[Aomori Prefecture/Iwate Prefecture] A moving restaurant! ? Traveling on the Hachinohe Line with TOHOKU EMOTION

Dining cars where you could eat on the train were once connected to many long-distance express trains and Shinkansen trains, but these have disappeared over time.
However, there are still tourist trains in operation in various locations where meals are served on board.
One such train TOHOKU EMOTION .
In this article, we will introduce the sections and days in which this sightseeing train operates, how to ride it, and spots along the line.

What is “TOHOKU EMOTION”?

"TOHOKU EMOTION" is a sightseeing train of JR East that has been in operation since autumn 2013.
The concept of this train is to
" discover and experience a new Tohoku The line in operation the Hachinohe Line, which connects Hachinohe Station in Aomori Prefecture and Kuji Station in Iwate Prefecture , and operates mainly on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays (and Mondays depending on the season).

The main feature of TOHOKU EMOTION is the concept that
the entire train is a restaurant The entire interior of the three-car train is a restaurant space, centered around a live kitchen where you can watch the food being prepared.
You can enjoy meals and desserts provided on board, either in your private compartment or in the open dining area.

In addition, each part of the vehicle is decorated with motifs of traditional crafts from all over Tohoku, and when you look out the window, you can see the magnificent Sanriku Sea.
You can also enjoy plenty of visual stimulation.

How to ride TOHOKU EMOTION?

TOHOKU EMOTION operating times and days

We would like to introduce TOHOKU EMOTION's operating times and days (information as of July 2024).

・From Hachinohe to Kuji (outbound)
Departs from Hachinohe at 11:06 → Arrives at Kuji at 13:02

The outbound train to Kuji, which runs after lunchtime, is non-stop from Hachinohe to Kuji.
You can enjoy a course meal on board, with a menu that changes every three months.

・Depart from Kuji - Hachinohe (return)
Depart Kuji 14:18 → Arrive Tanesashi Coast 15:24 Depart 15:25 → Arrive Same 15:39 Depart 15:39 → Hon Hachinohe 15:50 Arrival 15:51 departure → Hachinohe 16:01 arrival

On the return trip to Hachinohe, the train stops at several stations along the way, so you can get off along the way depending on your sightseeing schedule.
However, you cannot board the train from any station along the way.
On the train to Hachinohe, you can enjoy desserts and afternoon tea.

The operating days vary depending on the season, but they generally operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
There are times when the train runs on Mondays, but there are also days when it does not run on Saturdays and Sundays.
When considering riding, be sure to check the operating information on the official website .

Fun trains to ride Portal: JR East

Link

JR East's "Fun Trains": TOHOKU EMOTION

https://www.jreast.co.jp/railway/joyful/tohoku.html

JR East's "Fun Train Portal" official website. Introducing information about "TOHOKU EMOTION".

How to ride TOHOKU EMOTION

TOHOKU EMOTION is a tour-only train.
Tickets cannot be purchased at station ticket counters or ticket vending machines .
Basically, you will make reservations by purchasing travel products on `Fun Trains'' reservation site

The number of people who can apply at one time is 2 to 4 people .
There are restrictions such as you cannot apply for one person, children cannot use it alone, and reservations can be made up to four days before the ride.

It's a very popular train, and it's not uncommon to be unable to get reservations for the next train .
As soon as reservations become available, you should apply as soon as possible.
Also, depending on the day of service, travel products may not be available on the ``Ride-Tan Fun Train Reservation Site'' and may be sold by a separate travel agency.

The fares for making a reservation on the fun train reservation site are as follows.
Fares vary depending on the type of seat and number of passengers, whether it is an outbound or return trip.
Although children's fares are set, the food menu and seats are exactly the same as for adults.

www.jre-joyful.com

Link

“Fun Train” reservation site

https://www.jre-joyful.com

JR East's "Fun Trains" travel product reservation site. 3 trains: TOHOKU EMOTION, Kairi, and Shu＊Kura. Reservations for locally departing (one-way) plans are accepted only online. We do not accept reservations in-store or over the phone.

About the guest rooms

TOHOKU EMOTION is a 3-car train.

Car 1, the lead car on the Hachinohe route, is a private compartment car.
There are 7 private rooms that can accommodate 2 to 4 people on the side overlooking the sea.
Enjoy meals and views with your family and friends in a private space.

Car 2 is a live kitchen space vehicle.
On the way out, you can watch the chef prepare the food up close.
On the return trip, you will be taken to a dessert buffet table where you can enjoy your favorite sweets lined up on the table.

Passengers will also board and alight from this vehicle.
When you board the train, a red carpet is laid out on the platform, giving it a slightly richer atmosphere.

Car No. 3, the lead car for Kujikata, is an open dining car.
There are 3 table seats for 4 people on the sea side of the train, and 4 table seats for 2 people on the mountain side.

Enjoy your meal at TOHOKU EMOTION!

Perhaps the most enjoyable part of TOHOKU EMOTION is the food you can eat on board.

On the outbound journey , original menus prepared by popular chefs using Tohoku ingredients will be served from a live kitchen.
The chef in charge changes twice a year, and the menu changes four times a year , so you don't get bored and want to ride again.
As for drinks, we have beer, wine, local Hachinohe sake, soft drinks, coffee and tea, and you can get refills as well .
You will be able to enjoy a luxurious time.

, you can enjoy
original desserts provided by Hotel Metropolitan Morioka dessert buffet Drinks include coffee, black tea, and herbal tea, which also come with free refills (alcohol is also available).

TOHOKU EMOTION vehicle

The vehicle used in TOHOKU EMOTION is the Kiha 110 series, which is a diesel car that runs on light oil.
The exterior has been renovated to resemble a brick building, giving you the impression that it's a running restaurant even before you get on board.

Spots along the line that can be reached by TOHOKU EMOTION (return trip)

In this chapter, we will introduce recommended spots that you can visit from the stops on the TOHOKU EMOTION return trip (bound for Hachinohe).

Tanesashi Coast natural lawn area

Tanesashi Kaigan Natural Lawn is a spot that can be accessed in about 5 minutes on foot from Tanesashi Kaigan Station, which is the first stop on the return journey of TOHOKU EMOTION.
It is known as a rare place nationwide, with beautiful natural grass that stretches all the way to the shore.
Its open landscape has attracted many cultural figures.

Google Map

Kabushima

Kabushima is a spot that can be accessed in about 15 minutes on foot from Same Station.
Kabushima, located at the northernmost point of the Tanesashi Coast, was originally a remote island, but it was reclaimed by the former Japanese military in 1942 and is now connected to land.
Kabushima has been designated as a national natural monument as a breeding ground for black-tailed black-tailed gulls.
This is the only place in Japan where you can observe the breeding of black-tailed black-tailed gulls up close.
Tens of thousands of black-tailed black-tailed gulls fly in around early March and begin laying eggs around April, with the chicks hatching around June.

Also, rape blossoms are in full bloom around mid-May.
The rape blossoms, the torii gate of Kabushima Shrine, the black-tailed black-tailed gull, the sky, and the clouds create a stunning array of colors.

Google Map

summary

Riding a train, enjoying the scenery and savoring the special cuisine... you can still enjoy this disappearing train journey by riding the TOHOKU EMOTION.
In addition, the cuisine on the train and the scenery from the train window that change with the seasons make this train so appealing that you will want to ride it again and again.
When traveling to the Sanriku region, we recommend that you consider traveling with TOHOKU EMOTION as one of your options.