Resort Shirakami
For a more terrestrial yet equally spectacular train experience, book a ticket aboard the Resort Shirakami trains. Decorated to reflect the natural beauty and spirituality associated with the Shirakami-Sanchi highlands, the three different train configurations all echo the scenic landscapes to be seen along the Gono Line from Aomori to Akita.
Indeed, with spacious seats, elevated floors and extra-wide windows, the Resort Shirakami ensures that you will always have the best views of Aomori’s breathtaking coastlines. The best delicacies of the prefecture are available with special bento boxes created for passengers, while puppet shows, traditional storytelling and shamisen musical performances round off your journey through dramatic landscapes.
SL Ginga
SL Ginga started running quite recently in June, 2014. This train’s purpose is again the revival of Tohoku. It is a SL steam train, this type of train hardly runs in Japan. It looks retro and gives you a nostalgic feeling.
Each car has its own theme. The first car’s symbol is Scorpio and this car has a special entertainment that I will cover later on. The second car’s symbol is Sagittarius and has a gallery depicting Night on the Galactic Railroad. The symbol of the third car is Aquila and this car offers another gallery from Kenji Miyazawa. Then the symbol of fourth car is Cygnus and has an open space with a kiosk. Not only is the outside special, the inside interior is gorgeous as well. The inside is themed in Taisho and Showa era and has gas lamps, stained glass as lighting, Nambu Ironware as shelf and more.
POKÉMON with YOU
Pikachus are everywhere to be found aboard this cheery train developed as a Pokémon experience fit for the whole family. With an entire train decked out with soft plushies and dotted with tiny Pikachu footprints, it will be hard for you not to choose this Pokémon train when exploring the Tohoku region.
Servicing the route between Ichinoseki and Kesennuma, the POKÉMON with YOU train is a great way to visit gorgeous Geibikei, or Geibi Gorge, in all its autumnal glory. However, remember to check the train’s schedule before you catch it because it runs only once a day in either direction, and then only on specific days of selected months.
High rail 1375
"HIGH RAIL 1375" is JR East's newest tourist train, which started operating in July 2017. The train runs on the JR Koumi Line through the mountains of Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures, an area famous for its majestic alpine views and beautiful starry skies. The train makes the most of its stunning backdrop, and offers unique services for day and night operations. Come behind the scenes as we take an in-depth look at the development of this new train, and how its revitalizing the local area.
In tandem with its elevated train experience, the HIGH RAIL 1375 also makes evening stops at Nobeyama Station for you to go on a free stargazing tour. This hour-long break will take you through the best places in Japan for stargazing, where you can expect to see constellations twinkling in clear night skies.
Toreiyu Tsubasa
Toreiyu Tsubasa features a foot bath. This train gives you an image of traditional and modern Japan. This train has a special design allowing passengers to enjoy a foot bath. There are Katarai no Ma, Yuagari lounge, bar counter, and Ashiyu.
In the Katarai no Ma, you can enjoy chatting with your friends and family. This area uses tatami seats and gives a Japanese modern impression. Yuagari lounge is an open area with tatami seats, tables, and a bar counter. You can come here after the foot bath and meet people while enjoying the view.