What is the name of the new overnight express train?

The name is 'Luna Azul'. It means 'blue moon' in Spanish, representing the train concept of 'blue color', 'luxury', and 'an experience away from daily life'.

When will the service start?

It is scheduled to be introduced in early 2027.

What is the operating pattern?

From spring to autumn, it will run twice a week between Shinagawa and Aomori. In winter, it will run six times a week between Shinagawa and Nagano-shigen Kusatsu-guchi.

What is the seating capacity?

During nighttime operations from spring to autumn, it will have 125 seats in a 10-car formation. During daytime operations in winter, it will have 150 seats in a 7-car formation.

What facilities are available?

There are two wheelchair-accessible Green individual rooms (one for one person, one for two people) in car 6. Drink and snack sales are also planned in the sales area.

JR East to Introduce New Night Train 'Luna Azul' in Early 2027

Published Jun 10, 2026 1:50 AM ・ Updated Jun 14, 2026 4:40 AM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

The JR East Group will introduce a new night train, 'Luna Azul,' in early fiscal 2027. The service plans to operate night trips between Shinagawa and Aomori (twice weekly) and daytime trips between Shinagawa and Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi in winter (six times weekly), aiming to offer an elevated travel experience where the journey itself is the destination.

The JR East Group will introduce a new limited express train capable of night operations in early fiscal 2027, aiming to realize the goal of "bringing vitality to the region and enriching Japan" as stated in its "Yusho 2034" vision. The train is designed so that the act of riding is the destination itself.

The name and exterior logo for the new train have been finalized.

At launch, plans include night operations between Shinagawa Station and Aomori Station, and daytime operations to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. Additional routes will be considered successively.

Through this new night train, which inherits the sentiment of traditional sleeper trains, we propose a travel experience away from daily life. We aim for many customers, both domestic and international, including solo travelers and those traveling with friends or family, to enjoy the excitement unique to rail travel.

1. Name "Luna Azul" (Luna Azul) Luna Azul means "Blue Moon" in Spanish. We named it to express the concept of the train: "blue color," "high quality," "cozy comfort," and "experiences away from daily life."

2. Logo The design reconstructs the "blue moment" arranged on the exterior of the 10-car train, represented as a blue moon formed by 10 rays of light wrapping around the train.

3. Operating Sections at Launch (1) Spring to Autumn - Area: Tokyo to Tohoku - Type: Night operation - Section: Shinagawa Station to Aomori Station (via Joetsu Line, Uetsu Main Line) - Frequency: 2 round trips/week - Duration: 12.5 to 15 hours - Schedule: Depart around 21:00, Arrive around 09:30 (outbound) - Capacity: 125 passengers (10 cars)

(2) Winter - Area: Tokyo to Gunma - Type: Daytime operation - Section: Shinagawa Station to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station - Frequency: 6 round trips/week - Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours - Schedule: Depart around 10:00, Arrive around 12:30 (outbound) - Capacity: 150 passengers (7 cars)

- Fares: For a Green room on the Shinagawa-Aomori route, we anticipate fares around the level of Tohoku Shinkansen Green Class plus a premium. - In-train services: Sales of drinks and snacks are planned in the sales area.

4. Other - Sales will be via travel products. - Details on operation dates, timetables, fares, and in-train services will be announced as soon as they are determined.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: New Product

JR East to Introduce New Night Train 'Luna Azul' in Early 2027

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