Ōigawa Railway will introduce a timetable revision on the Ōigawa Main Line and the Ikawa Line on Monday, 6 April 2026.
The details of the revision have now been finalised and are outlined below.

Topics

Extension of Morning Local Service

The current local service departing Kanaya at 08:53 for Shin‑Kanaya will be extended to Kawane‑Onsen Sasamado.
The return working will also start from Kawane‑Onsen Sasamado.
This improvement enhances access to the Kawane Onsen area and provides a more convenient travel option for visitors.

This service is particularly useful for passengers wishing to enjoy a morning stroll around Kawane‑Onsen before travelling onward to the Oku‑Ōi area, as well as for guests checking out of Kawane Onsen Hotel and beginning their journey home.

Southbound (Kanaya → Kawane‑Onsen Sasamado)

*Major stations only. This train calls at all stations.

Northbound (Kawane‑Onsen Sasamado → Kanaya)

*Major stations only. This train calls at all stations.

Standardised Departure Times for Southbound Heritage Express Services from Shin‑Kanaya

Previously, southbound Heritage Express services departed Shin‑Kanaya at 10:10, 12:11, and 15:11, depending on the train.
Under the new timetable, all southbound Heritage Express services will depart at “:10 past the hour”, making departure times easier to remember.

With the clear rule of “Heritage Express trains depart at :10”, passengers can plan their journeys with greater ease.

Southbound (Kanaya → Kawane‑Onsen Sasamado)

Continued Operation of Heritage Express Services to Kanaya Station

Last year, the starting point of Heritage Express services was moved from Shin‑Kanaya to Kanaya Station, providing a direct connection with the JR Tōkaidō Line.
This arrangement will continue under the new timetable, ensuring smooth transfers from both the Shinkansen and the Tōkaidō Line.

Example Itineraries from the Tokyo and Kansai Areas

*Times shown for connecting services are indicative. Please check actual timetables before travelling.

Due to essential vegetation management work between Kadode and Kamio, all train services on the Ōigawa Main Line will be suspended from Monday 9 March to Friday 13 March. Rail replacement buses will operate throughout the closure.

Please only travel if your journey is absolutely necessary.
We apologise for the disruption and appreciate your patience while this safety‑critical work is carried out.

Rail replacement bus services

Replacement buses will run during the closure period. Please note that bus times differ from normal train times.

Timetable

Northbound (Kanaya → Kawane-Onsen Sasamado)

Southbound (Kawane-Onsen Sasamado → Kanaya)

Boarding locations

Rail replacement buses cannot serve Kamio or Nukuri. Please use the nearest accessible station.

Important information

• Buses cannot serve Kamio or Nukuri. Please use the nearest station.
• Road conditions may cause delays, and connections to onward services cannot be guaranteed.
• Services may be withdrawn at short notice if conditions make operation unsafe.

Tickets and fares

• Normal train fares apply. All Ōigawa Railway tickets and passes (including commuter and multi‑ride tickets) are valid on replacement buses.
• Tickets can be purchased at Kanaya, Shin-Kanaya and Ieyama. Outside ticket office hours, please pay the bus conductor.
• If boarding at an unstaffed station, please pay the bus conductor.
• Only cash is accepted on board. Please prepare the exact fare.
• Commuter pass holders should show their pass to the conductor.

On January 25, 2026, Ōigawa Railway and Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway celebrated the 40th anniversary of their sister railway partnership.
Since forming the partnership in 1986, the two railways have upheld a shared commitment to promoting regional friendship and exchange, learning from one another, and contributing to the development of their communities and the goodwill between Japan and Taiwan.
To mark this milestone, the two railways are launching special collaborative initiatives that invite travelers to experience the charm of both lines.

About the Alishan Forest Railway

The Alishan Forest Railway is a 762 mm narrow-gauge mountain and forest railway running from Chiayi City in southern Taiwan up to the Alishan region, with several branch lines extending into the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Its route climbs dramatically from around 30 meters above sea level to over 2,200 meters, creating a vertical ascent of more than 2,250 meters. Along the way, passengers can enjoy landscapes that shift from tropical forests to misty high‑mountain scenery. The line is also known for its dynamic engineering features—including loop tracks and switchbacks—designed to overcome steep gradients, making it especially appealing to railway enthusiasts.
The Alishan Main Line, which had been out of service for many years due to storm damage, was fully restored last year. Since reopening, it has drawn significant attention and sparked a surge of visitors from Taiwan and abroad.

The railway also shares many similarities with Japan’s Ōigawa Railway (Ikawa Line), including its origins as a forest railway, its character as a mountain line, and its history of operating steam locomotives. Both railways continue to be cherished by travelers seeking scenic journeys through nature in Japan and Taiwan.

Ōigawa Railway Initiatives

Design of the planned commemorative headmark

• Commemorative headmarks on selected Ikawa Line trains
  Headmarks will be installed once preparations are complete. Details regarding applicable trains will be announced separately.
• Release of commemorative tickets (scheduled from March onward)
• Release of original merchandise (scheduled from March onward)

Alishan Forest Railway Initiatives

Photo courtesy of Alishan Forest Railway / Photographer: Wu Ming‑Han

• Operation of a wrapped coach inspired by the Ikawa Line
  The special livery entered service on January 19.
• Release of original merchandise (from March onward)

Joint Projects

The two railways are preparing special projects that will allow visitors to experience 40 years of exchange in a “rideable” and engaging form.
Details will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

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

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.

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.

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).

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:

The Blue Train Leads the Way!

Witness our beautifully re-liveried ED31 4 electric locomotive proudly pulling the consist from the “country” end. It’s a rare chance to see this engine take the lead!

Relive the Quintessential Long-Distance Train Experience!

For a truly immersive journey into 1970s Japanese rail travel, we highly recommend riding all six trains consecutively. It’s an authentic way to experience what long-distance rail travel was like in that era.

Exclusive Collectibles!

Our friendly onboard catering staff will present you with special collectible memento cards as a complimentary gift, ensuring you have a unique keepsake to remember your “Blue Train Express” adventure.

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:

Enhance your journey with our convenient on-board sales, available on all “Blue Train Express” services. Our trolley sales offer a variety of exclusive ED31 4 merchandise and delicious bento lunch boxes, perfect for enjoying as you travel.

“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

A serene highlight on the Ikawa Line: Oku-Oi Kojo ‘Laketop’ Station. Experience the tranquil beauty of a station floating above the water.

Witness history in motion: Our iconic steam locomotive gracefully steams through the vibrant, lush green tea plantations of the Oigawa region. A truly picturesque journey!