"Joyful Train" is a term used by the Japan Railways Group to describe a type of train operated primarily for tourist excursions, charters or similar purposes.
History[]
The concept of the the Joyful Train was started in 1960, when a vintage SuHaShi 29 series dining car was modified into a Japanese-style o-zashiki train with tatami flooring and shōji paper screens covering the windows; this car could be coupled to regular trains by charter parties. A second car was converted the next year.
The first Joyful Train is often considered to be the Salon Express Tokyo, converted in 1983; the set was converted long before the Joyful Train name began to be used. Many of the first Joyful Trains looked much like the cars they were converted from apart from a livery change; later trains would have their appearance changed significantly. Since the Nanohana introduced in 1986, the trains are often used in metropolitan areas where passenger density is high.
There are generally three types of Joyful Trains: locomotive-hauled, EMU and DMU. Locomotive-hauled Joyful Trains are usually hauled by either a steam locomotive, typically a JNR Class D51, C57 or C58, or a diesel or electric locomotive, sometimes purpose-built for the situation. EMU and DMUs are hauled by their respective electric and diesel multiple units; most electric multiple units are converted from older surplus limited express trains, typically a 165 or 485 series set, while diesel multiple units are typically converted from KiHa 40 or KiHa 58 series cars.
Current status[]
Every one of JR's branches has operated at least one Joyful Train; all branches currently operate at least one Joyful Train except JR Central. As most trains are only used for charter service, spotting one is rare.
