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Dining cars where you could eat on board the train were once attached to many long-distance express trains and Shinkansen trains, but they have disappeared over time. However, even today, tourist trains where meals are served on board still operate in various places. One such train is the " TOHOKU EMOTION " tourist train, which runs on the JR Hachinohe Line connecting the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture and Iwate Prefecture. In this article, we will introduce the operating route and operating days of this tourist train, how to ride it, and spots along the line.
What is "TOHOKU EMOTION"?
"TOHOKU EMOTION" is a tourist train operated by JR East that has been in operation since the fall of 2013. The concept of the train is to " discover and experience a new Tohoku " The train runs the Hachinohe Line, which connects Hachinohe Station in Aomori Prefecture with Kuji Station in Iwate Prefecture , and operates mainly on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays (and Mondays depending on the season).
The biggest feature of TOHOKU EMOTION is the concept that " the entire train is a restaurant ." The entire three-car train is a restaurant space, centered around a live kitchen where you can watch your food being prepared. Guests can enjoy meals and desserts served on board in a private compartment or in the open dining area.
Additionally, the interior of the carriages is decorated with motifs of traditional crafts from various parts of Tohoku, and looking out the windows you can see the magnificent Sanriku Sea, providing plenty of visual stimulation.
How to ride TOHOKU EMOTION?
TOHOKU EMOTION operating times and days
Here are the operating times and days for TOHOKU EMOTION (as of July 2024)
・From Hachinohe to Kuji (outbound) Departs Hachinohe at 11:06 → Arrives Kuji at 13:02
The outbound train to Kuji runs nonstop from Hachinohe to Kuji, spanning the lunchtime period. On board, you can enjoy a course meal with a menu that changes every three months.
・From Kuji to Hachinohe (return trip) Departs Kuji at 14:18 → Arrives Tanesashi Coast at 15:24 Departs at 15:25 → Arrives Same at 15:39 Departs at 15:39 → Arrives Hon-Hachinohe at 15:50 Departs at 15:51 → Arrives Hachinohe at 16:01
The return train to Hachinohe stops at several stations along the way, so you can get off along the way to accommodate your sightseeing plans. However, you cannot board the train from any of the stations along the way. On the train to Hachinohe, you can enjoy desserts and afternoon tea.
The operating days vary slightly depending on the season, but they generally operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. They may also operate on Mondays, but there are also days when they do not operate on weekends. When considering riding, be sure to check the operating information on the official website .
The TOHOKU EMOTION is a train exclusively for tours. Tickets cannot be purchased at the train station's green ticket counters or ticket machines . Reservations are generally made by purchasing a travel product on JR East's "Fun Trains" reservation site
is 2 to 4. There are some restrictions, such as not being able to apply alone, not being able to use the service by children alone, and reservations must be made up to 4 days before the trip.
This is a very popular train, and it is not uncommon for reservations to be unavailable until well in advance . When reservations become available, you will have to apply as soon as possible. Also, depending on the day of operation, the train may not be available on the "Tanritanoshii Train Reservation Site," and travel packages may be sold by a separate travel agency.
The fares for reservations made through the Noritsunashi Train Reservation Site are as follows. The fare varies depending on whether it is an outbound or return journey, the type of seat, and the number of passengers. Although there are child fares, the food menu and seats are the same as for adults.
Car No. 1, the front car toward Hachinohe, is a compartment car. On the side overlooking the sea, there are seven private rooms that can accommodate 2 to 4 people. You can enjoy a meal and the view in a private space with your family or friends.
Car No. 2 is a live kitchen space car. On the outbound journey, you can watch the chefs prepare your food up close. On the return journey, it becomes a dessert buffet where you can enjoy your favorite sweets lined up on a table.
Passengers board and disembark from this vehicle, and a red carpet is laid out on the platform when boarding, giving the train a slightly luxurious atmosphere.
Car No. 3, the front car toward Kuji, is an open dining car. There are three four-seater tables on the ocean side of the car, and four two-seater tables on the mountain side.
Enjoy your meal at TOHOKU EMOTION!
The greatest pleasure of the TOHOKU EMOTION is undoubtedly the meals on board
On the outbound journey, an original menu using ingredients from Tohoku , prepared by a popular chef, will be served from the live kitchen. The chef in charge changes twice a year, and the menu changes four times a year , ensuring that you won't get bored and will want to ride again. As for drinks, a selection of beer, wine, Hachinohe local sake, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and more is available, and refills are free. You're sure to enjoy a luxurious moment.
you can enjoy original desserts provided by Hotel Metropolitan Morioka a dessert buffet Drinks include coffee, black tea, and herbal tea, and you can have as many refills (alcoholic drinks are also available).
TOHOKU EMOTION vehicle
The trains used for TOHOKU EMOTION are Kiha 110 series, diesel cars that run on diesel. The exterior has been remodeled to resemble a brick building, evoking the image of a mobile restaurant even before you board.
Spots along the Tohoku Emotion (return trip)
In this chapter, we will introduce recommended spots that can be reached from stations along the way on the TOHOKU EMOTION's return journey (to Hachinohe)
Tanesashi Coast Natural Grassland
The Tanesashi Coast Natural Lawn is a spot that can be accessed in about a five-minute walk from Tanesashi Kaigan Station, the first stop on the return journey of the TOHOKU EMOTION. It is known as a rare place in Japan, with beautiful natural grass that stretches all the way to the water's edge. Its open landscape has captivated many cultural figures.
Google Map
Kabushima
Kabushima is a spot that can be accessed in about a 15-minute walk from Same Station. Located at the northernmost point of Tanesashi Coast, Kabushima was originally an isolated island, but was reclaimed by the former Japanese military in 1942 and is now connected to the mainland. Kabushima is a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls and has been designated a national natural monument. It is the only place in Japan where you can observe the breeding of black-tailed gulls up close. Tens of thousands of black-tailed gulls arrive around early March, begin laying eggs around April, and the chicks hatch around June.
Additionally, rape blossoms bloom in mid-May, creating a spectacular display of colors with the rape blossoms, the torii gate of Kabushima Shrine, the black-tailed gulls, the sky, and the clouds.
Google Map
summary
Enjoying the scenery while riding the train and savoring delicious cuisine...this is a train journey that is becoming increasingly rare, and you can still enjoy it by riding the TOHOKU EMOTION. In addition, the cuisine on board and the scenery outside the windows change with the seasons, making this train so appealing that you'll want to ride it again and again. If you're heading to the Sanriku region, we hope you'll consider a trip on the TOHOKU EMOTION as one of your options.
![Enmei Jizo](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/f7ab461e83edd7423e8730afd90212c9-150x150.jpg.webp "A trip to Aomori Prefecture depicted in the 9th journey of the anime "That's Journey" [Aomori Prefecture]")
