Key Facts
• August 4, 2025: JR Hokkaido unveils ‘Red Star’ and ‘Blue Star’ train designs.
• Part of the ‘Start Train Project’ to revitalize Hokkaido’s tourism.
• ‘Red Star’ features a deep red exterior inspired by Hokkaido’s historical red star symbol.
• ‘Blue Star’ showcases a blue exterior reflecting lavender fields and the Blue Pond.
• ‘Red Star’ interior highlights luxury with wood accents, lounges, and private rooms.
• ‘Blue Star’ offers premium box seats and panoramic observation rooms.
• ‘Red Star’ operations begin February 2027 on the Sapporo–Abashiri route.
• ‘Blue Star’ launches June 2027 on the Asahikawa–Furano route.
• Seasonal routes include Kushiro–Shiretoko Shari and Abashiri–Shiretoko Shari.
• Specific schedules, ticket prices, and booking details to be announced later.
Summary
JR Hokkaido will debut two new luxury tourist trains, ‘Red Star’ and ‘Blue Star,’ in 2027 as part of the ‘Start Train Project’ to boost Hokkaido’s tourism. The ‘Red Star’ features a deep red exterior and luxurious interiors, including lounges and private rooms, while the ‘Blue Star’ highlights a blue design inspired by local landscapes, offering premium seating and observation rooms. The ‘Red Star’ will begin operations in February 2027 on the Sapporo–Abashiri route, followed by the ‘Blue Star’ in June 2027 on the Asahikawa–Furano route. Seasonal routes will include scenic areas like Kushiro and Shiretoko. Further details on schedules and pricing will be revealed closer to the launch.
