Japan’s bullet trains (新幹線 shinkansen), are famous worldwide for their speed, efficiency, and advanced technology. Among these high-speed marvels, the latest train vehicles to hit the tracks is the elegant E8 series, which run on the Yamagata Shinkansen (山形新幹線). In celebration of the first batch of E8 series trains hitting the tracks earlier this year, let’s dive into 10 fascinating facts about the Yamagata Shinkansen!

 

① The Yamagata Shinkansen opened in 1992

Yamagata Station & Shinjo Station The Yamagata Shinkansen extension from Yamagata Station to Shinjo Station began operating in 1999. | Photo by photoAC

Running through the Tohoku Region, the Yamagata Shinkansen began operations on 1 July 1992, offering services between the bustling city of Tokyo and Yamagata Station (山形駅) in Yamagata Prefecture (山形県), a mountainous and snowy prefecture in southern Tohoku. 

In 1999, the line was extended to Shinjо̄ Station (新庄駅) in northern Yamagata, the current terminal of the Yamagata Shinkansen.

 

② The Yamagata Shinkansen is Japan’s First Mini-Shinkansen Line

Yamagata Shinkasen is a mini shinkansen Sections of the Yamagata Shinkansen run on narrower tracks originally built for local trains. | Photo by photoAC

Did you know? The Yamagata Shinkansen is Japan’s first “mini shinkansen” line. Between Tokyo Station and Fukushima Station (福島駅), the Yamagata Shinkansen runs on tracks of the Tohoku Shinkansen, and between Fukushima Station and Shinjо̄ Station, it runs on tracks originally built for local lines.

Because local trains also run on the same tracks for the section between Fukushima Station and Shinjо̄ Station, trains on the Yamagata Shinkansen need to have a narrower body (the same size as local trains) in order to run on these tracks.

Due to this narrower body compared to other shinkansen trains, the Yamagata Shinkansen is known as a “mini shinkansen”. It has a 2+2 seat configuration, compared to the Tohoku Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen which have 2+3 seat configurations.

 

③ Riding the Yamagata Shinkansen is A Stunning Journey Through Nature

Enjoy scenic views in winter onboard the Yamagata Shinkansen Enjoy scenic views in winter. | Photo by photoAC

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Yamagata Shinkansen is its scenic route, especially on the sections where it runs on local line tracks. Trains will pass through breathtaking landscapes, including lush forests and picturesque mountains. 

During the winter months, the journey becomes even more magical, as the train glides through snow-covered scenery, offering passengers a unique and serene view of Japan’s natural beauty.

 

④ Yamagata Shinkansen Train Services are Called “Tsubasa”

Depending on the line they run on and the stops they make, shinkansen services have different names. For the Yamagata Shinkansen, all services are called Tsubasa (つばさ). “Tsubasa” means “wings” in Japanese, and with a top speed of 300km/h (185mph), you might feel like you are “flying” on land when riding on this train!

 

⑤ Kissing Shinkansen: One Half of the Tsubasa-Yamabiko Couple

E5 and E8 coupled shinkansen An E5 series Yamabiko service (left) coupled with an E8 series Tsubasa service (right). | Photo by Carissa Loh

Japan’s most famous shinkansen couple may be the green and red duo of the Tohoku Shinkansen’s Hayabusa services with the Akita Shinkansen’s Komachi services, but did you know that the Yamagata Shinkansen is also a part of a shinkansen couple? 

When departing Tokyo Station, Tsubasa services are usually coupled with Yamabiko services, and decoupled at Fukushima Station. From there, the Tsubasa services continue on the Yamagata Shinkansen towards Yamagata and Shinjo, while Yamabiko services continue along the Tohoku Shinkansen.

 

⑥ New E8 Series Rolling Stock are Gradually Replacing the E3 Series

The new E8 series trains started service in March 2024. The new E8 series trains started service in March 2024. | Photo by Carissa Loh

The rolling stock running on the Yamagata Shinkansen was previously the E3 series trains, but from March 2024 until 2026, the trains are gradually being upgraded to and replaced by the branch new E8 series trains. 

The new E8 series trains feature a 9m-long nose, which is 1.5 times longer than the 6m-long nose of the E3 series trains. The new trains also feature luggage racks suitable for large luggage in all its carriages.

 

E8 series shinkansen The E8 series, a new icon? | Photo by Carissa Loh

If you are a fan of shinkansen, or a kid in Japan, you’ll instantly recognise the E5 series trains of the Tohoku Shinkansen for their iconic green colour, and the E6 series trains of the Akita Shinkansen for their bright red colour. What about the brand new E8 series trains? 

