JR Hokkaido has announced the sales methods, fares, and itineraries for the “Akai Hoshi” and “Ao Hoshi” sightseeing trains scheduled for introduction in 2027.
For both trains, ride-only plans will be available at Midori-no-Madoguchi and reserved-seat ticket vending machines nationwide one month prior to the boarding date. The “Blue Star” is available only for boarding, while the “Akai Hoshi” includes a meal plan available on JR Hokkaido’s website from about three months prior to the boarding date. The number of seats available at the Midori-no-Madoguchi counter is approximately 15, while those with meal plans are approximately 60.
The “Akai Hoshi” will make its debut between Sapporo Station and Abashiri Station, with one one-way trip per day, changing stops on the outbound and inbound routes. The departure time from Sapporo will be around 9:00 a.m. and the return time from Abashiri around 10:00 a.m., taking approximately 7 hours.
In addition to lunch time on board, the company plans to offer “lounge car events” for a fee that will help disseminate local information. Fares will be in the 20,000 to 30,000 yen range for a ride only, and in the 30,000 to 40,000 yen range with meals (depending on seat type).
The service between Kushiro Station and Shiretoko-Shari Station, scheduled from April to July 2027, will make one round trip per day, departing from Kushiro in the morning and departing from Shiretoko-Shari in the afternoon. The train will depart from Kushiro in the morning and depart from Shiretoko-Shari in the afternoon, with different stops on the outbound and inbound routes. The train will stop at Kushiro Shitsugen Station on the way from Kushiro and Kawayuonsen Station on the way from Shiretoko-Shari for a long “stroll time,” and will slow down at points where Kushiro Shitsugen and Mt.
For the afternoon departure from Shiretoko-Shari, a sweet treat will be served instead of lunch time. A “lounge car event” will also continue. Fares will be in the 10,000 to 20,000 yen range for a ride only, and 20,000 to 30,000 yen with meals.
The “Blue Star” debuted in June and will run twice daily between Asahikawa Station and Furano Station (via Furano Line) until September. This train will also slow down at scenic spots, and local residents are planning to sell goods and hold events. The scheduled fare is approximately 5,000 yen.
From January to March 2028, the “Blue Star” will make two round trips a day between Abashiri and Shiretoko-Shari stations. In addition to slowing down at locations overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, the plan is to offer “walking time” at Kitahama and Hama-Koshimizu stations. The fare will be approximately 4,000 yen.
© Source travel watch
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