JR Okayama Branch: Using Old Trains to Attract Tourists

In March 2022, one of JR West's "Yakumo" limited express trains that connects Okayama Station in Okayama Prefecture and Izumoshi Station in Shimane Prefecture was newly painted.

This is the original livery of the limited express Yakumo.

It sports the same two-tone cream and red color, but can you spot the difference?

This color combination was first used for the express trains back in the days of the JNR, Japanese National Railways, before it was split into six private JR companies in 1987.

The Series 381 Limited Express Yakumo has been running for 40 years.

Currently, there are only a few limited express trains remaining from the JNR era.

This nostalgic "JNR-colored" Limited Express Yakumo is only available until the new Yakumo begins service in the spring of 2024.

I'm excited!

I'm really looking forward to
riding the train. I can't wait.

JR West's Okayama Branch is unique in that 90% or 300 of the cars servicing the region date back to the JNR days.

The oldest of these is the Series 115, built in 1973.

Approximately 160 cars are still in operation.

Widely known to railfans, many visitors come to the region to enjoy the nostalgic feeling of the old trains.

It's rare to see older trains these days.

Older vehicles used as tourist trains elsewhere
are still in regular use in Okayama.

It's this kind of unique experience
that attracts railfans.

In today's program, we are taking a look at how JR's Okayama Branch is working to attract tourists with their old nostalgic trains.

The Okayama Destination Campaign started in Okayama Prefecture in July and runs until the end of September, this year.

The destination campaign, one of Japan's most extensive tourism campaigns, is a joint effort between the six JR Group companies, local governments, and tourism-related organizations.

Along with the destination campaign, JR Okayama Branch decided to develop a unique railway project using their old trains.

It's well known among railfans that Okayama
Branch operates many old JNR-era trains.

We thought this campaign would be a great way
to attract even more railfans and visitors to Okayama Prefecture.

The highlight of the destination campaign was the introduction of a new tourist train, "Sakubi Sakura."

It made its debut on July 1, the opening day of the campaign.

The new train runs on the Tsuyama Line between Okayama Station in southern Okayama Prefecture and Tsuyama Station in the northern part of the prefecture.

The tourist train is a refurbished Kiha 40, a JNR-era diesel train manufactured in 1980.

With its new look, passengers can enjoy a more modern Okayama.

The pastel pink livery recalls the famous cherry blossoms that bloom in northern Okayama Prefecture.

The logo is bordered by a wavy, interweaving lines, evoking the image of a journey wrapped up nicely with a ribbon.

The interior has also been renovated, outfitted with soothing greens and browns that depict the beautiful mountains and forests of northern Okayama Prefecture.

The old-fashioned fans on the ceiling have been left as they are.

We wanted to make the train cute and
pink to encourage families and friends to use it to travel around northern Okayama.

Today, we are taking the 2:33 pm Sakubi Sakura departing from Okayama Station.

Welcome to the tourist train Sakubi Sakura!
We hope you enjoy your trip.

Attendants on board guide and assist the passengers throughout the journey.

Fukuwatari Town is known for its great fishing
spots, cherry blossoms, and hot springs.

There's a hot spring just a short
walk from the station.

To your right is the vast Asahi River.

Along this section, the train runs slowly
so you can enjoy the view.

The tourist train offers yummy treats, giving passengers a taste of Okayama Prefecture.

Food, such as Sakubi Sakura bento boxes, and sweets made from rich local produce are served onboard.

Sakubi Sakura is scheduled to operate four times a day on weekends and holidays, and will continue to run after the campaign is over,

allowing even more people to enjoy the scenery and food along the line.

This is the "Mimasaka Slow Life Train," another special train that's part of the campaign.

It was created for the previous Okayama Destination Campaign in 2007.

It's made up of two diesel cars bearing the old JNR limited express colors, and one standard car, giving the train a nostalgic feel.

This popular train, which gives passengers the chance to enjoy the old-fashioned station buildings and scenery along the line, was revived for the first time in three years.

The train meanders through the beautiful countryside along the Imbi Line, which connects Tsuyama and Nagi Stations.

At one station along the way, the train stops for more than 30 minutes.

Here, passengers can buy local goods and take commemorative photos with a staff member dressed as a famous character from a movie associated with the train.

This special train is the result of a community project planned by local residents living in and around Tsuyama City and the JR Okayama Branch.

One issue we are concerned with
is the declining population.

