# Joyful Train

Joyful Train (ジョイフルトレイン, joifuru torein) is the name given to railway rolling stock or train sets operated by the JR Group in Japan primarily for charters, special events, tourist excursions, and other similar purposes. Traditionally, this term is only used for chartered trains dedicated to large group travel, but in recent years, it has expanded to include sightseeing trains and tourist trains as well, as their distinctions are made ambiguous. This page includes all trains considered "Joyful trains" and "Sightseeing trains".

## History
### Origins

The "Joyful Train" concept can be traced back to 1960, when a 1935-vintage SuHaShi 29 dining car was converted into a Japanese-style o-zashiki train with tatami flooring and shoji paper screens on the windows. This could be coupled to regular service trains for use by charter parties. A second car was similarly modified in April 1961.
The first train to directly be called "Joyful Train" was the Salon Express Tokyo, a European styled train. The term has since been applied in retrospect to all trains produced before then that fits the descriptions. Many conversions of trains were done due to surplus rolling stock after the abolishment of certain express lines, and purpose-built Joyful Trains are rare. All cars on a Joyful Train are considered Green Cars.

### Recent years

Since the bursting of Japan's Bubble Economy, small group travel using buses have become more mainstream, and opportunities to use group trains have decreased, and so have been the demand of European style salon trains. Some JR companies such as JR Kyushu has at once completely abolished chartered trains in order to save costs, and European-styled Salon Trains disappeared from JR Central's rolling stock after the retirement of the Euroliner in 2004.
On the other hand, this shift has led JR companies to target individual travellers directly with sightseeing trains, in an attempt to increase regional development. Onboard such tourist-oriented trains, one can enjoy local products, famous sake, or other activities. Sometimes, JR companies has not used the term "Joyful Train" to refer to tourist trains, but since tourist trains are often operated as group trains as well, railway hobby magazines often use both terms, if not use them interchangeably.
Locomotive-hauled Joyful Trains tend to be retired due to the time consumed in changing locomotives, as well as the aging of the rolling stock itself. Currently, the only loco-hauled Joyful Trains in service are the Seven Stars in Kyushu of JR Kyushu, the Salon Car Naniwa, the SL Yamaguchi, and the Banetsu Monogatari.

## JR Hokkaido
### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Dōhoku Ryūhyō no Megumi | 道北 流氷の恵み | KiHa 40 series | 1 | Seating | 2018 | KiHa 40 | - | Part of the Hokkaidō no Megumi (Blessings of Hokkaido) set. Name means "Northern Hokkaido: Blessing of Drift Ice". |
| Dōtō Mori no Megumi | 道東 森の恵み | KiHa 40 series | 1 | Seating | 2018 | KiHa 40 | - | Part of the Hokkaidō no Megumi (Blessings of Hokkaido) set. Name means "Eastern Hokkaido: Blessing of the Forest". |
| Dōnan Kai no Megumi | 道南 海の恵み | KiHa 40 series | 1 | Seating | 2018 | KiHa 40 | - | Part of the Hokkaidō no Megumi (Blessings of Hokkaido) set. Name means "Southern Hokkaido: Blessing of the Sea". |
| Dōō Hana no Megumi | 道央 花の恵み | KiHa 40 series | 1 | Seating | 2018 | KiHa 40 | - | Part of the Hokkaidō no Megumi (Blessings of Hokkaido) set. Name means "Central Hokkaido: Blessing of Flowers". |
| Sanmei | 山明 | KiHa 40 series | 1 | Seating | 2019 | KiHa 40 | - | Part of the Sanshisuimei set. Both converted due to popular demand after the unveiling of the Hokkaido no Megumi trains. |
| Shisui | 紫水 | KiHa 40 series | 1 | Seating | 2019 | KiHa 40 | - | Part of the Sanshisuimei set. |
* Dōhoku Ryūhyō no Megumi
* Dōō Hana no Megumi
* Sanmei, 2020
* Shisui, 2021

## JR East
### EMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Nagomi | 和 | E655 series | 5 | Seating | July 2007 | Purpose-built | Tokyo | Also used as the train of the Emperor of Japan |
| The Royal Express | ザ・ロイヤルエクスプレス | Izukyu 2100 series | 8 | Seating | July 2017 | Izukyu 2100 Series | Izu | Jointly operated by Tokyu Corporation, JR East and Izukyu Corporation |
| B.B.Base | BOSO BICYCLE BASE | 209-2200 series | 6 | Seating | 2018 | 209 series | Makuhari | |
* Nagomi on an Imperial Train run, 2012
* B.B.Base, January 2021
* The Royal Express in 2022

### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Koshino Shu*Kura | 越乃Shu*Kura | KiHa 40/48 | 3 | Seating | 2014 | KiHa 40/48 series | Niitsu | |
| Oykot | おいこっと | KiHa 110 series | 2 | Seating | 2015 | KiHa 110 series | Nagano | The name "Oykot" comes from a letter reversal of "Tokyo", intending to create a sense of rural Japan, opposite to Tokyo. |
| POKÉMON with YOU Train | POKÉMON with YOU Train | KiHa 100 | 2 | Seating | 2012 | KiHa 100 | Ichinoseki | |
| Resort Shirakami "Aoike" | リゾートしらかみ「青池」 | HB-E300 | 4 | Seating/semi-open compartments | 2010 | Purpose-built | Akita | Replaced KiHa 48 series. |
| Resort Shirakami "Buna" | リゾートしらかみ「橅」 | HB-E300 | 4 | Seating/semi-open compartments | 2016 | Purpose-built | Akita | Replaced KiHa 48 series. |
| Resort Shirakami "Kumagera" | リゾートしらかみ「くまげら」 | KiHa 48 | 4 | Seating/semi-open compartments | April 2006 | KiHa 48 | Akita | |
| Resort View Furusato | リゾートビューふるさと | HB-E300 | 2 | Seating | 2010 | Purpose-built | Nagano | |
| Tohoku Emotion | TOHOKU EMOTION | KiHa 110-700 series | 3 | Seating | 19 October 2013 | KiHa 110 series | Morioka | KiHa 110-701 + KiHa 111-701 + KiKuShi 112-701 |
| High Rail 1375 | はいれーる いちさんななご | KiHa 110 series | 2 | Seating | 1 July 2017 | KiHa 110 series | Nagano | |
| View Coaster Kazekko | びゅうコースター風っこ | KiHa 48 | 2 | Seating | June 2000 | KiHa 48 | Sendai | Side windows are removed, and metal bars were installed with plastic covering. |
| Kairi | 海里 | HB-E300 series | 4 | Seating | 2019 | Purpose-built | Niigata | Features a different headlight design than the sets used on Resort Shirakami services. Successor to 'Kirakira Uetsu'. |
| Hinabi | ひなび | HB-E300 series | 2 | Seating | December 2023 | HB-E300 Series | Iwate | Converted from former Resort Asunaro set |
| Satono | SATONO | HB-E300 series | 2 | Seating | April 2024 | HB-E300 Series | Yamagata | Converted from former Resort Asunaro set |
* Pokemon With You Train in updated livery, January 2018
* Pokemon With You Train in initial livery, December 2012
* View Coaster Kazekko, November 2005
* Interior of View Coaster Kazekko
* Tohoku Emotion, 2014
* Oykot, 2015
* Kairi, July 2022
* Hinabi, October 2023
* Satono, April 2024
* High Rail 1375, July 2017

### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| SL Banetsu Monogatari | SLばんえつ物語 | 12 series | 7 | Seating | 29 April 1999 | 12 | Niigata | |
| Cassiopeia Travologue | カシオペア紀行 | E26 Series | 12 | Sleeping Compartment | June 2016 | Purpose-Built | Ueno | Formerly a Limited Express Service and a tourist train, the Cassiopeia trainset has been running as a group charter train since 2016. Its role as a Limited Express service was replaced by the Hokkaido Shinkansen, and its role as a cruise train was replaced by the Train Suite Shikishima. |
* The Banetsu Monogatari trainset hauled by D51 498, April 2011
* Cassiopeia Travologue, 2016

## JR West
### EMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| La Malle de Bois | La Malle de Bois | 213 series | 2 | Seating | Spring 2016 | 213 series | Okayama | |
| WEST EXPRESS Ginga | WEST EXPRESS 銀河 | 117 series | 6 | Seating/compartments/Sleeping car | May 2020 | 117 series | Kyoto | |
* La Malle de Bois 213-7000 series operating the La Malle Setouchi service, Spring 2016
* WEST EXPRESS Ginga 117-7000 series, April 2020

### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Belles Montagnes et Mer | ベル・モンターニュ・エ・メール ("べるもんた") | KiHa 40 | 1 | Seating | October 2015 | KiHa 40 | Toyama | Affectionally referred to as "Belmonta" (べるもんた). |
| Hanayome Noren | 花嫁のれん | KiHa 48 | 2 | Seating | October 2015 | KiHa 48 | Ishikawa | |
| Nostalgie | ノスタルジー | KiHa 47 | 2 | Seating | Spring 2016 | KiHa 47 | Okayama | Painted in JNR colors. |
| Maru Maru No Hanashi | ○○のはなし | KiHa 47 | 2 | Seating | August 2017 | KiHa 47 | Yamaguchi | Converted from former Misuzu Shiosai |
| Ametsuchi | あめつち | KiHa 47 | 2 | Seating | July 2018 | KiHa 47 | Gotō | |
| Umiyamamusubi | うみやまむすび | KiHa 40 | 1 | Seating | July 2019 | KiHa 40 | Hyōgo | Converted from former Tenkū no shiro Takedajōato |
| etSETOra | エトセトラ | KiHa 47 | 2 | Seating | October 2020 | KiHa 47 | Hiroshima | Converted from former Setouchi Marine View |
| SAKUBI SAKURA | SAKU美SAKU楽 | KiHa 47 | 1 | Seating | July 2022 | KiHa 47 | Okayama | |
* Belles Montagnes el Mer KiHa 40 series, May 2016
* Maru Maru No Hanashi KiHa 40 series, October 2022
* Nostalgie
* Umiyamamsubi
* Hanayome Noren, May 2016
* Ametuchi KiHa 47 series, October 2022
* etSETOra
* Sakubi Sakura

### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Salon Car Naniwa | サロンカーなにわ | 14 series | 7 | Seating | September 1983 | 14 series | Miyahara, Osaka | |
| SL Yamaguchi | SLやまぐち号 | 35 series | 5 | Seating | September 2017 | Purpose-built | Yamaguchi | Replaced 12 series. |
* SL Yamaguchi 35-4000 series, September 2017

## JR Shikoku

Sightseeing trains are operated on each line of JR Shikoku. All of these trains are operated by DMUs, and there are no trains operated by electric trains. This is because most of the lines within JR Shikoku's jurisdiction are non-electrified.

### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari | 四国まんなか千年ものがたり | KiHa 185 series | 3 | Seating | April 2017 | KiHa 185 | Kotohira | All 3 cars have distinct paint schemes. |
| Iyonada Monogatari (KiHa 185) | 伊予灘ものがたり | KiHa 185 series | 3 | Seating | 3 April 2022 | KiHa 185 | Ehime | Replaced former KiHa 47, which was retired in 2021. |
| Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari | 志国土佐 時代の夜明けのものがたり | KiHa 185 series | 2 | Seating | July 2020 | KiHa 185 | Kochi | |
| Kaiyodo Hobby Train | 海洋堂ホビートレイン | KiHa 32 | 1 | Seating | July 2011 | KiHa 32 | Matsuyama | Has had 3 different paint schemes. |
| Tetsudo Hobby Train | 鉄道ホビートレイン | KiHa 32 | 1 | Seating | March 2014 | KiHa 32 | Matsuyama | Outwardly modified to resemble a 0 Series Shinkansen. |
* Tetsudo Hobby Train, March 2014
* Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari
* Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari
* Kaiyodo Hobby Train in its most recent paint scheme

## JR Kyushu

JR Kyushu officially does not operate any Joyful Trains in the traditional definition. However, the following sightseeing trainsets that they operate are classified as "D&S Trains" (Design and Story trains), as according to JR Kyushu, each train has a design and a story based on the region that they operate in. In addition, the Trans-Kyushu Limited Express is classified as a D&S Train as well despite not appearing on this list. Most D&S Trains are converted from regular rolling stock into sightseeing expresses, and are designed by Eiji Mitooka. The Kampachi Ichiroku was designed by IFOO Corporation instead. However, it is important to note that the Seven Stars in Kyushu is not classified as a D&S train, but a "Luxury Sleeper train".

### EMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| 36 + 3 | 36ぷらす3 | 787 series | 6 | Seating/compartments | October 2020 | 787 series | Minami-Fukuoka | 36 represents Kyushu (the 36th largest island in the world) and the 3 represents surprise, excitement, and happiness. In addition, "39" is pronounced like "Thank You" in Japanese. |
* 36 + 3, October 2020

### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Aso Boy | あそぼーい！ | KiHa 183-1000 series | 4 | Seating | June 2011 | KiHa 183 series | Kumamoto | Converted from former Yufu DX. |
| A-Train | A列車で行こう | KiHa 185 series | 2 | Seating | October 2011 | KiHa 185 series | Kumamoto | Equipped with a bar that serve local alcoholic beverages, and narration of the legend of Urashima Taro. |
| Two Stars 4047 | ふたつ星4047 | KiHa 47/40/147 | 3 | Seating | August 2022 | KiHa 47 | – | Converted from former Hayato no Kaze and an additional KiHa 40 car. |
| Ibusuki no Tamatebako | 指宿のたまて箱 | KiHa 47/140 | 3 | Seating | March 2011 | KiHa 47 | Kagoshima | KiHa 140 series car converted from former Hayato no Kaze car in March 2012. When the door opens, white smoke resembling that from a Tamatebako are dispensed from the top of the door. |
| Umisachi Yamasachi | 海幸山幸 | KiHa 125-400 | 2 | Seating | October 2009 | TR 400 | Miyazaki | Converted from former Takachiho Railway TR 400. Offers handmade picture-stories for sale on board. |
| Kawasemi Yamasemi | かわせみ やませみ | KiHa 47 | 2 | Seating | 2017 | KiHa 47 | - | |
| Yufuin no Mori | ゆふいんの森 | KiHa 71 series | 4 | Seating | 1989 | KiHa 58/65 series | Chikuho | a.k.a."Yufuin no Mori I" |
| New Yufuin no Mori | 新ゆふいんの森 | KiHa 72 series | 4 | Seating | 1999 | Purpose-built | Chikuho | a.k.a."Yufuin no Mori III" |
| Aru Ressha | 或る列車 | KiRoShi 47 | 2 | Seating | August 2015 | KiHa 47 | Oita | |
| Kampachi Ichiroku | かんぱち・いちろく | 2R Series | 3 | Seating | April 2024 | KiHa 40 & KiHa 125 | Saga | Converted from former Isaburo Shinpei trainset using two KiHa 47 cars and one KiHa 125 car. |
* Aso Boy, January 2023
* A-Train, January 2023
* Ibusuki no Tamatebako, February 2011
* Ibusuki no Tamatebako dispensing mist upon door opening
* Yufuin no Mori, August 2017
* New Yufuin no Mori, January 2023
* Aru Ressha, October 2015
* Two Stars 4047
* Kawasemi Yamasemi

### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Seven Stars in Kyushu | ななつ星in九州 | 77 series | 7 | Sleeping car | October 2013 | Purpose-built | Ōita | |
* The Seven Stars in Kyushu trainset hauled by DF200 7000, November 2013

## Past Joyful Train sets
### JNR
#### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Batten Nagasaki | ばってんNAGASAKI | KiHa 58 Series | 2 | Tatami | 1985 | December 1986 | KiHa 28 series | Nagasaki | Karaokes and Mahjong tables were installed in the two cars, KiHa 28-2006 and KiHa 28-2114. |
| Rakuda | らくだ | KiHa 58 Series | 2 (initial), 4 (final) | Seating | 1983 (initial introduction) | 1987 | KiHa 58 series | Kagoshima | Has a Karaoke machine. Retired due to the Privatisation of JNR and was converted into Yutopia and Kichishiroku. |

#### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Miyabi | みやび | 14-800 series | 7 | Tatami | March 1986 | 28 December 1986 | 14 series | Miyahara, Osaka | Withdrawn following fatal accident. |
* Miyabi 14-800 series car
* Miyabi operating the BanNokogo service

