Oigawa Railway will convert all its trains into sightseeing services and raise fares to 3,500 yen per person starting July 1 [1], [4].
The move represents a drastic shift in the company's business model to ensure financial survival. By targeting tourism demand rather than local commuting, the operator aims to secure the revenue necessary to maintain its lines in Shizuoka Prefecture.
The new flat rate of 3,500 yen [1] is more than 2.6 times the current fare [3]. This pricing change applies to all sections of the Ikawa Line, running between Senzu and Ikawa stations [1], [5]. To balance the steep increase, the company will offer a pass allowing unlimited boarding and alighting across the entire line for 1,000 yen [2].
President Ryo Torizuka said the strategy is designed for management improvement and to secure a balanced budget [6]. The transition follows a period of public scrutiny regarding the company's financial health and leadership. Torizuka previously posted a blog regarding these changes, though the post has since been deleted [7].
Despite the controversy surrounding the price hike, Torizuka noted the strength of local support. "What I realized again is the love of the region for Oigawa Railway," Torizuka said. He added that the level of community feeling was "unexpected."
Local residents and regular users may face the most significant impact from the transition. While the 1,000 yen pass provides a lower-cost alternative for frequent travelers, the primary focus of the service is now firmly on the tourism market [6].
“The new flat rate of 3,500 yen is more than 2.6 times the current fare.”
This pivot signals a surrender of the railway's role as a primary public utility for local residents in favor of a niche tourism product. By implementing a fare increase of over 260%, Oigawa Railway is betting that the 'experience' of a sightseeing train can generate enough premium revenue to offset the loss of daily commuters, a common but risky survival strategy for rural Japanese railways.
