Hokkaido’s Red Star and Blue Star Luxury Trains to Launch in 2027 — Here’s What Muslim Travellers Should Know!

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, already feels like a dream for travellers — think snow-capped mountains, fields of lavender, steaming onsen towns, and some of the freshest seafood in the country. But come 2027, exploring Hokkaido is about to get even more magical. The Hokkaido Railway Company has announced two brand-new luxury tourist trains — the Red Star and Blue Star — both designed to showcase the island’s natural beauty in ultimate comfort.

Originally slated for a 2026 debut, both trains are now scheduled to launch in 2027 after extended refurbishment work on the carriages. But if the wait means an even more polished experience, travellers won’t be disappointed.

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Red Star: A winter ride through Hokkaido’s drift Ice Wonderland

Image credit: Hokkaido Railway Company | Official Website

The first to roll out will be the Red Star, launching in Feb 2027, just in time for the breathtaking drift ice season along the Sea of Okhotsk. This two-day round-trip journey will connect JR Sapporo and Abashiri Stations, offering passengers a front-row seat to one of Japan’s most unique natural spectacles — sheets of floating ice drifting gracefully across the sea.

From April to July, the Red Star will switch routes to run between JR Kushiro and Shiretoko-Shari, taking travellers through eastern Hokkaido’s wetlands and wildlife-rich landscapes. Designed by the legendary Eiji Mitooka, who also styled the iconic Seven Stars in Kyushu luxury sleeper, the Red Star exudes classic Japanese elegance. One standout feature is its tatami-mat tea room, where guests can slip off their shoes and unwind with a warm cup of tea — the perfect touch of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality).

For Muslim travellers, this tea room could easily become a serene moment of reflection. Pair that with Hokkaido’s reputation for halal-friendly dining options — from Sapporo’s halal ramen shops to seafood restaurants in Abashiri — and the experience becomes even more inviting.

Blue Star: Lavender dreams and summer landscapes

If the Red Star captures Hokkaido’s winter charm, the Blue Star is all about summer splendour. Operating from June to September, it connects JR Asahikawa and Biei with JR Furano, right when lavender fields burst into bloom. Passengers can look forward to panoramic countryside views, framed by rolling hills and vibrant flower farms — a sight that draws travellers from around the world every summer.

The Blue Star will also make a winter comeback between January and March 2028, running twice daily on the JR Abashiri–Shiretoko Shari route, bringing with it the romance of Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes.

As with the Red Star, the Blue Star’s interiors are designed to combine sophistication with comfort, showcasing Mitooka’s attention to detail. The diesel-powered trains offer spacious seating and observation areas — ideal for photography lovers and families who want to soak in Japan’s northern beauty in style.

A Muslim-friendly luxury journey across Hokkaido

Image credit: mantaphoto | Canva Pro

Beyond the trains themselves, what makes this development exciting for Muslim travellers is how easily these routes connect with halal-friendly destinations. At major stops like Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano, Muslim visitors can find prayer rooms and halal-certified restaurants.

For example:

• Sapporo Station has a dedicated prayer space at ESTA Shopping Mall.

• Furano offers several Muslim-friendly accommodations and eateries serving halal-certified lamb — a local speciality.

• Asahikawa boasts scenic parks and a handful of restaurants catering to halal and vegetarian diets.

Whether travellers are admiring the lavender hills of Biei or the icy seascapes of Abashiri, they’ll find it easier than ever to explore while staying true to their faith.

Also read: 9 FREE Places to Visit in Tokyo That Are Perfect for Muslim Travellers

Exploring Hokkaido beyond the rails

Even before the Red Star and Blue Star begin their journeys, Hokkaido’s rail network already offers plenty to love. From JR Sapporo, it takes less than three hours to reach the world-famous Niseko ski slopes, or about 90 minutes to the soothing hot springs of Noboribetsu. A short local train ride can whisk you away to Otaru, known for its romantic canals and seafood markets, or to Furano and Biei, where the fields bloom in shades of purple and gold every summer.

For those planning to see it all, the Hokkaido Rail Pass is a budget-friendly option, covering unlimited rides for four, five, or seven days — perfect for travellers who want to mix local culture, nature, and culinary adventures.

The future of Hokkaido rail travel

With the arrival of the Red Star and Blue Star, Hokkaido Railway Company is setting a new benchmark for scenic travel in Japan, where comfort meets culture, and every ride becomes an experience in itself. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, wandering through fields of flowers, or searching for halal crab ramen in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s new trains promise a journey as unforgettable as the destination itself.