It has been revealed through JR East sources that the luxury sleeper train "Cassiopeia" will be retired in June this year. The train operated on a route connecting Ueno Station in Tokyo with Sapporo Station in Hokkaido.
Although Cassiopeia ended its regular service nine years ago, it has continued to run as a tour-exclusive train. However, due to aging train cars, the legendary journey will soon come to an end.
Debuting in July 1999, Cassiopeia ceased regular operations in March 2016 due to the electrical voltage change in the Seikan Tunnel following the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen. Since then, it has operated as a tour train, traveling across various regions of eastern Japan.
Cassiopeia is the only train of its kind in the world, featuring a distinctive metallic silver body with five parallel stripes, making it a beloved icon among railway enthusiasts. However, with over 25 years of service, aging train cars, and a decline in available locomotives capable of pulling it, the final tour scheduled for June will mark Cassiopeia’s last run.
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