Travel JR East to launch luxury sleeper train between Tokyo and Tohoku in 2027

JR East has announced plans to launch a new overnight limited express train connecting Tōkyō with the Tōhoku region in spring 2027. The train may also operate during daytime hours during busy travel seasons. JR East will repurpose one of its existing 10-car E657 series limited express trains, which are currently used on services like the Hitachi on the JR Jōban Line. The refurbished train will offer only private, cabin-style reserved Green Car (first-class) seating, accommodating around 120 passengers. Compartments will be available for solo travellers as well as groups of two or four.

There will also be two wheelchair-accessible compartments and 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. However, the new train will not include beds, instead using flat-seat configurations among other methods. The planned schedule includes nighttime departures from the greater Tokyo area and arrivals in the Tohoku region the following morning. JR East plans to announce further details including the pricing and timetable in the future.

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The Cassiopeia, a popular luxury sleeper train that once linked Tokyo with Hokkaidō, has made its final journey to Ueno Station, marking the end of its 26-year run.

We rode the Cassiopeia in its inaugural season. It was a fantastic ride. Brand new and very luxurious (and expensive). There was a travel journalist on board and I think my wife gave him a couple of comments and he took our picture which made it into his magazine which he sent to us later.