Set to launch in Spring 2027, JR East will launch its new night train service between Tokyo and Aomori, and it's first class only!

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Quick background on night trains in Japan
The onboard experience
Will the JR East Night train be included in the JR Pass?

Introduction

JR East will launch its first class night service in spring 2027, this is exciting news due to it being the first new night train being introduced in Japan in almost 30 years! The train will have Green Class (First Class) compartments only and connects Tokyo with northern Tohoku, terminating at Aomori station.

Instead of being just practical, the train will be an experience, focusing on comfort and having a good time, and definitely a premium one! With limited seating, we expect this train to be a very popular activity.

Quick background on night trains in Japan

Japan enjoyed a rich history of night services in Japan. Back in the 50s and 60s it was normal to take a ‘’Blue Sleeper’’ car to almost anywhere around the country. With the opening of the high-speed Shinkansen lines and night bus services, service was slowly withdrawn, with the blue last sleeper ‘’Hamanasu’’ service being sunset in 2016. We covered the service back in 2015.

Ever since then, the only night train with regular service is the Sunrise Express, between Tokyo and Takamatsu and Izumo. It's very promising news that JR East has thus decided to introduce a new night train service!

The onboard experience

The train itself will accommodate up to 120 passengers, all seats will be private, cabin-style Green Car reserved seating. There will be both cabins for single passengers and smaller groups, up to 4 traveling together. One train car will be used as an open lounge area. The design will feature blue and navy tones inspired by the Blue Train sleeper services that once ran on lines such as the JR Tokaido Line.

(Depicted above - private night cabin, that can be turned into a sleeping arrangement)

(Depicted above - Onboard Lounge area)

“Our focus is on bringing comfort and an enjoyable experience, rather than being the fastest train” commented the JR East President - and this makes total sense! There’s enjoyment in taking a journey at a slower pace, watching the landscape pass by and make the most of the onboard experience. If you want to be quick in Aomori, then take the Shinkansen. 

Will the JR East Night train be included in the JR Pass?

There has been no official announcement yet. Assuming it follows the same rules as for the Sunrise express, then the pass should cover the train. Note that since all seats are Green Class, you’d need to have a Green Class Japan Rail Pass to board the train. As there are no Green Class regional passes by JR East, this train can’t be used using a regional pass.

Keep an eye out on the blog closer to the launch date to keep up to date on all the details. Including how to book and fare information.