### JR Hokkaido
#### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Furano Express | フラノエクスプレス | KiHa 80 series | 4 | Seating | December 1986 | November 1998 | KiHa 80 series | Naebo | KiHa 84-1 + KiHa 80-501 + KiHa 83-1 + KiHa 84-101 |
| Mountain Lake Onuma | マウントレイク大沼 | KiHa 80 series | 3 | Seating | July 1999 | 2002 | KiHa 80 series | Naebo | Converted from former "Tomamu & Sahoro Express". |
| Tomamu & Sahoro Express | トマムサホロエクスプレス | KiHa 80 series | 5 | Seating | December 1987 | July 1999 | KiHa 80 series | Naebo | Converted to become "Mountain Lake Onuma". |
| Alpha Continental Express | アルファコンチネンタルエクスプレス | KiHa 59 series | 3/4 | Seating | December 1985 | 1995 | KiHa 59 series | Naebo | Replaced from "Furano Express". |
| Niseko Express | ニセコエクスプレス | KiHa 183-5000 series | 3 | Seating | December 1988 | November 2017 | KiHa 183 series | Naebo | |
| Asahiyama Dobutsuen | 旭山動物園号 | KiHa 183 series | 5 | Seating | April 2007 | March 2018 | KiHa 183 series | Sapporo | |
| Crystal Express Tomamu & Sahoro | クリスタルエクスプレス トマム・サホロ | KiHa 183-5100 series | 4 | Seating | December 1989 | September 2019 | KiHa 183 series | Naebo | Initially 3 cars |
| North Rainbow Express | ノースレインボーエクスプレス | KiHa 183-5200 series | 5 | Seating | July 1992 | 2023 | KiHa 183 series | Naebo | |
| Kutsurogi (KiHa 29) | くつろぎ | KiHa 29 series | 3 | Tatami | 1973 | 1997 | KiHa 27 series | Sapporo | First iteration of "Kutsurogi". Originally painted in regular JNR colors with a green band. Supplanted by a KiHa 59 based trainset in 1984. |
| Kutsurogi (KiHa 56) | くつろぎ | KiHa 56-500 | 2 | Tatami | 1984 | 1997 | KiHa 56 series | Sapporo | The cars were named "Onuma" and "Toyako". Scrapped in 1997 along with the KiHa 29 based set. |
| Kutsurogi (KiHa 400) | くつろぎ | KiHa 400-500 | 3 | Tatami | 1998 | 2015 | KiHa 56 series | Sapporo | |
| Kutsurogi (KiHa 183) | くつろぎ | KiHa 183-6000 series | 3 | Tatami | 1999 | 2015/2022 | KiHa 183 series | Sapporo | KiHa 182-6001 was scrapped in 2015 while the remaining cars operated in a 2 car set. They were repainted into regular JR Hokkaido Limited Express color scheme and the "Kutsurogi" nameplate was dropped. The set was scrapped in 2022. |
* Furano Express KiHa 80 series DMU, 1990
* Mountain Lake Onuma KiHa 80 series DMU
* Tomamu & Sahoro Express KiHa 80 series DMU, 1992
* Alpha Continental Express KiHa 59 series DMU in 1994
* Kutsurogi (KiHa 29) in 1986
* Kutsurogi (KiHa 56-552) in 1991
* Kutsurogi (KiHa 400-502)
* Kutsurogi (KiHa 183-6101) in 2009

