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Dining cars, where passengers could enjoy meals on board, were once attached to many long-distance express trains and Shinkansen bullet trains, but they have disappeared over time. However, even today, there are still sightseeing trains that offer meals on board operating in various regions. One such train is the "TOHOKU EMOTION," a sightseeing train that runs on the JR Hachinohe Line, connecting the Pacific coast of Aomori and Iwate prefectures. In this article, we will introduce the operating section, operating days, how to ride, and points of interest along the route of this sightseeing train.
What is "TOHOKU EMOTION"?
"TOHOKU EMOTION" is a sightseeing train operated by JR East that has been running since the autumn of 2013. "discover and experience a new TohokuThe concept of the train is to The route it operates on is theHachinohe Line, which connects Hachinohe Station in Aomori Prefecture and Kuji Station in Iwate Prefecture, and it mainly runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays (and Mondays depending on the season).
The most distinctive feature of TOHOKU EMOTION is undoubtedly its concept of "the entire train being a restaurant." Centered around a live kitchen where passengers can enjoy watching the food being prepared, the entire three-car train is transformed into a restaurant space. Passengers can enjoy meals and desserts served on board in their private compartments or in the open dining area.
Furthermore, the train's interior is adorned with motifs from traditional crafts of various regions in the Tohoku area, and when you look out the windows, you'll see the magnificent Sanriku Sea stretching out before you. You can fully enjoy the visual stimulation as well.
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)
- Hachinohe to Kuji (outbound): Departs Hachinohe at 11:06 → Arrives Kuji at 13:02
The outbound train to Kuji, which runs through lunchtime, is non-stop from Hachinohe to Kuji. You can enjoy a course meal on board, with the menu changing every three months.
The return train to Hachinohe makes several stops along the way, allowing you to disembark to suit your sightseeing plans. However, you cannot board at intermediate stations. Desserts and afternoon tea are available on the train to Hachinohe.
The operating days vary slightly depending on the season, but generally, it runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. It sometimes runs on Mondays as well, but there are also days on Saturdays and Sundays when it does not operate. When considering taking a ride, be sure to check the operating information on the official website or elsewhere.
TOHOKU EMOTION is a train exclusively for tours. tickets to ride itYou cannot purchase. Basically,"Fun Trains to Ride" reservation websitereservations are made by purchasing a travel package through
2 to 4.is There are restrictions such as not being able to apply alone, not being able to use the service alone as a child, and reservations being accepted up to 4 days before the desired date of travel.
This is a very popular train,and it's not uncommon for reservations to be fully booked far in advance. You should apply as soon as reservations become available. Also, depending on the day of operation, it may not be available on the "Fun Train Reservation Site," and a separate travel agency may sell travel packages for it.
The fares for booking through the fun train reservation website are as follows. Fares vary depending on whether it's an outbound or return trip, the type of seat, and the number of passengers. Although there are child fares, the meal menu and seating are exactly the same as for adults.
Car No. 1, the lead car on the Hachinohe side, is a compartment-style private car. On the side with a view of the sea, there are seven private rooms that can accommodate 2 to 4 people. Enjoy meals and scenery with family and friends in a private space.
Car No. 2 is a live kitchen space car. On the outbound journey, you can watch the chefs prepare the food up close. On the return journey, it becomes a dessert buffet table where you can enjoy your favorite sweets.
Passengers board and alight from this vehicle. When boarding, a red carpet is laid out on the platform, creating a slightly more luxurious atmosphere.
Car No. 3, the lead car on the Kuji side, is an open-air dining car. Inside the car, there are three tables with seating for four on the ocean side and four tables with seating for two 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,original menus using ingredients from the Tohoku region, prepared by popular chefs, are served from the live kitchen. The chefs change twice a year, and the menu changes four times a year, ensuring that passengers never get bored and want to ride again. Drinks include beer, wine, local sake from Hachinohe, soft drinks, coffee, and tea,and refillsare free. You're sure to enjoy a luxurious experience.
original desserts provided by Hotel Metropolitan Moriokaa dessert buffetyou can enjoy Drinks such as coffee, tea, and herbal tea are available, andrefillsare free (alcoholic beverages are also available).
TOHOKU EMOTION vehicle
The train used for TOHOKU EMOTION is a KiHa 110 series diesel railcar that runs on light oil. It has been remodeled to resemble a brick building, creating the image of a "restaurant on wheels" 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 Grassland is a spot accessible in about 5 minutes on foot from Tanesashi Coast Station, the first stop on the return journey of the TOHOKU EMOTION train. It is known as a rare place in Japan where beautiful natural grass extends all the way to the waterline. Its open scenery has captivated many cultural figures.
Google Map
Kabushima
Kabushima Island is a spot accessible in about 15 minutes on foot from Same Station. Located at the northernmost point of the Tanesashi Coast, Kabushima was originally an isolated island, but it was reclaimed by the former Japanese military starting in 1942 and is now connected to the mainland. Kabushima Island is designated as a national natural monument as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls. 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 migrate to the island around early March, begin laying eggs around April, and the chicks hatch around June.
Also, around mid-May, the rapeseed flowers are in full bloom. The rapeseed flowers, the torii gate of Kabushima Shrine, the seagulls, the sky, and the clouds create a magnificent spectacle of color.
Google Map
summary
Enjoying the scenery from a train while savoring exquisite cuisine... this kind of train journey, which is gradually disappearing, can still be enjoyed on the TOHOKU EMOTION. Furthermore, the seasonally changing onboard cuisine and the scenery outside the windows create an appeal that makes you want to ride this train again and again. When you travel to the Sanriku region, we would like you to consider a trip on the TOHOKU EMOTION as one of your options.
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