Representational mage credit: Japan National Tourism Organization
Hokkaido Railway Company in Japan recently confirmed the launch of two new tourist train services, the Red Star and Blue Star, across the country’s northernmost island in 2027.
Originally scheduled for a spring 2026 launch, the Red Star and Blue Star trains’ launch has been delayed to 2027 due to extended carriage repairs. First up is the Red Star, which will make its grand entrance in February 2027 to line up with the drift ice season along the Sea of Okhotsk. Expect a two-day round trip between JR Sapporo and Abashiri stations, before the route switches from April to July to run between JR Kushiro and Shiretoko-Shari.
Also, read our 10-day itinerary to Hokkaido and dive into Northern Japan’s pristine nature, fresh seafood, local culture, and much more.
Red Star and Blue Star tourist trains: What to expect
Image credit: Hokkaido Railway Company
Given the season, the summer months can be particularly busy for the Blue Star. Operating from June to September, it perfectly coincides with Hokkaido’s lavender blooms, linking JR Asahikawa and Biei with JR Furano. The service will also resume in winter, running twice daily between January and March 2028, on the JR Abashiri and Shiretoko Shari route.
Both trains are diesel-powered and styled by Eiji Mitooka, the industrial designer behind Kyushu Railway’s Seven Stars in Kyushu luxury sleeper. Onboard, the Red Star adds an extra flourish with a tatami-mat tea room where guests slip off their shoes for the ride.
While we wait for these new rides, there’s no arguing that Hokkaido’s railway system is already a pretty magical way to travel. In under three hours from JR Sapporo, you can reach Niseko’s snow-covered slopes, while a 90-minute ride takes you straight to the steaming hot springs of Noboribetsu.
Hop on a local service to Otaru for canal-side seafood or venture further to Furano and Biei, where you can join throngs of other visitors admiring the lavender fields from June to July. International visitors can pick up a Hokkaido Rail Pass, which covers unlimited rides for four, five or seven days.
For more information, you can visit the Hokkaido Railway Company’s website.
(Feature image credit: Japan National Tourism Organization)
Related | Move Over Niseko — Powder Meets Playtime at This New Family Ski Resort in Hokkaido
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Sneha Chakraborty
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read Moreand identity. Her reporting has appeared in National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue India, and Hindustan Times, where she spent two years on staff as a correspondent covering travel and culture. She is an alumna of the University of Westminster`s Westminster School of Media, Arts and Design. Currently based in Delhi, she grew up in various cities across India and has lived in Amsterdam, and London. Read Less
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