SAPPORO – Hokkaido Railway Co. said Monday it will launch two new sightseeing train services on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido from 2027.
While the “Red Star” and “Blue Star” services were initially scheduled to begin from spring 2026, their rollout was delayed due to carriage repairs taking longer than expected, JR Hokkaido said.
The Red Star is set to debut in February 2027 to coincide with the drift ice season along the Sea of Okhotsk. The round-trip service will span two days between JR Sapporo and Abashiri stations.
From April to July, it will run between JR Kushiro and Shiretoko Shari stations.
The Blue Star will be in service from June to September, mainly during the lavender blooming season, between JR Asahikawa and Biei stations, and JR Furano Station.
From January to March 2028, it will make round trips twice daily between JR Abashiri and Shiretoko Shari stations.
The diesel-powered trains are designed by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, who also worked on Kyushu Railway’s “Seven Stars in Kyushu” luxury sleeper train.
The Red Star will also feature a traditional tatami-mat tea room, where passengers must remove their shoes.
AloJapan.com