SHIMUKAPPU, Hokkaido—A JR express train was filled to 60-percent capacity when it left Sapporo Station for Shimukappu in the central part of Hokkaido in December. After it stopped at Minami ...

SAPPORO--Hokkaido Railway Co. (JR Hokkaido) will roll out its new Red Star and Blue Star luxury sightseeing trains in spring 2026 as part of efforts to increase ridership on eight money-losing lines.