JR East’s New Overnight Express Train Named “Luna Azul”

Tokyo, June 9 (Jiji Press)–East Japan Railway Co., or JR East, on Tuesday unveiled “Luna Azul” as the name of its new overnight limited express train, set to debut in fiscal 2027. The name, Spanish for “blue moon,” was chosen to convey a sense of luxury and an escape from everyday life, the railway operator said. From spring through autumn, the train will be operated for two round-trip weekly services linking Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and Aomori Station in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, via the Joetsu and Uetsu lines. The journey will take roughly 12 and a half to 15 hours one way and can accommodate up to 125 passengers. During winter, the service will switch to daytime operations, offering six round trips a week between Shinagawa and Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, with a one-way trip taking about two and a half to three hours and up to 150 passengers to be carried. JR East said the daytime service is intended to let customers enjoy a trip on Luna Azul even on a shorter route. Luna Azul, to be made by refurbishing a 10-car E657 series limited express train currently deployed on the Joban Line, will feature Green Car and Premium Green Car private compartments for one to four passengers. The new train will also have a lounge car. JR East said fares for a Green Car compartment between Shinagawa and Aomori per adult are expected to be slightly higher than Green Car seat fares for a bullet train on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line, which connects Tokyo Station and Shin-Aomori Station in Aomori Prefecture. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]