### JR East
#### EMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Joyful Train Alpha | ジョイフルトレイン・アルファ | 165 series | 3 | Seating | December 1995 | May 2001 | 165 series | Niigata | Converted from Shuttle Maihama. |
| Ayano | 彩野 | 183 series | 6 | Seating | March 2006 | 2011 | 183 series | Nikkō | Replaced by 253 series. |
| IZU CRAILE | 伊豆クレイル | 651 series | 4 | Seating | July 2016 | March 2020 | 651 series | Izu | The name "CRAILE" came from C (Cool), Rail, and E (Elegant). Jointly operated by JR East and Izukyū Corporation. |
| FruiTea Fukushima | フルーティアふくしま | 719-700 series | 2 | Seating | 2015 | Dec 24th, 2023 | 719 series | Sendai | Will be replaced by SATONO. |
| Iroha | いろは | 205-600 series | 4 | Seating | 2018 | 11 March 2022 | 205-600 series | | 2 doors removed per side and LCD screen inserted. |
| Nanohana | なのはな | 165 series | 6 | Tatami | March 1986 | August 1998 | 165 series | Chiba | First EMU-based Joyful Train. Replaced by New Nanohana. |
| New Nanohana | ニューなのはな | 485 series | 6 | Tatami | February 1998 | August 2016 | 485 series | Makuhari, Chiba | |
| Resort Yamadori | リゾートやまどり | 485 series | 6 | Seating | 2011 | 11 December 2022 | 485 series | Takasaki | Rebuilt from former Seseragi and two cars of former Yamanami. Last 485 series train in service. |
| Zipangu | ジパング | 485 series | 4 | Seating | 1 April 2012 | 10 October 2021 | 485 series | | Rebuilt from former Yamanami end cars and two 485-3000 series intermediate cars. |
| Panorama Express Alps | パノラマエクスプレスアルプス | 165 series | 6 | Seating | March 1987 | September 2001 | 165 series | Mitaka, Tokyo | Sold to Fuji Kyuko in December 2001. |
| Seseragi | せせらぎ | 485 series | 4 | Tatami | March 2001 | 2010 | 485 series | Takasaki | Replaced loco-hauled Yasuragi set. Combined with Yamanami and rebuilt as Resort Yamadori. |
| Shikisai | 四季彩 | 201 series | 4 | Seating | April 2001 | July 2009 | 201 series | Hachioji, Tokyo | A 4-car 201 series set (W1) was modified in 2001 by JR East to become the special Shikisai (四季彩) tourist train, entering service on the Ōme Line from 4 August 2001. This train featured panorama windows and transverse seating bays on one side of the train only. It was repainted into a new livery in June 2005. The train was withdrawn from regular service at the end of June 2009, with a number of special finale runs scheduled for July. |
| Irodori | 彩 | 485 series | 6 | Seating/compartments | December 2006 | 30 September 2017 | 485 series | Nagano | |
| No.Do.Ka | NO・DO・KA | 485 series | 3 | Carpet | October 2001 | 7 January 2018 | 183/189 series | Niigata | Formerly Sylphide. Can be diesel-hauled. Cab car uses the same design as that on Panorama Express Alps. |
| Utage | 宴 | 485 series | 4 | Tatami | June 1994 | 23 February 2019 | 485 series | Oyama | |
| Hana | 華 | 485 series | 6 | Tatami | March 1997 | 30 October 2022 | 485 series | Oyama | |
| Resort Express Yū | リゾートエクスプレスゆう | 485 series | 6 | Tatami | March 1991 | 2 January 2018 | 183/189 series | Mito | Can be diesel-hauled. |
| Shuttle Maihama | シャトルマイハマ | 165 series | 3 | Seating | March 1990 | December 1995 | 165 series | Chiba | Converted to become Joyful Train Alpha. |
| Sylphide | シルフィード | 485 series | 3 | Seating | September 1990 | 2001 | 485 series | Niigata | Converted to No.Do.Ka |
| Yamanami | やまなみ | 485 series | 4 | Tatami | April 1999 | 2010 | 485 series | Takasaki | Replaced loco-hauled Kutsurogi set. Intermediate cars combined with Seseragi and rebuilt as Resort Yamadori. End cars rebuilt to form Zipangu. |
| Kirakira Uetsu | きらきらうえつ | 485 series | 4 | Seating | November 2001 | 29 September 2019 | 485 series | Niigata | Replaced by Kairi. |
| Genbi Shinkansen | 現美新幹線 | E3-700 series | 6 | Seating | 2016 | 19 December 2020 | E3 series Shinkansen | Niigata | |
| Toreiyu | とれいゆ | E3-700 series | 6 | Seating (car 11), ozashiki (cars 12 to 14), lounge (car 15), ashiyu foot baths (car 16) | 2014 | 6 March 2022 | E3 Series Shinkansen | Yamagata | Operations ended in March 2022, with its retirement likely spurred by a decline in ridership caused by COVID-19 restrictions. |
* Nanohana 165 series EMU, 1990
* Joyful Train Alpha
* Panorama Express Alps 165 series EMU, 1990
* Iroha 205-600 series EMU, October 2019
* Interior of 205-600 series Iroha
* Seseragi 485 series EMU, May 2009
* Shuttle Maihama 165 series EMU, 1990
* Yamanami, January 2010
* Interior of 485 series Yamanami
* E3-700 R18 Toreiyu, July 2014
* Hana, October 2006
* New Nanohana, July 2003
* Nodoka, August 2009
* Resort Express Yū, May 2006
* Resort Yamadori, July 2011
* Utage, September 2006
* Interior of 485 series Utage
* Zipangu, April 2017
* Kirakira Uetsu, 2012
* Genbi Shinkansen, 2016
* Interior of E3 series Genbi Shinkansen
* Fruitea Fukushima, April 2015
* Ayano running a Nikkō Limited Express service
* IZU CRAILE, 2016

#### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Furusato | ふるさと | KiHa 48-2500 | 3 | Seating | April 2001 | August 2016 | KiHa 48 | Sendai | Converted from former Manyū set. |
| Kogane | こがね | KiHa 59 | 3 | Seating | July 2003 | July 2011 | KiHa 58 series | Sendai | Converted from former Gracia set. Shipped to Philippines August 2011. |
| Resort Minori | リゾートみのり | KiHa 48 | 3 | Seating | October 2008 | August 2020 | KiHa 48 series | Sendai | |
| Kirakira Michinoku | きらきらみちのく | KiHa 48 | 3 | Seating | July 2002 | November 2010 | KiHa 48 series | Aomori | Converted into Resort Umineko |
| Resort Umineko | リゾートうみねこ | KiHa 48 | 3 | Seating | April 2011 | March 2020 | KiHa 48 series | Iwate | Converted from Kirakira Michinoku. |
| Umineko | うみねこ | KiHa 48 | 2 | Seating | 2006 | 2011 | KiHa 48 series | Iwate | Replaced by Resort Umineko. Train remained in use without Umineko badging till 2017. |
| Resort Asunaro | リゾートあすなろ | HB-E300 | 2 | Seating | December 2010 | August 2023 | Purpose-Built | Aomori | 2 sets in total. Converted to Hinabi and Satono. |
| Elegance Acky | エレガンスアッキー | KiHa 59 | 3 | Seating | 1985 | 1997 | KiHa 28/58 | Akita | Formerly operated by JNR. |
| Cruising Train | クルージングトレイン | KiHa 48 | 2 | Seating | 2011 | 2023 | KiHa 48 | Akita | Formerly Resort Shirakami "Aoike" (Replaced by HB-E300, Initially 4 cars). |
| Akita Cruise Train | あきたクルーズ号 | KiHa 48 | 4 | Seating | 2010 | 2020 | KiHa 48 | Akita | Formerly Resort Shirakami "Buna" (Replaced by HB-E300). Exclusively operated between Akita and Akita Port for passengers of cruise ships calling there. In 2020, the train was replaced by non-dedicated GV-E400 series trains. |
| Salon Express Arcadia | サロンエクスプレスアルカディア | KiHa 58 series | 3 | Seating | 1981 | 1988 | KiHa 58/28 series | Niigata | Formerly 2 cars, central car added in 1985. Destroyed by fire in 1988. End cars repaired and used as spectator transport for 1992's Sanriku Expo, then rebuilt as Kenji. |
| Kenji | Kenji | KiHa 58 series | 3 | Seating | 2002 | 2018 | KiHa 58/28 series | Morioka | End cars converted from former Salon Express Arcadia set. |
| Obako | おばこ | KiHa 58 series | 3 | Tatami | 1984 | 2004 | KiHa 58 series | Akita | Formerly known as Komachi from 1991 until 1997, when the Komachi name was given to the Shinkansen service. |
| Edelweiss | エーデルワイス | KiHa 58 series | 3 | Seating | 1988 | 2002 | KiHa 58 series | Morioka | |
| Carpet Car | カーペット車 | KiHa 58 series | 4 | Carpet | 1985 | 2002 | KiHa 58 series | Niigata | Replaced by Nodoka in 2002 |
* KiHa 48 Furusato operating as a 2-car formation in November 2007
* Resort Minori, April 2020
* The two Resort Asunaro sets in December 2010
* Kirakira Michinoku
* Resort Umineko
* Umineko
* Akita Cruise Train, 2019
* Obako while in service as Komachi
* Paintscheme of the Elegance Acky

#### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Edo | 江戸 | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | February 1986 | March 2003 | 12 series | Shinagawa | |
| Fureai | ふれあい | SuRo 81 series | 6 | Tatami | March 1980 | July 1990 | SuRo 62 series | Mito | |
| Fureai Ai | ふれあい愛 | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | 1980 | 1990 | 12 series | Nagano | |
| Fureai Michinoku | ふれあいみちのく | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | July 1986 | May 2002 | 12 series | Morioka | |
| Kutsurogi (JR East) | くつろぎ | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | June 1983 | September 1999 | 12 series | Takasaki | |
| Nagoyaka | なごやか | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | March 1981 | July 1997 | 12 series | Oku, Tokyo | |
| Nostalgic View Train | ノスタルジックビュートレイン | JNR 50 series [ja] | 2 x 3-car sets | Seating | 1990 | 1997 | 50 series | Akita | Hauled by dedicated Class DE10 diesel locomotives. Replaced by Resort Shirakami DMU |
| Orient Saloon | オリエントサルーン | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | January 1987 | November 2000 | 12 series | Fukushima | |
| Ozashiki Ressha | お座敷列車 ("カヌ座") | 12 series | 7 | Tatami | July 1981 | February 2002 | 12 series | Niigata | |
| Roman | 浪漫 | 14 series | 6 | Tatami | November 1995 | March 2007 | 14 series | Nagano | Repainted to gold and wine red in 2000. Replaced Shirakaba and replaced by Irodori. |
| Salon Express Tokyo | サロンエクスプレス東京 | 14 series | 7 | Seating | August 1983 | January 1997 | 14 series | Shinagawa | Converted to become Yutori trainset. |
| Shirakaba | 白樺 | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | July 1983 | November 1995 | 12 series | Nagano | Withdrawn and replaced by Roman. |
| Super Express Rainbow | スーパーエクスプレスレインボー | 12/14 series | 7 | Seating | March 1987 | March 2000 | 12/14 series | Oku | |
| Yasuragi | やすらぎ | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | April 1986 | March 2001 | 12 series | Takasaki | Sold to Watarase Railway, becoming "Salon de Watarase". |
| Yutori | ゆとり | 14 series | 6 | Tatami | May 1997 | March 2008 | 14 series | Oku, Tokyo | Converted from former Salon Express Tokyo trainset. |
| SL Ginga | SL銀河 | KiHa 141 series | 4 | Seating | 12 April 2014 | 11 June 2023 | KiHa 141 series | Iwate | |
* The Nostalgic View Train circa 1992
* C58 239 hauling the SL Ginga
* Roman
* Shirakaba
* Salon Express Tokyo
* JR East's Kutsurogi
* Edo
* Yasuragi
* Fureai Michinoku
* Orient Saloon
* Super Express Rainbow
* Yutori

### JR Central
#### EMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Train117 | トレイン117 | 117 series | 4 | Seating | August 2010 | 21 July 2013 (final run) | 117 series | Ōgaki | KuHa 116-206 + MoHa 116-45 + MoHa 117-45 + KuHa 117-23 |
| Yū Yū Tōkai | ゆうゆう東海 | 165 series | 3 | Seating | July 1989 | November 1999 | 165 series | Shizuoka | Kumoha 165-701 + MoHa 164-701 + KuHa 165-701 |
* The Train117 in August 2010
* The Yū Yū Tōkai joyful train on Yamakita station in 1992

#### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Resort Liner | リゾートライナー | KiHa 80 series | 3 | Seating | July 1988 | March 1995 | KiHa 80 series | Nagoya | KiRo 82-801 + KiRo 80-791 + KiRo 80-801 |
* Resort Liner KiHa 80 series DMU in 1989

#### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Ikoi | いこい | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | 1982 | February 1997 | 12 series | Numazu → Nagoya | The cars remained in regular 12 Series paint scheme, unlike other Joyful Train sets. It's the second time the name Ikoi has been used for a named train in Japan, as it was used before by JNR. |
| Euroliner | ユーロライナー | 12-700 series | 7 | Seating | August 1985 | April 2005 | 12 series | Nagoya | Euroliner liveried locos: EF64 35/66 EF65 105/106/112 DD51 592/791/1037 |
| Ozashiki Ressha | お座敷列車 ("ナコ座") | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | March 1983 | October 1999 | 12 series | Nagoya | |

