Cassiopeia (train)

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Tail end of Cassiopeia

The Cassiopeia (カシオペア) is considered to be the most luxurious overnight train service in Japan. Operated by East Japan Railway Company and Hokkaido Railway Company, it runs between Ueno station in Tokyo and the city of Sapporo in the northern island of Hokkaido. The one-way journey lasts approximately 16½ hours.

Going from Ueno to Sapporo, trains call at Omiya, Utsunomiya, Koriyama, Fukushima, Sendai, Ichinoseki and Morioka. The first stop in Hokkaido is at Hakodate between 4 and 4:30 am the following day, with arrival in Sapporo just before nine.

On the return trip from Sapporo, the first stop after leaving Hokkaido is at Sendai, around 4:30 am the following day. The arrival time at Ueno station is around 9:30 am.

The Cassiopeia consists of all type "A" accommodation, all specific to this particular train. A flat fee is charged for all rooms, regardless of starting or ending location. Currently, accommodation rates range from about ¥27,000 for a Cassiopeia Twin room to ¥51,000 for a Cassiopeia Suite.

The other fares, the basic fare and limited express fare, are based on distance. For foreign tourists using the Japan Rail Pass, the basic fare does not have to be paid. However there will be a charge of about ¥3,000 each way for travelling on a section of railroad not owned by Japan Railways between Morioka and Hachinohe.

Trains depart three times per week, with more departures during holiday periods. Hokutosei trains make two daily round-trip runs between Ueno and Sapporo.