Photo/Illutration An artist's rendition of a new sightseeing train (Provided by West Japan Railway Co.)

A new train sightseeing service operating in a different area each season in western Japan will start in the fall of 2024, West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) announced.

“We will consider ways to entertain passengers at some of the stations (the train will stop at) to help them enjoy the charms of areas along the route,” JR West President Kazuaki Hasegawa said at a news conference on Oct. 12.

The company also intends to expand the service to other routes in various areas in the future.

First, the company will start operations between Tsuruga Station in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and Kinosaki-Onsen Station in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, in 2024.

With the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line's extended section between Kanazawa and Tsuruga stations set to open in spring that year, the company is hoping to attract passengers from afar to see a rebound in tourist numbers, which have plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

JR West said it will spend 480 million yen ($3.5 million) to remodel a KiHa 189 series Hamakaze express train to offer the new excursion service.

The three-car train will be equipped with just 54 seats situated away from each other to provide a spacious feeling.

In addition to box seats and private compartments, there will also be an open space for passengers to enjoy traditional performing arts, local gourmet guides and other events.

The exterior of the train will be finished in reddish black and feature golden ivy, while the interior will be themed on trees and flowers to create an exquisite ambience.

It was designed by Yasuyuki Kawanishi, who also worked on JR West’s West Express Ginga (Galaxy) long-distance train.

The name of the train and where it will stop remain undecided, and tickets will be sold at the same or higher prices than premium Green Car seats on regular trains. 

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