The Ibara Railway , which connects Kiyone Station in Okayama Prefecture and Kannabe Station in Hiroshima Hiroshima Prefecture , operates specially designed trains themed around the attractions of the areas along its line. The " DENIM TRAIN DENIM TRAIN" that we will introduce here is one such train.
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Okayama Prefecture is located in the Center of Western Japan and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It's conveniently located halfway between famous tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It's also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Okayama," and the fruits that are sun-drenched in the warm climate of the Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-class tourist spots, including Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which boasts history, culture, and art!
In honor of Ibara City in Okayama Prefecture , a globally renowned center for Denim fabric production, the entire vehicle is adorned with a design inspired by Denim.
On October 12, 2026, a vehicle tour and departure ceremony were held to commemorate the renewal of the train, which now features Denim fabric from Ibara in its seats. This article introduces the features of the newly renovated seats and train, as well as the charm of Ibara City of Denim , along with a report on the test ride that day.
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Table of Contents
- What is the Ibara Railway"DENIM TRAIN DENIM TRAIN"?
- Scenes from the departure ceremony and test ride to commemorate the renewal.
- Jointly developed by local companies! Special seats made from Denim material.
- Students from Ibara High School introduce the design and interior charm of the DENIM TRAIN!
- You can enjoy Denim events and local gourmet food right in front of Ibara Station!
- Summary | Take the DENIM TRAIN to Ibara City of Denim
What is the Ibara Railway"DENIM TRAIN DENIM TRAIN"?
The "DENIM TRAIN DENIM TRAIN ," which began operation in October 2025, is a sightseeing train themed around Denim , a specialty product of Ibara City . The train's exterior features a design inspired by Denim fabric, and Denim is also used for the headrest covers and curtains inside the train. In this latest renovation, Denim fabric treated with a special flame-retardant process has been adopted for the seats. The train now allows passengers to experience the texture and appeal of Denim more closely, not only on the exterior but also inside the train.
In addition to the DENIM TRAIN , the Ibara Railway also operates various other specially designed trains themed around local specialties and tourist spots along its line.
Ibara City , a Denim fabric production area attracting global attention.
When it comes to Denim and jeans production in Okayama Prefecture , the Kojima district of Kurashiki City is well-known. However, Ibara City is also one of Japan's leading Denim production areas.
While the Kojima district is known for its jeans manufacturing (cutting and sewing fabric to create products), Ibara City has long developed as a "textile town" with a thriving cotton textile industry. The weaving technique, which involves weaving threads to create cloth, is still used in the production of high-quality Denim fabrics today. Denim fabrics produced in Ibara City are used by famous fashion brands not only in Japan but also overseas, and are highly regarded worldwide.
Scenes from the departure ceremony and test ride to commemorate the renewal.
On October 12, 2026 (Monday, a public holiday), I also participated in the departure ceremony and trial ride of the DENIM TRAIN held at Ibara Station.
At around 9:30 a.m., the DENIM TRAIN arrived at the platform of Ibara Station, watched by many onlookers. Afterwards, a departure ceremony commemorating the renewal was held inside the train.
Denchu-kun , the local mascot of Ibara City , also made an appearance at the venue. Local mascots are characters created to promote the charm of a region. Local elementary school students acting as PR ambassadors and students from Okayama Prefectural Ibara High School also participated, adding to the excitement of the event.
Jointly developed by local companies! Special seats made from Denim material.
The most noteworthy feature of this renovation is the special seats made with Denim fabric from Ibara. At the departure ceremony, Mr. Shiba, president of Nakashima Uchida Corporation in Okayama City , which was involved in the production of the seats, gave an explanation about their development.
Railway car seats are subject to strict safety standards, including "flame retardancy" to prevent the spread of fire in the event of a fire. Therefore, ordinary Denim fabric cannot be used as is for the seats. These special seats were developed through the collaboration of several local companies.
The Denim fabric used for the seats was provided by KUROKI, a Denim manufacturer in Ibara City . Nakashima Uchida Corporation , Ltd. in Okayama City utilized its expertise in manufacturing custom-made furniture using Denim materials to develop flame-retardant treatment Denim for railway cars and design the seats. Shoei Co., Ltd. , Ltd. in Asakuchi City applied the flame-retardant and water water-repellent treatment, and JR West Goto Tech, Ltd. was in charge of reupholstering the seats. By combining the specialized skills of each company, seats were created that balance the texture of Denim with the safety required for railway cars.
Students from Ibara High School introduce the design and interior charm of the DENIM TRAIN!
Besides the newly renovated Denim seats, the DENIM TRAIN has many other attractions. Students from Ibara High School in Okayama Prefecture, a local school, introduced the various Denim designs featured on the exterior and interior of the train cars.
First, let's look at the exterior of the train. The details are meticulously reproduced, from the stitching of jeans and the fading characteristic of well-worn Denim to the patterns of the small metal rivets that reinforce the pockets. Another distinctive feature is that different designs are used on the left and right sides of the train. Next, inside the train, the indigo dyeing curtains made by artisans in Ibara were introduced. indigo dyeing. Denim is also used for the tassels, which are string-like decorations that tie back the curtains.
Also, the Denim headrest covers attached to the parts of the seats that support the head are designed with local characters from along the Ibara Railway line. The seat I sat in had Yakappi (Yakage Mascot) , the character from Yakage Town , depicted on it. Different characters appear on each seat, so be sure to check them out when you ride the train!
After the departure ceremony, we took a trial ride from Ibara Station to Soun-no-Sato Ebara Station and back. We were able to enjoy the scenery along the Ibara Railway line while sitting in the newly refurbished Denim seats.
You can enjoy Denim events and local gourmet food right in front of Ibara Station!
To commemorate the renewal, various events were held in front of Ibara Station on October 12, 2026. These included the "DENIM TRAIN Completion Commemorative Marché," the "Ibara Line DE Tokutoku Market" selling local specialties, and events to familiarize people with public transportation. A vintage bonnet bus with a distinctive old-fashioned body design appeared at the venue, and stalls offering food, drinks, and shopping lined the area. Shine Muscat , a specialty product of Ibara City , which are large, sweet grapes, were also sold at a special price, and the event was bustling with many people.
The " Ibara Line DE Tokutoku Market" is an event aimed at promoting the use of the Ibara Railway and selling local specialty products, and is mainly held on the first Sunday of every month. However, there may be months when it is not held, or the dates may change. When visiting, please check the latest event information on the official website.
Summary | Take the DENIM TRAIN to Ibara City of Denim
Ibara Railway has previously operated unique trains that convey the charm of the areas along its line, such as the "STAR TRAIN" with a star theme and the "Art Train" that incorporates art. Among them, the DENIM TRAIN is a special train that allows passengers to actually see, touch, and feel the charm of Ibara City's proud traditional industries.
Inside Ibara Station, you'll find the " Ibara Denim Store, " where you can purchase Denim products made in Ibara. Throughout Ibara City, there are also numerous shops where you can directly purchase jeans and Denim products made by local manufacturers. After experiencing the allure of Denim on the train, we recommend exploring the town and searching for your favorite Denim items. Ibara City is a Denim town where traditional weaving techniques still thrive. Why not take a ride on the " DENIM TRAIN" and enjoy a journey that allows you to experience the unique charm of Ibara's craftsmanship?
Please note that the operating days and times of the DENIM TRAIN may change. Those wishing to ride should check the latest schedule on the Ibara Railway's official website in advance.
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