Hokkaido to Launch Luxury Train Travel in 2027

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, will introduce two new scenic trains, Red Star and Blue Star, in 2027. The launch, originally planned for 2026, was delayed due to train maintenance. The services aim to offer travellers year-round views of Hokkaido’s landscapes and boost tourism.

The Red Star train will start in February 2027, aligning with the drift ice season along the Sea of Okhotsk. It will run a two-day round trip between JR Sapporo and Abashiri, showing passengers Hokkaido’s winter landscapes. From April to July, the route will shift to JR Kushiro and Shiretoko Shari, highlighting coastal scenery in spring and early summer.

The Blue Star will mainly operate from June to September, during Hokkaido’s lavender season. It will connect JR Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano, giving travelers easy access to the region’s famous flower fields. In winter 2028, it will run daily round trips between JR Abashiri and Shiretoko Shari.