Semi-express The
Kaiji service began on 1 October 1961 as a semi express operating between Shinjuku and Kōfu. The name was derived from the old name, , of
Yamanashi Prefecture. Services were operated using
KiHa 58 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains in between duties on long-distance
Alps and
Hakuba express services. DMUs were used on these services due to the restricted tunnel clearances along the line prohibiting the use of electric trains. The outbound service departed from Shinjuku at 14:50, arriving at Kōfu at 17:19. The return working departed from Kōfu at 18:28, arriving at Shinjuku at 21:20. The
Kaiji services were however discontinued and integrated with the
Alps express services from the start of the revised timetable on 1 October 1965 when electric trains were introduced.
Express The
Kaiji name was revived from 12 December 1966 for use on express services aimed at business users, operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto using 12-car
165 series EMU formations in between duties on longer-distance
Alps services. The early morning up working departed from Matsumoto at 04:50, arriving at Shinjuku at 09:34. The evening down service departed from Shinjuku at 18:55, arriving at Matsumoto at 23:36. From the start of the 1 October 1968 timetable revision, the Shinjuku - Matsumoto service was integrated with the other
Alps express services also operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto, and the
Kaiji name was used for five new return express services operating between Shinjuku and Kōfu. Due to the seasonal nature of ridership on these services, three of the five return workings were designated as seasonal services, operating only during peak seasons. These services were operated using outer-suburban
115 series EMUs, whereas the two regular services were operated using
165 series express EMUs with first-class accommodation and buffet facilities. In response to the lack of first class accommodation, a 115 series set reformed with a 165 series "SaRo 165" Green car was used on some services. The use of suburban rolling stock on express services requiring payment of a supplement was not popular, however, and the seasonal services were downgraded to "Rapid" services by 1978, leaving just the two regular
Kaiji express services using 165 series rolling stock. The remaining
Kaiji services were discontinued from the start of the 1 November 1986 timetable following the introduction of new
Azusa limited express services. From March 2019, the twice-daily 3-car
Fuji Excursion (富士回遊) limited express services connecting Shinjuku and
Kawaguchiko are coupled with the Kaiji services between Shinjuku and
Otsuki. At Otsuki Station, the two trains decouple and separate. ==See also==