SAPPORO–Hokkaido Railway Co. (JR Hokkaido) will roll out its new Red Star and Blue Star luxury sightseeing trains in spring 2026 as part of efforts to increase ridership on eight money-losing lines.
The company said it will spend around 1.8 billion yen ($11.2 million) to remodel the two existing KiHa 143 series trains to offer each of the four-car excursion services.
The trains will be designed by Eiji Mitooka, who handled the Seven Stars luxury sleeper train operated by Kyushu Railway Co. (JR Kyushu).
The Red Star will mainly run on the Senmo Line between Kushiro and Abashiri stations, while the Blue Star will mostly be operated on the Furano Line between Asahikawa and Furano stations.
Both routes include sections of the eight unprofitable lines the operator aims to maintain with assistance from the central and local governments.
The company is also considering making use of the new services as cruise trains for the northernmost main island.
The Red Star, with facilities to accommodate around 100 passengers, will provide a variety of seating options, including private and semi-private compartments, as well as a lounge and a tearoom.
Carrying up to about 200 passengers, the Blue Star will be equipped with box seats, with observation seats added to each car.
JR Hokkaido has been operating various sightseeing services, such as the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train.
It hopes to leverage more average spending per customer by introducing new trains with superior interior designs and services.
“We expect to create a new customer base to generate a source of profits,” said Yasuyuki Watanuki, the company president. “We also work with local communities to provide a variety of services to revitalize local areas along the lines.”
Detailed operational areas, ticket prices and other information will be announced at a later date.
AloJapan.com