Let's all enjoy watching Hayabusa and Komachi coupling and separating! About observing this at the Shinkansen platform of Morioka Station.

Witnessing the coupling and separating of the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa and the Akita Shinkansen Komachi is extremely popular among railfans! The coupling operation started on March 22, 1997, when the Akita Shinkansen began service. Although newer Hayabusa and Komachi trains have been introduced, for over a quarter of a century it is still a 'must-see' at Morioka Station!

In some overseas countries, the coupling of Hayabusa and Komachi trains is called the 'Shinkansen Kiss.' The coupling and separating of Hayabusa and Komachi trains are carried out roughly once every hour on the inbound and outbound platforms. Be sure to check it out when you stop by Morioka Station.

In order for passengers to safely observe the coupling and separating of the Hayabusa and Komachi trains, ropes are installed near the tracks at Morioka Station during times when there are many passengers, such as during the Obon and New Year holidays.

If any dangerous behavior is observed during the visit, station staff may ask you to stop.

● This can be seen at Morioka Station on the 3rd floor at 'Track 11.' Go through the Shinkansen ticket gates on the 2nd floor of Morioka Station, and take the escalator up to the 3rd-floor Shinkansen platform.
● After the inbound Hayabusa train arrives at Track 11, the Komachi train arrives from behind it.
● The Komachi train that connects will stop twice behind the Hayabusa train, and the connection is completed on the third stop.

● This can be seen at Morioka Station on the 3rd floor at track 14. Go through the Shinkansen ticket gate on the 2nd floor of Morioka Station and take the escalator up to the 3rd floor Shinkansen platform.
● After the outbound Hayabusa and Komachi trains arrive at track 14 and passengers have completed boarding and alighting, the Komachi train is 'Separated' from the Hayabusa train when the Komachi departs first.

◎ We kindly ask you to pay attention to the following points.

▶ When watching and taking photos of the Shinkansen, always stand behind the yellow tactile paving or safety ropes.
▶ When crowded, be considerate and give other visitors a turn to take photos.
▶ Passengers continuing with the outbound Komachi service from Morioka Station cannot leave their train to observe the 'separating' of their Komachi train.
▶ Passengers boarding the outbound Komachi service from Morioka Station  cannot observe the separating of the Komachi train they will be taking.

◎We kindly ask you to refrain from the following points.

▶ Entering railway property, such as tracks or restricted areas, without authorization.
▶ Photographing or recording other passengers or staff within company facilities or on trains without permission.
▶ Leaning over platform barriers or screen doors, or stepping beyond the yellow line on the platform to take photographs or make recordings.
▶ Standing or leaving luggage on the yellow line to take photographs or make recordings.
▶ Using tripods, step ladders, or stools to take photographs or make recordings on the platform.
▶ Using flash or lighting when taking photographs.
▶ Shouting or causing disturbance to take photographs or make recordings.

Whether it is your first visit to Morioka or an everyday transit, we hope you enjoy using Morioka Station.
The 'Hayabusa and Komachi coupling & separating' tour can be enjoyed not only by those using the Shinkansen, but also by anyone who purchases an admission ticket.
Please refer to this information when planning your next tour.

Morioka Station also has other attractions, such as gourmet food.
Please refer to our Morioka Station Food Guide when discovering new favorite food spots. We look forward to your visit.
Thank you for reading.

※The content of this article is as of January 1, 2026.