwa era operate on alternating days, offering a calm, nostalgic journey behind an electric locomotive.

Tickets and Fares

Standard fare for the travel section + EL Express surcharge
Adults: 1,500 yen / Children: 750 yen
Example: Kanaya → Kawane-Onsen Senzu (Adult): 2,420 yen (920 yen fare + 1,500 yen surcharge)

Reservations

All seats are reserved.
Bookings open at noon on Friday 19 December 2025.
Passengers using the Ōigawa Main Line Free Pass may board if seats are available.

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Temporary Suspension of Steam Locomotive Services

To carry out modification work on Steam Locomotive C10 No. 8, which normally hauls the SL Express “Minami Alps” and “Kawaneji,” all traditional steam‑hauled services will be suspended from Tuesday 13 January 2026 until further notice.

Affected Locomotive	Steam Locomotive C10 No. 8
Suspension Period	From Tuesday 13 January 2026, until further notice
Reason	Modification works
Affected Trains	SL Express Minami Alps No. 1 & 2 SL Express Kawaneji No. 1, 2, 3, 4

During this period, electric locomotive–hauled express services will operate on a similar timetable. A restart date for steam operations has not yet been determined, but we aim to resume services ahead of full‑line restoration (expected around spring 2029).