### JR West
#### EMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Super Saloon Yumeji | スーパーサルーンゆめじ | 211 series/213 series | 3 | Seating | 1988 | March 2010 | Purpose-built | Okayama | KuMoRo 211-1 + MoRo 210-1 + KuRo 212-1001 |
* Super Saloon Yumeji 211/213 series, January 2007

#### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Edel Tango | エーデル丹後 | KiHa 65 series | 2 | Seating | July 1988 | March 1996 | KiHa 65 series | Kyoto | KiHa 65 601 + KiHa 65 1601 Operated in conjunction with 183-800 series Kitakinki EMU services between Osaka. |
| Edel Tottori | エーデル鳥取 | KiHa 65 series | 4 | Seating | March 1989 | October 1999 | KiHa 65 series | Kyoto | |
| Edel | エーデル | KiHa 65 series | 4 | Seating | December 1989 | October 2004 | KiHa 65 series | Kyoto | |
| YUtopia | ゆぅトピア | KiHa 65 series | 2 | Seating/Carpet | December 1986 | March 1995 | KiHa 65 series | Kanazawa | KiRo 65 1 + KiRo 65 1001 Operated in conjunction with 485 series Raichō EMU services between Kyoto and Osaka. |
| Resort Saloon Festa | リゾートサルーン・フェスタ | KiHa 58 series | 3 | Seating | July 1988 | November 2001 | KiHa 58 series | Hiroshima | KiRo 59 552 + KiRo 29 553 + KiRo 59 553. The "mouth" in the front of the train can open. |
| VIVA West | ビバ・ウエスト | KiHa 59 series | 2 | Seating | August 1989 | March 1999 | KiHa 58 series | Yamaguchi | KiHa 59 501 + KiHa 29 501 |
| Seychelle | セイシェル | KiHa 58 series | 3 | Seating/Carpet | October 1989 | January 2005 | KiHa 58 series/12 series | Fukuchiyama | KiRo 59 554 + KiSaRo 59 501 + KiRo 59 555 |
| Golden Express Astre | ゴールデンエクスプレスアストル | KiHa 65/KiHa 58 series | 3 | Seating | March 1988 | December 2006 | KiHa 65/KiHa 58 series | Kanazawa | KiRo 65 551 + KiRo 29 552 + KiRo 65 1551 |
| Fureai Pal | ふれあいパル | KiHa 58 series | 2 | Carpet | April 1986 | October 2007 | KiHa 58 series | Hiroshima | KiRo 59 504 + KiRo 29 503 |
| Fureai Sun-in | ふれあいSUN-IN | KiHa 58 series | 3 | Tatami | April 1986 | July 2008 | KiHa 58 series | Yonago | KiRo 59 506 + KiRo 59 505 + KiRo 29 507 |
| Honobono Sun-in | ほのぼのSUN-IN | KiHa 58 series | 2 | Tatami | November 1987 | November 2009 | KiHa 58 series | Yonago | KiRo 59 551 + KiRo 29 551 |
| Misuzu Shiosai | みすゞ潮彩 | KiHa 47 | 2 | Seating | July 2007 | January 2017 | KiHa 47 | Yamaguchi | Converted to become Maru Maru No Hanashi |
| Tenkū no shiro Takedajōato | 天空の城 竹田城跡号 | KiHa 40 | 1 | Seating | March 2015 | May 2019 | KiHa 40 | Hyōgo | Converted to become Umiyamamusubi |
| Setouchi Marine View | 瀬戸内マリンビュー | KiHa 47 | 2 | Seating | October 2005 | December 2019 | KiHa 47 | Hiroshima | Converted to become etSETOra |
* Setouchi Marine View, 2005
* Misuzu Shiosai
* Tenku no Shiro Takedajoato, 2015
* Seychelle
* Resort Saloon Festa
* Honobono Sun-In
* Fureai Pal
* Fureai Sun-In

#### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Holiday Pal | ホリデーパル | JNR 20 series [ja]/14 series | 8 | Compartments | June 1984 | September 1997 | 20/14 series | Hiroshima | the train also known as the Genkai |
| Ozashiki Kyakusha Joyful Train | お座敷客車ジョイフルトレイン | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | July 1981 | 1989 | 12 series | Wakayama | Withdrawn 1989 and converted to become Ikiiki Salon Kinokuni. |
| Ikiiki Salon Kinokuni | いきいきサロンきのくに | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | September 1989 | June 2007 | 12 series | Wakayama | Converted from former Ozashiki Kyakusha Joyful Train. |
| Fukuchiyama Ikoi | いこい | 12 series | 1 | Mixed | April 1985 | 1989 | 12 series | Fukichiyama | Half in Japanese style, half in Western style. Later incorporated into Seychelle. |
| Tabiji | 旅路 | 12-800 series | 6 | Tatami | July 1981 | 30 September 2007 | 12 series | Hiroshima | |
| Wakuwaku Danran | わくわく団らん | 12 series | 6 | Tatami | July 1982 | December 2006 | 12 series | Kanazawa | |
| Yuu Yuu Salon Okayama | ユウユウサロン岡山 | 12 series | 6 | Seating | November 1985 | March 2011 | 12 series | Okayama | Originally named "ゆうゆうサロン岡山". Refurbished and repainted in January 1994. |
| Asuka | あすか | 12 series/14 series | 7 | Tatami/Seating | November 1987 | 31 March 2018 | 12/14 series | Miyahara, Osaka | |
| SL Yamaguchi (12 series) | SLやまぐち号（12系） | 12 series | 5 | Seating | July 1988 | September 2017 | 12 series | Yamaguchi | Sold to Ōigawa Railway in February 2018. |
| Okuizumo Orochi | 奥出雲おろち号 | 12 series | 2 | Seating | April 1998 | November 2023 | 12 series | Goto | Replaced by Ametuchi. Had a dedcicated locomotive. |
| SL Kita-Biwako | SL北びわこ号 | 12 series | 5 | Seating | August 1995 | November 2019 | 12 series | Shiga | |
* Holiday Pal
* Fukuchiyama Ikoi
* Ozasiki Kyakusha
* Wakuwaku Danran
* Tabiji in its original paint scheme in the 1980s
* Loco-hauled 12-800 series Tabiji set on its final run in September 2007
* Okuizumo Orochi in 2017

