Luxurious sightseeing train unveiled in Hokkaido

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A Japanese railway company has unveiled a new luxurious sightseeing train that will start services in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido next year.

A Japanese railway company has unveiled a new luxurious sightseeing train that will start services in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido next year.

Hokkaido Railway Company has remodeled regular trains into luxury ones named "Akai Hoshi" and "Aoi Hoshi" to target wealthy travelers in and outside Japan.

The Akai Hoshi, which means red star, was shown to media on Saturday at the company's facility in Sapporo City.

The four-carriage train has wood-based interiors. Its ceilings, floors, tables and chairs are made of wood.

The fourth car is equipped with tatami mats so that passengers can relax on them. It also has an authentic Japanese-style tearoom.

The Akai Hoshi train was conceptualized by industrial designer Mitooka Eiji, who has been involved in a number of train projects across Japan, including Kyushu Railway Company's luxurious Seven Stars train.

Mitooka said that he hopes passengers on board the new train can feel the charms of Hokkaido and get to see how trains have played a role in the region, where closures of railway lines have continued.

Hokkaido Railway Company has been struggling financially. It has designated eight railway sections, including one between Asahikawa and Abashiri, as those it cannot maintain on its own due to a decline in the number of passengers.

The company posted a deficit of more than 15.5 billion yen, or roughly 97 million dollars, for the eight sections in fiscal 2025.

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