Well, they come in with deep purple top and snowy white body, separated by a bright yellow line. These colours are meant to be:

  • “Zao white” (蔵王ビアンコ) for the snow of the Zao Mountains, Yamagata’s representative mountain range
  • “Safflower yellow” (紅花イエロー) for the safflower, Yamagata’s prefectural flower
  • “Mandarin duck purple” (おしどりパープル) for the Mandarin duck, Yamagata’s prefectural bird

 

⑦ Must-try Ekiben: Beef Domannaka

Beef domannaka Can’t decide which flavour of Beef Domannaka to get? Try them all! | Photo by Carissa Loh

The perfect companion on any ride on the Yamagata Shinkansen is the Beef Domannaka (牛肉どまん中  Gyūniku Doman-naka) ekiben (駅弁 lunch box for eating on the train), Yamagata’s most famous ekiben. 

This delicious boxed meal features Yonezawa beef on a bed of locally-grown Domannaka rice. The regular version features beef marinated in soy sauce (醤油 shoyu), and there are other variations like miso (味噌) and salt (塩 shio). Can’t decide which one to get? Don’t worry, good news is that there’s a 3-in-1 version that lets you try all flavours!

 

⑧ Once, a Hot Spring Bullet Train Graced the Yamagata Shinkansen Line

The retired Toreiyu Tsubasa Toreiyu Tsubasa, a bullet train with hot springs for your feet. | Photo by photoAC

Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its hot springs (温泉 onsen) and the Yamagata Shinkansen provides easy access to some of the best ones in the region. Places like Ginzan Onsen, Zao Onsen, Tendo Onsen, and Kaminoyama Onsen are popular destinations for both locals and tourists, all easily accessible via stations on the Yamagata Shinkansen. 

 

Foot baths on board the Toreiyu Tsubasa Foot baths on board the Toreiyu Tsubasa. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Did you know? From 2014 to 2022, a special shinkansen service, the Toreiyu Tsubasa, ran on the Yamagata Shinkansen. This train paid homage to Yamagata Prefecture’s hot springs, and even had a foot bath (足湯 ashiyu) on board!

Train riders could book 15-minute sessions to soak their feet in the foot bath while enjoying views of Yamagata’s scenic nature whizz by, and even take home a hot spring towel as a souvenir. Sadly, this foot bath bullet train retired in 2022.

 

⑨ All Seats on the Yamagata Shinkansen Require Reservations

Shinkansen seats All seats on Tsubasa services require reservations. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Since 2022, in order to provide customers with more comfort, all seats in all cars of all Tsubasa services on the Yamagata Shinkansen became reserved seating only (全車指定席 zensha shiteiseki).

The change to make all seats reserved seating was to give customers peace of mind that they will be able to get a seat when riding the trains, and also to make the ride a more pleasant and comfortable one.

Other shinkansen trains that are reserved seating only for all cars are the Kagayaki services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Hayabusa services on the Tōhoku Shinkansen, and Komachi services on the Akita Shinkansen. 

 

⑩ You Can Get Your Hands on Commemorative E8 Goodies

Commemorative E8 series merchandise Commemorative E8 merchandise. | Photo by Carissa Loh

To celebrate the launch of the E8 series trains, commemorative E8 merchandise and Yamagata products with special E8 packaging have gone on sale at NewDays convenience stores at stations along the Yamagata Shinkansen. 

If you’re in the area, you can grab items like A4 files, card holders, notebooks, mugs, and keychains with special E8 designs on them. Even Yamagata-produced wine from Takahata Winery along the Yamagata Shinkansen has a special E8 label.

 

Travel to Yamagata with JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s “Yummy Yamagata” Omiyage Snack Box

JAPAN RAIL CLUB Omiyage Snack Box

 

Looking forward to visiting Yamagata with the new E8 series bullet trains? But first, JAPAN RAIL CLUB will bring Yamagata to you with the “Yummy Yamagata” Omiyage Snack Box this June 2024! This all-Yamagata snack box contains irresistibly delicious souvenirs from local producers and makers in Yamagata, including favourites such as Kirara jellies, and an assortment of rice crackers from  酒田米菓. 

Enjoy more savings when you subscribe to our monthly subscription plans, and activate an additional 12% discount with discount code “YUMMY12”, exclusive until 30 June 2024. Enjoy a yummylicious Yamagata with this snack box today!