The East Japan Railway Company offers the Tohoku Shinkansen, a modern Japanese high-speed train often called a bullet train. The Tohoku line was first introduced by JR East in 1982 and is used to connect the capital city of Tokyo with Aomori, the capital of Aomori Prefecture.
Presently, there are four different models of Tohoku Shinkansen trains operating along the Tokyo to Aomori route: the E2 Series, E3 Series, E5 Series and E6 Series. Most Tohoku trains provide two passenger seating classes: the “Ordinary Car” (similar to standard class) and the “Green Car” (much like first or business class).
Covering a distance of approximately 674 kilometres, the Tohoku is Japan’s longest Shinkansen line. The train carries travelers across the less populated Tohoku area of Honshu, Japan’s primary central island. En route, there are brief stops in such cities as Koriyama, Fukushima, Sendai and Morioka.
Purchase a JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) e-ticket to travel by Tohoku Shinkansen. With this convenient, flexible pass, you’ll enjoy unlimited travel possibilities between Tokyo and Honshu’s northeastern region. The pass also lets you travel by Akita, Joetsu, Hokuriku and Yamagata Shinkansen in select areas. Purchase the A JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) to include travel by Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nasushiobara. Passes can be used for 5 flexible travel days over a 14-day period.
Get your pass to exceptional value and flexibility as you plan your journey throughout the wondrous Tohoku region of Japan!
E2 Series
E3 Series
E5 Series
E6 Series
From: Tokyo to Aomori
Train stations: Tokyo and Shin-Aomori
Popular stops: Nasushiobara, Koriyama, Sendai, Morioka
Estimated travel time: 3h30
Travel included with a: JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
Passengers are allowed two pieces of luggage, up to a maximum weight of 60 kg and having total dimensions measuring no more than 250 cm (based on height, length and width). Delivery services are available.
Bicycles are permitted at no extra cost but must be folded or disassembled and packed inside carrying cases.
Small pets including dogs, cats and birds are allowed onboard. However, they must travel in a cage or similar container no bigger than 90 cm (based on height and length) and must weigh less than 10 kg.
Passengers in wheelchairs have access to special seating on the train but must make a request at the station they are boarding from 2 days in advance. Wheelchairs must conform to maximum size requirements and those with steering wheels are generally not allowed. Elevators and escalators at stations are wheelchair-friendly. Strollers can be carried onboard at no extra charge, as long as they are folded and placed either in front of the seat or in the designated luggage compartment.
The Imperial Palace (Tokyo)
One of Tokyo’s biggest tourist attractions is the Imperial Palace, home of the Emperor of Japan. Complementing the royal residence are lush, manicured gardens, historical museums and an archive depository.
Nippon Budokan (Tokyo)
Though known for hosting martial arts and wrestling events, the indoor arena often referred to simply as “Budokan” is perhaps most revered for the countless legendary music artists who have graced its stage over the past 5 decades. The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross and KISS are just a few of the acts to visit this music mecca for concert-goers.
Sannai-Maruyama site (Aomori)
Uncovered by excavators in 1992, the Sannai-Maruyama site shows evidence of a large, long-standing settlement originating around 3900 BCE. The site was recently designated a Special National Historical Site of Japan.
Shiriyazaki Lighthouse (Aomori)
Located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, this 1876 lighthouse was one of 26 beacons built during Japan’s Meiji era. The Shiriyazaki is a national historic treasure and is listed among the “50 Lighthouses of Japan” by the Japanese Lighthouse Association.
Aoba Castle (Sendai)
The Aoba Castle was built in 1601 and served as both home and headquarters for the powerful lord Date Masamune of Sendai Domain. In 2003, the castle was registered as a national historic monument. An on-site museum honoring its history is open to visitors.
Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree (Morioka)
As the name suggests, the Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree is a cherry tree nearly 4 centuries old that has grown out of the crack of a large granite boulder in front of the Morioka Courthouse. This rare natural display is a national Japanese treasure and tourist favorite!