Hokkaido, Japan, is About to Make Train Travel Legendary in 2027 with ‘Red Star’ and ‘Blue Star’. Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Published on September 22, 2025

In 2027, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is set to introduce two groundbreaking scenic train routes—Red Star and Blue Star. Originally slated for 2026, the services were delayed due to necessary carriage maintenance. However, despite this setback, the trains are expected to offer travelers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the island’s extraordinary landscapes year-round, strengthening Hokkaido’s position as a key tourist destination.

Elevating Hokkaido’s Tourism with Scenic Trains

By 2027, Hokkaido will enhance its tourism offerings with the launch of two premium scenic trains, Red Star and Blue Star. These services, originally intended for 2026, had to be postponed due to delays in train repairs. However, travelers will soon have the opportunity to explore the diverse beauty of Hokkaido through these luxurious and thoughtfully designed trains. With routes that take visitors from the icy winter scenes to the vibrant coastal landscapes and stunning lavender fields, these scenic journeys will be an immersive way to experience the island’s charm.

The Red Star service is set to begin in February 2027, coinciding with the arrival of the drift ice season along the Sea of Okhotsk. This two-day round-trip service will operate between JR Sapporo and Abashiri, allowing passengers to witness the breathtaking winter landscapes. From April to July, the route will switch, covering the stretch between JR Kushiro and Shiretoko Shari, offering a spectacular view of Hokkaido’s coast in spring and early summer.

Meanwhile, the Blue Star will operate mainly from June to September during Hokkaido’s lavender season. This service will connect JR Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano, providing easy access to the region’s iconic flower fields. Later, from January to March 2028, the Blue Star will offer two round-trip services each day between JR Abashiri and Shiretoko Shari, making it available for winter travel too.

Impact on Hokkaido’s Tourism Industry

The introduction of these new Red Star and Blue Star services is expected to significantly impact Hokkaido’s tourism. Offering travelers a chance to experience the island’s landscapes throughout the entire year, from the ice-covered waters of winter to the lush and colorful landscapes in spring and summer, these routes will appeal to tourists seeking to explore the beauty of Japan beyond the usual spots. With luxurious travel experiences combined with the stunning scenery, the trains are expected to attract both domestic and international visitors.

The Red Star and Blue Star trains will be diesel-powered and will feature designs by Eiji Mitooka, a celebrated industrial designer known for his work on other luxury trains like Seven Stars in Kyushu. These trains will offer a combination of comfort and elegance, making for a premium travel experience. For an extra touch of cultural authenticity, the Red Star will have a tatami-mat tea room, where passengers will be required to remove their shoes, thus further enhancing the cultural experience during their journey.

These scenic trains will provide more than just a means of transportation. They will offer immersive journeys that connect travelers to Hokkaido’s diverse landscapes, from the drift ice in winter to the lavender fields in summer. The seasonal variety in the routes ensures that travelers will experience something new each time they board, making the trips even more unique and memorable.

Global Appeal: Attracting Travelers from Around the World

The Red Star and Blue Star services are poised to elevate Hokkaido’s status as a premier global tourism destination. With an increasing demand for immersive and luxurious travel experiences, these trains are expected to captivate a wide range of travelers—both international and domestic. The unique combination of the island’s natural beauty and the high-end design of these trains will make Hokkaido an even more appealing destination for tourists seeking to experience Japan in a distinctive way.

The global tourism industry is increasingly focused on offering experiences rather than just services. As Hokkaido’s scenic trains offer a unique way to explore the island’s landscapes, they contribute to a broader shift in how train travel is perceived. These trains are not just a way to get from one point to another, but a method of connecting deeply with the surroundings, offering a memorable and scenic journey through some of Japan’s most picturesque regions. This approach is likely to influence future train service designs globally, encouraging other regions and countries to incorporate scenic train journeys as a prominent part of their tourism offerings.

As interest in luxury travel continues to grow, these trains will likely become a must-do experience for visitors, making them an essential part of any tourist’s itinerary. Hokkaido’s commitment to showcasing its natural beauty through these luxury trains will undoubtedly help the island stand out as a global tourist attraction.

Key Features of the Red Star and Blue Star Trains

The Red Star and Blue Star trains come with several unique features that differentiate them from other train services:

• Red Star:
  • The service is set to launch in February 2027, coinciding with the drift ice season in Hokkaido.
  • A two-day round-trip journey will connect JR Sapporo and Abashiri. From April to July 2027, the route will switch, covering the stretch between JR Kushiro and Shiretoko Shari.
  • Red Star will feature a traditional tatami-mat tea room, where passengers will be required to remove their shoes before entering, enhancing the cultural experience of the trip.
• Blue Star:
  • The Blue Star will operate between June and September, coinciding with the lavender season in Hokkaido.
  • The train will connect JR Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano, offering direct access to the renowned flower fields.
  • In winter, from January to March 2028, it will run daily round trips between JR Abashiri and Shiretoko Shari, providing another opportunity to explore Hokkaido in the winter months.

Both services will be diesel-powered and are designed by Eiji Mitooka, known for his work on luxury trains. These trains will not only provide comfort but will also offer breathtaking views of Hokkaido’s landscapes, making the journey a visually stunning experience.

Hokkaido’s Scenic Train Services: A Transformative Change in Tourism

The introduction of the Red Star and Blue Star trains is expected to bring about a transformative shift in how people experience Hokkaido. These services combine luxury, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion, making them an attractive option for a wide range of travelers. Whether it’s the dramatic winter scenes or the tranquil beauty of the lavender fields, these trains promise to offer something for every kind of traveler.

As a result, these new scenic trains will likely serve as a model for other regions and countries looking to promote scenic train journeys as an integral part of their tourism offerings. The innovative design, luxurious experience, and seasonal routes that capture the changing beauty of the island could help define the future of rail tourism.

By offering scenic train journeys that emphasize nature, culture, and comfort, Hokkaido is positioning itself at the forefront of the global tourism industry. As these new services are introduced, Hokkaido will become an even more attractive destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable way to experience Japan’s stunning natural beauty. The Red Star and Blue Star trains are expected to leave a lasting impact on tourism, not only in Hokkaido but throughout the world, by providing an immersive and luxurious way to explore the island’s most breathtaking landscapes.

In conclusion, the Red Star and Blue Star services represent a new era of travel in Hokkaido, where luxury, nature, and culture meet. These trains will undoubtedly offer unforgettable experiences for global travelers while contributing to the growing trend of scenic, luxury travel. Hokkaido is well on its way to becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers seeking more than just typical tourism, but a journey that connects them with the beauty of the land, its seasons, and its culture.