### JR Shikoku
#### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Island Express Shikoku II | アイランドエクスプレス四国II | KiHa 185 series | 2 | Seating | August 1999 | 2021 | KiHa 185 series | Takamatsu | KiRo 186 4 + KiRo 186 8 |
| Iyonada Monogatari (KiHa 47) | 伊予灘ものがたり | KiHa 47 | 2 | Seating | 2014 | 2021 | KiHa 47 series | Tadotsu | Replaced by a KiHa 185 based train with the same name. |
| Tabidachi | 旅立ち | KiHa 58 Series | 4 | Seating | March 1987 | April 1987 | KiHa 58 series | Takamatsu | Modified to accommodate group excursions over the Great Seto Bridge. |
* Island Express Shikoku II
* Iyonada Monogatari
* Tabidachi

#### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Island Express Shikoku | アイランドエクスプレス四国 | JNR 50 series [ja] | 5 | Seating | March 1987 | May 1999 | 50 series | Takamatsu | |

### JR Kyushu
#### DMU

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Aso 1962 | あそ1962 | KiHa 58 series | 2 | Seating | July 2006 | 26 December 2010 | KiHa 58 series | Kumamoto | |
| Hayato no Kaze | はやとの風 | KiHa 47/147 | 2 | Seating | March 2004 | March 2022 | KiHa 47 | Kagoshima | Former KiHa 140 series car converted to become Ibusuki no Tamatebako car in March 2012. Rest of the train was converted to become Two Stars 4047. |
| Holland Village Express | オランダ村特急 | KiHa 183-1000 series | 4 | Seating | 20 March 1988 | July 1992 | Purpose-built | – | Operated in conjunction with 485 series Ariake EMU services between Kokura and Hakata. Converted to become Yufuin no Mori II. |
| Siebold | シーボルト | KiHa 183-1000 series | 4 | Seating | March 1999 | March 2004 | KiHa 183-1000 series | – | Converted from former Yufuin no Mori II. Converted to become Yufu DX. Named after German botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold. |
| Toro-Q | TORO-Q | KiHa 58 + ToRa 70000 + KiHa 65 | 5 | Seating | October 2002 | August 2010 | KiHa 58 + ToRa 70000 + KiHa 65 | – | DMU cars repainted and reverted to regular use following withdrawal of train. |
| Yufu DX | ゆふDX | KiHa 183-1000 series | 4 | Seating | March 2004 | January 2011 | KiHa 183-1000 series | Oita | Formerly Holland Village Express, Yufuin no Mori II, and Siebold. Withdrawn 10 January 2011 and converted to become Aso Boy. |
| Yufuin no Mori II | ゆふいんの森II | KiHa 183-1000 series | 4 | Seating | July 1992 | March 1999 | KiHa 183-1000 series | – | Converted from former Holland Village Express. Converted to become Siebold. |
| Isaburo Shinpei | いさぶろう・しんぺい | KiHa 47 series | 3 | Seating | 2009 | March 2023 | KiHa 47 series | – | Converted to become Kampachi Ichiroku. |
* Aso 1962, December 2006
* Hayato no Kaze, July 2009
* Holland Village Express KiHa 183-1000 series in 1990
* Siebold KiHa 183-1000 series in 2000
* Toro-Q set led by KiHa 65 36 in July 2008
* Yufu DX in September 2009
* Yufuin no Mori II KiHa 183-1000 series in July 1998

#### Loco hauled

| Name | Japanese | Classification | No. of cars | Accommodation | Introduced | Withdrawn | Converted from | Depot/region | Remarks |
| Panorama Liner Southern Cross | パノラマライナーサザンクロス | 12 series | 6 | Seating | March 1987 | March 1994 | 12 series | Mojiko | |
| SL Aso Boy | SLあそBOY | JNR 50 series [ja] | 3 | Seating | August 1988 | 2005 | 50 series | Kumamoto | The train is nicknamed SL Hitoyoshi due to the engine's former static preservation location in Hitoyoshi. The steam engine used for the SL Aso Boy service broke down in August 2005, necessitating repairs and was eventually replaced by a JNR DE10 series diesel locomotive. Out of service due to repairs until 2009, the train was brought back into service as the SL Hitoyoshi. |
| SL Hitoyoshi | SL人吉 | JNR 50 series [ja] | 3 | Seating | 2009 | March 2024 | 50 series | Kumamoto | In 2009, the SL Hitoyoshi name is made official with Aso 1962 taking over the Aso line from the former SL Aso Boy. Ran as SL Kimetsu no Yaiba in 2020 as collaboration with the movie. Due to the age of the locomotive, JR Kyushu withdrew the SL Hitoyoshi from service in March 23, 2024. |
* SL Aso Boy
* SL Aso Boy converted to look like Galaxy Express 999 at Suizenji Station
* SL Hitoyoshi
* SL Hitoyoshi as SL Kimetsu no Yaiba