Japan’s Gotemba Line Gets a One-Day Regional Food Train on November 28

For travelers who like a railway journey to include a taste of the places it passes through, JR Central has announced a one-day return of its Marche Train Gotemba. The special service is scheduled to run on November 28, 2026, along the Gotemba Line, between Mishima in Shizuoka Prefecture and Kozu in Kanagawa Prefecture.

The train is designed as more than a ride from one station to another: a separately purchased “Marche Train Enjoy Ticket” adds regional food and specialties to the trip. JR Central says this will be the train’s third run, with a new headmark-style plate and a refreshed selection of items. For a late-autumn itinerary near Mount Fuji, it offers a distinctive way to spend several hours between the Izu gateway at Mishima and the rail connections around Kozu.

What’s planned for the journey

The train is due to leave Mishima at 10:08 a.m. and arrive at Kozu at 1:29 p.m. The express and reserved-seat tickets for this special service are sold only for the Mishima–Kozu section. JR Central describes the route as passing through the foothills of Mount Fuji, but travelers should check the operator’s latest information before departure in case details change.

Passengers who buy the Enjoy Ticket are set to receive 10 food or specialty products representing communities along the line. The participating municipalities span Shizuoka and Kanagawa: Mishima, Numazu, Nagaizumi, Susono, Gotemba, Oyama, Yamakita, Matsuda, Oi and Odawara. The package also includes a JR Central eco bag and commemorative boarding certificate. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase aboard, according to the operator.

The Enjoy Ticket is a separate add-on, not a substitute for the train fare. JR Central lists three options—Standard, Plus and Premium—priced at ¥5,000, ¥7,000 and ¥10,500 respectively. All include the regional products and basic keepsakes; the higher tiers add different original goods. Travelers must first obtain a seat reservation and provide its seat number when ordering an add-on. The operator says the Enjoy Ticket will not be sold onboard, and it may be unavailable if the train fills up.

Booking and planning tips

Sales of the rail tickets are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on October 28. JR Central says they will be available at major station and travel-agency counters nationwide, but not through Ekinet, e5489 or ticket machines. A standard passenger ticket is also required, in addition to the express and reserved-seat tickets.

Because this is a single-date special service, build the rest of your itinerary around its fixed departure and arrival rather than assuming you can join midway. If you’re planning other rail journeys in Japan around the same trip, you can explore train-ticket options through Rail Monsters; check the operator’s own instructions for this particular excursion and its separate regional-food package.

For a smoother day, allow time to reach Mishima before departure and confirm onward connections from Kozu after arrival. The train’s appeal is the regional experience onboard, so leave room in your schedule to enjoy the samples rather than treating it as simply the fastest way between two points. Check JR Central’s announcement and sales information again before booking: dates, availability and arrangements can change.