We hope to use the railway to attract
visitors and help revitalize the region.

The train is also a great way for visitors
and locals to get to know each other.

It's a fun event to just for railfans but anyone
who enjoys a relaxing train journey.

So JR Okayama Branch revived the former train color and it's using its old rolling stock as is.

Now Ryo, why are there so many older trains in Okayama?

Well, the most important reason for that is the JR West is slightly less profitable than the richest other JR companies like JR Central whose got the Tokaido Shinkansen

or JR East who is operating railways in and around Tokyo.

And for that reason, they want to use their vehicles longer.

And JR West thinks that the services in Osaka are important for the company and when the vehicles used in services for Osaka becomes older,

then those vehicles will be converted from the Osaka region to places like Okayama or Hiroshima.

And that's the reason why there are so many older vehicles in Okayama region.

What's your opinion about the efforts of JR Okayama branch to incorporate old rolling stock in to their tourism strategy?

Well, I think there are many different railway companies or railway lines having the similar situation so the effort by the Okayama branch of JR West will be something those lines or companies can follow.

So governments, companies and JR Okayama branch are working hard together to get more passengers to come but also since we mentioned more passengers,

there are unique packages that travel agencies have worked on using those nostalgic trains.

One travel agency chose the tourist train "Ametuchi," operated by JR West's Yonago Branch, as the highlight for their travel package.

Ametuchi usually runs between Tottori Station in Tottori Prefecture and Izumoshi Station in Shimane Prefecture, in the San-in region which overlooks the Sea of Japan.

This two-car tourist train is also a refurbished JNR-era diesel train.

Ametuchi is famous for its blue exterior, which reflects the clear blue sky and sea of the San-in region.

The lower part of the car body depicts both the area's mountains ranges and the blade of a Japanese sword, evoking the San-in region where the myths of ancient Japan still live on.

The light wood-grain interior feels fresh and calm, while the colors of the walls and floor were inspired by the mountains and sea along the line.

Local craftsmanship from the San-in region is also featured in the design.

One of the highlights of this tour is the train's course.

For the Destination Campaign, Ametuchi is running on the Imbi Line between Tottori and Tsuyama Stations in Okayama Prefecture for the first time.

On August 13, passengers board Ametuchi at Tottori Station and head towards Tsuyama Station in Okayama Prefecture.

The train's interior is also beautifully lit, with colored light filtering down from above through Japanese washi paper.

There is also a souvenir counter onboard where passengers can buy original Ametuchi gifts.

Ametuchi runs along the Imbi Line from Tottori Station.

The blue body of the train looks beautiful against the green of the mountains in midsummer.

At the end of the two-hour journey, the train arrives at Tsuyama City, the largest city in northern Okayama Prefecture.

Railfans are excited to see the San-in region's Ametuchi running in Okayama.

But the journey doesn't end here.

At Tsuyama Station, Sakubi Sakura, which debuted this year as part of the Destination Campaign, awaits Ametuchi.

The most exciting part of the tour is changing between Ametuchi and Sakubi Sakura, both trains manufactured during the JNR era.

The passengers board Sakubi Sakura, and the train leaves for Okayama Station.

Everyone enjoys their trip on the two-JNR-era refurbished tourist trains.

This travel package was developed by a major travel agency based in Tokyo.

Okayama is home to many nostalgic trains,
so we've been discussing organizing tours.

We asked JR West if they could run Sakubi Sakura
in conjunction with Ametuchi.

Despite the limited time between planning and selling
the tour, many people applied for tickets.

Another travel agency collaborated with the JR Okayama Branch to create a chartered tour for the Destination Campaign using the old JNR-era trains.

The Express "Washu" once ran from Kyoto and Osaka to Uno Station in Okayama Prefecture.

Back in the day, many people used Washu to connect to the Shikoku region, changing to a ferry at Uno Port, however, the train was discontinued in 1980 with the introduction of the Sanyo Shinkansen.

A JNR-era train with the same orange and green livery as the former Washu was used to "revive" the operation.

A nameplate was added to make the train look even more like the original Washu.

Operating for one day only, the special express Washu made one round trip between Himeji Station in Hyogo Prefecture and Uno Station.

Recently many people have been coming to Okayama
Prefecture to reminisce about the old JNR days.

We can only use the old trains for a limited time so
we want to make the most of them while we can.

We want to work with the JR Okayama Branch
to develop unique tours and projects.

Those are some exciting travel packages that JR Okayama Branch and the travel agencies have come up with.

