The train's stunning interiors and overall design were created by renowned Japanese industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, whose work is known for transforming rail travel into an art form. Every detail of THE ROYAL EXPRESS has been carefully crafted to create a journey that is as visually inspiring as it is comfortable. The exterior color scheme is particularly striking, evoking the feel of a moving watercolor painting:

・Locomotive (owned by JR Hokkaido): Finished in a vibrant orange that symbolizes Hokkaido's bright sunshine, abundant harvests, and energetic spirit.

・Power Car (owned by Tokyu Corporation)): Responsible for supplying electricity to the train's onboard facilities, this car is painted in elegant white, creating a seamless transition between the locomotive's vivid orange and the passenger cars' signature royal blue.

・A Spectacular Blend of Colors: As the train's iconic royal blue, vibrant orange, and pure white carriages travel through Hokkaido's lush green landscapes, they create a breathtaking scene that feels both joyful and artistic.

As the next chapter in Hokkaido's luxury rail journey, a brand-new sightseeing train known as Red Star will begin full operations in 2027.

Inspired by the iconic red star symbol of the Hokkaido Development Commission, the train will feature a striking deep-red exterior that reflects the pioneering spirit of Japan's northern frontier. Inside, warm natural wood will be used extensively throughout the train, creating an inviting and elegant atmosphere.

The train will include a salon car where passengers can relax, socialize, and enjoy the scenery, a dedicated lounge car designed for dining experiences, and traditional tatami-style spaces that showcase the beauty of Japanese culture and hospitality.

Built around the concept of creating experiences that can only be enjoyed aboard this train, Red Star is being carefully developed with the goal of delivering an unforgettable rail journey that guests will remember for a lifetime.

For 2026, THE ROYAL EXPRESS will continue to offer its signature Hokkaido itineraries while introducing an exciting new route for the first time: a journey to Southern Hokkaido and the Hakodate area. In total, eight departures are scheduled for the season, with all departures currently accepting waitlist registrations.

This itinerary marks the first time that THE ROYAL EXPRESS will travel into Southern Hokkaido. Following the shores of Uchiura Bay (Funka Bay), the journey leads to the historic port city of Hakodate, renowned for its international atmosphere and seaside charm.

Guests will enjoy exclusive charter experiences aboard the Donan Isaribi Railway and a special cruise on Lake Onuma, offering unique perspectives on some of Southern Hokkaido's most beautiful landscapes. The journey then continues to Biei and Furano, home to Hokkaido's famous patchwork-like rolling hills and colorful rural scenery.

Combining dramatic coastal views, historic streetscapes, and idyllic countryside landscapes, this route showcases some of Hokkaido's most captivating scenery in a single unforgettable journey.

This signature itinerary takes guests deep into the heart of Hokkaido's unspoiled natural landscapes. The journey traverses some of the island's most iconic scenery, from the vast Tokachi Plain and the wildlife-rich Kushiro Wetlands to the mystical beauty of Lake Akan and the picturesque countryside of Furano.

One of the route's most memorable experiences is a canoe excursion on the headwaters of the Kushiro River, where guests can quietly glide through pristine wilderness and experience a rare sense of harmony with nature.

Showcasing Hokkaido's grand scale and remarkable diversity, this flagship route offers an immersive journey through some of the region's most spectacular natural environments.

This extraordinary itinerary takes guests to the northernmost reaches of Japan, including Wakkanai and the iconic Cape Soya, the country's northernmost point.

Traveling along the scenic Soya Main Line, passengers will be treated to spectacular views of Mount Rishiri, often called "Rishiri Fuji" for its striking resemblance to Japan's most famous peak. The journey also showcases the dramatic coastline of the Ororon Line and vast open grasslands that seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

Filled with sweeping landscapes, remote beauty, and a sense of adventure unique to Japan's far north, this route offers a rail journey that is both romantic and awe-inspiring.

