Tohoku’s Verdant Culinary Train Journey

You may have heard the saying, “the journey is more important than the destination,” and though the magnificence of Tohoku is difficult to outshine, the journey can be just as extraordinary.

From the moment you board Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa’s GranClass at Tokyo Station, it feels like stepping into a private lounge. Sit back as the scenery transforms from the muted grays of the city to the vivid greens of the countryside, all from the comfort of GranClass’s ergonomically designed genuine leather seats.

*Menu available until around March 2026. Items are subject to change by season.

Enjoy unparalleled hospitality from dedicated GranClass attendants, serving meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients paired with carefully selected champagne and sake. Why wait until your destination to indulge?

*GranClass service is offered on Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen (Series E5 and H5 ), Hokuriku Shinkansen (Series E7 and W7 ), Joetsu Shinkansen (Series E7).
*Trains offering “GranClass (No Beverage or Light Meal Service)” do not have a GranClass Attendant on board and do not offer snacks, drinks or wet towels, etc.
On-board sales are not offered on some trains.
Check the timetable, or listen for announcements on the train for the availability of on-board sales.
*Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

To truly experience the natural beauty of Tohoku, you need to venture into the heart of the region. Luckily, with a JR EAST PASS, you can explore beyond the Shinkansen and ride regional Joyful Trains that showcase each area’s unique character.

1. Culinary delights of the land and sea: The KAIRI train runs along the Sea of Japan, offering stunning coastal vistas while you enjoy exquisite dishes incorporating the region’s finest local ingredients. Savor these delicacies as you gently roll by the sparkling sea, all from the comfort of your seat.

2. A coastal breeze: The Resort Shirakami weaves through the spectacular mountains of the Shirakami-Sanchi UNESCO World Natural Heritage site before gliding along the sparkling Sea of Japan. The waves shimmering under the sparkling sun and the cool, gentle breeze drifting through the approximately 8,000-year-old beech forests offer a luxury unique to the green season.

After taking in the views through your window, it’s time to step off the KAIRI train at Tsuruoka Station and bask in Yamagata Prefecture’s spiritual heritage at Mount Haguro, one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Allow the stillness of this timeless retreat, wrapped in the scent of cedar and the sound of temple chimes, to reset you. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and relish the slow pace of life.

After arriving in Aomori aboard the Resort Shirakami, travel deeper into the enchanting Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Step into a world of wonder and feel refreshed and revitalized as you walk alongside the clear streams of Oirase Gorge. Flowing between moss-covered rocks, these waters have inspired poets and artists for centuries, and perhaps they will inspire you, too. Why not try forest bathing and let nature’s restorative power wash over your senses?

The green season marks the peak of Tohoku’s culinary delights, from Yamagata’s jewel-like cherries to the decadent sea urchin of the Sanriku coast. Hopping from train to train, your journey continues as you savor exquisite dishes, crafted with the finest local ingredients from both land and sea.

To explore the vast Tohoku region with ease and convenience, the JR EAST PASS is indispensable. This pass allows unlimited rides on JR lines, including the Tohoku Shinkansen, for 5 or 10 consecutive days starting from the date of your choice. It is perfectly suited to travelers who are seeking authentic experiences in comfort and style.

* Additional fees apply for reserved seats in GranClass and on some Joyful Trains.

Enhance your travel around Tokyo by purchasing "Suica Green Car Tickets" via the Welcome Suica Mobile app. Relax in a spacious reclining seat with a personal table—some trains also offer Wi-Fi and power outlets—making your journey much more comfortable and productive.