Now Ryo, what do you think are the advantages?

Well, the advantage, in my opinion, is quite clear isn't?

The packages are really attractive from the point of view of rail enthusiasts.

It is a really rare chance to be on a very special train, so it will be a good sell and that means an additional income for the travel agencies and the JR

and also that means more people will be coming into the Okayama region and that will be a good news for the local communities as well.

Now how much longer can these JNR trains run?

That's an important question, isn't?

Normally the service life of a railway vehicle will be around 40 years or so but that depends on the quality of the maintenance, so it's actually a very difficult question to answer.

Right. And since you mentioned maintenance, let's have a look at the people that maintain these JNR trains and make sure they keep running strong.

Older trains have become regular tourist attractions in Okayama Prefecture.

However, the JNR trains which are at least 35 years old, are only able to continue running safely thanks to the efforts of the maintenance staff.

This is JR West's Okayama Diesel Train Depot, located near Okayama Station.

This facility is dedicated to maintaining diesel trains.

About 60 are brought in each week.

It takes around 35 staff members to keep the cars in safe operating condition.

The trains are over 40 years old so we've had
to replace various parts over the years.

We take extra care to maintain the parts that
can't be easily replaced such as the bogies.

We visually inspect the cars and
listen for any irregular sounds.

If something sounds off, it may
need to be fixed or replaced.

We learn to recognize irregular sounds by paying
attention to the vehicles in operation.

Starting the engine!

It takes skill to memorize a vehicle's normal operating sounds, and to distinguish abnormal noises in a workshop full of mechanical sounds.

Another crucial maintenance facility is the Okayama Electric Train Depot.

This is where the electric trains are maintained.

About 70 mechanics work here, maintaining around 350 trains per week.

The latest trains use computerized
control systems.

However, the old JNR-era trains
we use are analog.

The speed is controlled by switches
and rotating parts.

We have to pay special attention when making
adjustments to these components.

Before the introduction of computerized control systems, electric trains used various gears and switches to control speed.

This is the control unit with the cover removed.

It looks incredibly complicated.

The more a train runs, the faster
the parts wear out.

If a part wears out, we replace it.
If a surface is rough, we polish it.

The more attention we pay to maintenance,
the better the trains run.

It's worth the effort, plus I feel a personal
connection to the trains.

Thanks to the hard work and know-how of the mechanics at the two depots, the older vehicles are able to continue running safely.

So, one does not simply utilize an old vehicle then right, Ryo?

That's right.

Well, in the long run though, if you think about it, new trains will come and they will gradually replace the JNR trains

so will the skills and techniques we saw in the video still be relevant in the future?

Well, unfortunately, at least some of them will be irrelevant for the maintenance of the newer vehicles so it's up to the executives of the company to decide on how much of these vehicles will be kept in the future

together with the capabilities for maintenance of these vehicles.

Let's hope in the next decade, they will have be maintained so well that they would bring new nostalgic memories to the next generation.

Railway Topics.

On August 7, a preview of the "Kamome" shinkansen was held prior to the opening of the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen.

The 66km Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Line, which will connect Takeo-onsen Station in Saga Prefecture to Nagasaki Station in Nagasaki Prefecture,

is scheduled to open on September 23.

Leading up to the opening, JR Kyushu held an event at Takeo-onsen Station.

Around 450 people, including local residents, gathered to see the new shinkansen.

The crowd welcomes the N700S Kamome as it arrives at the platform.

On board, the participants try out the comfort of the brand-new seats and take commemorative photos.

The design is cool.
I love it.

I'm looking forward to riding it
when it starts service.

On August 14, an event was held in Miyoshi City in Hiroshima Prefecture.

On this day, about 170 people, including families and railfans, enjoyed walking along the discontinued JR Sanko Line.

They walk along a 670m section of the line which closed four years before including a tunnel.

Lights along the track help guide the way, while a projector displays images of the trains that used to run on the line on the tunnel wall.

I didn't think we could walk on the track.

It was a little chilly.

It was a memorable experience.

On August 20, a special trolley train ran for the first time in three years on JR Shikoku's Yodo Line that connect Ehime and Kochi Prefectures.

On this train, which only runs during the summer months, passengers can enjoy sightseeing while drinking beer.

Bento boxes made from local produce are also served onboard.

During the three-hour round trip, passengers enjoy delicious food and cool, refreshing beer as the breeze blows by.