To deliver an exceptional travel experience, THE ROYAL EXPRESS brings together some of Hokkaido's most celebrated culinary talents, with renowned chefs creating special dishes that showcase the region's finest seasonal ingredients throughout the journey.

Signature Dining Experiences: The journey begins with an exceptional sushi course prepared by the master chef of Chitose's acclaimed restaurant Kita no Hana Hayashi. Along the way, guests will also savor some of Southern Hokkaido's finest seafood specialties, including premium hairy crab sourced from the long-established Yokote Shoten in Oshamambe.

Luxury Accommodations: Guests will stay at some of Hokkaido's most distinguished resorts, with accommodations carefully selected to complement the journey's destinations.

In Southern Hokkaido, the itinerary includes stays at the elegant Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate or the refined Hakodate Onuma Tsuruga Resort EPUY, where guests can immerse themselves in the unique international atmosphere and coastal charm of the Hakodate region.

To conclude the journey, travelers will spend the night at Furano Resort Orika. Renowned for its spectacular views, the resort's expansive picture windows frame the rolling flower fields of Furano and the majestic Tokachi Mountain Range, creating a breathtaking finale to the experience.

Signature Dining Experiences: Savor a premium sushi course personally prepared by the master chef of Chitose's renowned Sushi Shin Fukuro. Combining the best of Ezo-mae and Edo-mae sushi traditions, this exceptional meal highlights the rich bounty of Hokkaido's pristine natural environment and abundant seas.

Luxury Accommodations: Stay at Tokachigawa Onsen Daiichi Hotel Hoshu-tei and experience Tokachigawa's world-renowned moor hot springs, a rare plant-derived thermal spring found in only a few places around the globe. Guests will also spend the night at Akan Tsuruga Besso HINANOZA, an exclusive all-suite luxury ryokan surrounded by pristine nature, where exceptional tranquility and the finest hot spring hospitality await.

Signature Dining Experiences: Embark on an extraordinary culinary journey across Hokkaido. The experience begins with contemporary creative cuisine at noya in Sapporo, followed by refined Japanese dining at Fuyune in Wassamu. Along the route, guests will savor exceptionally fresh seafood from Karafuto Shokudo in Toyotomi and Wakkanai's famous octopus shabu-shabu, a local specialty. The journey concludes with an innovative farm-to-table French dining experience at AGRISCAPE in Biei, where seasonal local ingredients are transformed into elegant countryside-inspired cuisine.

Luxury Accommodations: Along the route, guests will stay at carefully selected premium properties, including Daisetsu ONSEN & CANYON RESORT or one of Sounkyo's top luxury villas, as well as Saharin Hotel Wakkanai. These exceptional accommodations provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring Japan's northernmost landscapes. The journey concludes, once again, with a stay at Furano Resort Orika, where spectacular views of the Tokachi Mountain Range and Furano's beautiful countryside create a memorable finale.

With space for just 14 parties and 28 guests per departure, availability is extremely limited. Applications for the 2026 Hokkaido departures have closed, but waitlist registration remains open. Any seats released through cancellations will be offered to waitlisted guests in order of registration.

Waitlist Registration Period: Open now through 11:59 PM, 30 days prior to each departure date.

How to Apply: Waitlist registrations can be submitted online through the THE ROYAL EXPRESS official website's news page.

What's Included: The tour price covers all rail transportation throughout the journey, premium onboard dining experiences, carefully selected luxury accommodations, dedicated coach transportation, and luggage delivery services.

Eligibility: Participation is limited to guests who are junior high school age or older.

Aboard this artfully designed train, accompanied by the graceful sounds of live violin performances, you'll journey through the picture-perfect landscapes of Hokkaido in unparalleled style.

With 2026 marking the final season of the iconic royal-blue THE ROYAL EXPRESS in Hokkaido, this summer offers a last chance to experience this one-of-a-kind journey. Join the waitlist and perhaps you'll be lucky enough to secure a spot on what promises to be a truly dazzling and unforgettable voyage.