Japan is preparing to introduce a major new scenic rail experience as JR Hokkaido advances plans for its Red Star tourist train, a luxury sightseeing service designed to showcase Hokkaido’s winter scenery, wetlands, mountains and regional communities.
The Red Star is scheduled to begin operating in February 2027 between Sapporo and Abashiri before moving to the Kushiro–Shiretoko-Shari route from late April to mid-July.
Rather than functioning as conventional transportation, the train is being developed as a destination experience in itself. Passengers will travel through some of northern Japan’s most distinctive landscapes while enjoying premium seating, onboard hospitality and locally inspired food.
For international visitors, the service creates another reason to explore beyond Japan’s major cities and build Hokkaido into a longer regional itinerary.
Winter route connects Sapporo with Abashiri
The first Red Star operation will link Sapporo and Abashiri from early February to early March 2027.
JR Hokkaido has named the Sapporo-to-Abashiri service Red Star Okhotsk no Kaze, or Okhotsk Wind, reflecting the winter atmosphere associated with eastern Hokkaido and the Sea of Okhotsk.
The return service from Abashiri to Sapporo will operate as Red Star Sekka no Kaze, with its name inspired by Hokkaido’s snow-covered winter landscapes.
One train will operate in each direction, creating a two-day round-trip opportunity for travellers who want to combine rail tourism with an overnight stay in eastern Hokkaido.
The Sapporo departure is planned for around 9:07 am, reaching Abashiri at approximately 3:59 pm. The return service is scheduled to leave Abashiri at around 10:00 am the following day and arrive in Sapporo at approximately 5:22 pm.
These extended journey times are central to the concept, allowing passengers to experience the changing scenery rather than simply travel as quickly as possible.
Drift ice tourism gains a premium rail connection
The winter route is expected to strengthen access to the Okhotsk region during one of Hokkaido’s most distinctive tourism seasons.
Abashiri is widely associated with drift ice tourism, which attracts visitors to the Sea of Okhotsk during winter.
Travellers using the Red Star will journey from the Ishikari Plain through landscapes influenced by the Daisetsu mountain region before continuing toward eastern Hokkaido.
The timing creates opportunities to combine the train with winter sightseeing, regional cuisine and other seasonal experiences around Abashiri.
For Hokkaido tourism, such rail products can encourage travellers to stay longer and spend more across smaller communities rather than concentrating their entire trip in Sapporo.
Kushiro route highlights wetlands and wildlife
From late April until mid-July 2027, the Red Star will shift to eastern Hokkaido and operate between Kushiro and Shiretoko-Shari.
The outbound service will be called Red Star Shitsugen no Ibuki, a name inspired by the Kushiro Wetlands and the rich plant and animal life found along the route.
The return service, Red Star Sanroku no Mebuki, reflects the landscapes around Mount Shari and the arrival of spring in eastern Hokkaido.
JR Hokkaido says the route will feature views of Kushiro Wetland, the Shiretoko mountain range and local settlements.
For nature-focused travellers, the service creates a scenic rail gateway into one of Japan’s most environmentally distinctive regions.
Luxury design turns the train into the attraction
JR Hokkaido is positioning Red Star as its luxury-class sightseeing train.
The train will use refurbished KiHa 143-series rolling stock while introducing interiors and services designed specifically for premium tourism.
Attendants will travel onboard to assist passengers and provide meal service, while the train will feature reserved Green Car accommodation.
The visual identity draws inspiration from the red five-pointed star historically associated with Hokkaido’s development.
By combining railway heritage with modern hospitality, JR Hokkaido aims to create an experience closely connected with the character of the island.
Ticket sales begin ahead of 2027 launch
JR Hokkaido has already announced planned pricing for the first Sapporo–Abashiri services.
Sales for lunch-inclusive plans are scheduled to begin in early November 2026.
Prices are expected to start from JPY 39,000 per adult for box seating. Semi-compartment seating is planned from JPY 50,000 per adult, while private rooms will be sold by room and can cost substantially more depending on capacity.
Travel-only tickets are planned to go on sale from early January 2027, generally one month before each operating date. JR Hokkaido currently lists a planned starting price of JPY 23,340 for the travel-only option, although pricing varies by journey section.
This confirms that the Red Star will operate as a premium sightseeing product rather than a standard regional train.
Scenic trains support regional tourism growth
The Red Star forms part of JR Hokkaido’s wider Star Train Project, which also includes the Blue Star sightseeing train.
JR Hokkaido is developing the programme with communities along the railway to create new tourism demand and support regional revitalisation.
That strategy is particularly important in Hokkaido, where many attractions are spread across large distances.
Rail-based tourism can connect travellers with smaller destinations while reducing dependence on conventional road-based sightseeing.
The Red Star will also follow a growing Japanese trend toward trains that combine transport, hospitality, gastronomy and regional storytelling.
Hokkaido becomes the journey, not just the destination
For travellers planning Japan trips in 2027, the Red Star offers a different approach to exploring the country.
Instead of rushing between major cities, passengers will be able to spend hours watching winter plains, wetlands, mountains and rural communities pass outside the windows.
That slower approach could appeal particularly to international visitors seeking nature, photography, wildlife and distinctive Japanese rail experiences.
With Sapporo–Abashiri operations beginning in February and Kushiro–Shiretoko-Shari journeys following in spring, JR Hokkaido’s Red Star is set to become one of northern Japan’s most significant new tourism experiences in 2027.
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