The Resort Shirakami runs along the stunning coastal route between Akita and Aomori at the northern tip of Japan’s main island of Honshu.
Resort Shirakami en route – JR East Photo
The Resort Shirakami runs along the stunning coastal route between Akita and Aomori at the northern tip of Japan’s main island of Honshu.
It’s wild country, particularly in winter, and the best way to enjoy it is in one of the comfortable private compartments on this train. Like other JR trains, it’s easy to get tickets.
Resort Shirakami Route Map
This map summarises the route taken by the Resort Shirakami. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the Resort Shirakami official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Resort Shirakami passenger compartment en route – JR East Photo
Schedules
- There are three trains daily in each direction between Akita and Hirosaki (some trains originate and terminate in Aomori.
- Scroll down this page on the official JR East Shirakami website for timetables.
Resort Shirakami Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Resort Shirakami train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
- Buy tickets at any JR Station in Japan.
- Buy online at the JR East Reservation site.
Sample Fare
The total fare (fare ticket plus express fare) between Akita and Aomori is ¥5,350 (regular seat).
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
