Take a first look inside Japan’s new premium overnight express train, coming in 2027
JR East has announced plans to introduce a new overnight express train service.
This initiative aims to revive the experience of long-distance night travel with a focus on comfort and modern design.
The announcement comes at the same time that JR East revealed a new train pass that offers unlimited rides on local trains around Tokyo and its surrounding area.
The service is expected to begin operations in Spring 2027, primarily connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with the northern Tohoku region.
Japan’s railway network is renowned for its efficiency and widespread reach. While high-speed Shinkansen services dominate daytime inter-city travel, overnight trains, often referred to as “blue trains” in Japan, once played a significant role in long-distance journeys.
This new introduction by JR East signifies a potential resurgence of premium overnight rail travel.
The new overnight express will be a 10-car train created from refurbished E657 series rolling stock, currently used on Limited Express Hitachi services along the Joban Line.
Notably, the entire train will consist of Green Car reserved seating, in what is expected to be a premium travel experience.
JR East Architecture Design, a group involved in various JR East projects including major station developments and the “Joyful Trains” like the “SL Banetsu Monogatari,” is responsible for the train’s aesthetic.
The exterior design will feature a dual-blue color scheme. The lead car on one end (Car 1) will showcase a bright “Memorial Blue,” intended to evoke memories of traditional overnight trains.
The other end (Car 10) will be adorned in a deep navy “Midnight Horizon,” symbolizing the transition from late night to dawn.
These two shades of blue, linked by a white line, are designed to depict the “Blue Moment”—the fleeting glow before sunrise—and convey JR East’s commitment to both honoring past rail journeys and forging new futures with local communities.
The interior concept focuses on a “simple yet high-quality travel space,” with all seats configured as private Green Car compartments. Some of these will be designated as “Premium Green Private Rooms.”
Premium Green Private Rooms will be available in configurations for one or two persons.
These rooms are designed as shoe-free environments, featuring L-shaped sofas that can be reconfigured from a relaxed seating posture to a full-flat bed style.
Standard Green Private Rooms will offer options for one, two, or four persons.
The 1-person and 2-person rooms can convert between seating and full-flat bed modes, while the 4-person rooms will be permanently full-flat, designed to be a comfortable and secure space for families with small children.
The train will also include a dedicated lounge space, positioned as the sole open area on board.
This lounge aims to provide a calming, enveloping atmosphere for passengers.
Additionally, plans include a sales area and accessible Green Car compartments for one or two wheelchair users.
The total seating capacity for the train is approximately 120 passengers.
JR East has stated that further details regarding specific operating areas, timetables, fares, and the official train name will be announced at a later date.
Source: JR East
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