Japan is strengthening its reputation as one of the world’s premier rail travel destinations with the launch of a new seasonal railway experience in Hokkaido. Japan Airlines (JAL) and JR Hokkaido have announced the HOKKAIDO LOVE! Hitomeguri-go train, a limited-time autumn service that will operate from September 28 to November 4, inviting travellers to explore the island’s spectacular autumn landscapes by rail. Timed to coincide with Hokkaido’s vibrant fall foliage season, the collaboration combines JAL’s domestic and international travel network with JR Hokkaido’s extensive railway expertise to encourage visitors to venture beyond the region’s major cities and discover lesser-known destinations, scenic countryside and authentic local experiences.
JAL and JR Hokkaido Partner to Showcase Autumn in Northern Japan
The new HOKKAIDO LOVE! Hitomeguri-go train represents a collaborative effort between Japan Airlines and JR Hokkaido to promote regional tourism during one of the island’s most visually striking seasons.
Operating for just over five weeks, the special service has been designed around the peak autumn foliage period, when forests, mountains and rural landscapes across Hokkaido transform into vibrant shades of red, orange and gold.
Rather than focusing solely on transportation, the railway experience encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the changing scenery while exploring communities that are often overlooked by conventional itineraries.
The initiative also supports Japan’s broader tourism strategy of distributing visitors across regional destinations, helping strengthen local economies while offering travellers richer and more immersive experiences.
A Scenic Journey Through Hokkaido’s Autumn Landscapes
Hokkaido is renowned for experiencing some of Japan’s earliest autumn colours due to its northern location and cooler climate.
Travellers aboard the seasonal service can expect sweeping views of forests, mountain ranges, rivers and agricultural landscapes that become particularly spectacular during late September and October.
Rail travel offers a unique perspective that is often unavailable by road, allowing passengers to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views while relaxing throughout the journey.
The experience is expected to appeal not only to railway enthusiasts but also to photographers, nature lovers and international visitors seeking one of Japan’s most celebrated seasonal spectacles.
Encouraging Exploration Beyond Major Cities
While destinations such as Sapporo, Hakodate and Otaru continue attracting significant numbers of visitors, the new service places greater emphasis on encouraging exploration of regional communities and scenic areas throughout Hokkaido.
Passengers can use the railway journey as an opportunity to discover charming towns, local markets, cultural attractions and natural landscapes that reflect the island’s unique identity.
Many of these destinations offer traditional cuisine, artisan products and outdoor experiences that complement the scenic rail adventure.
By promoting travel beyond established tourism centres, the collaboration helps distribute visitor spending more evenly across the region while creating opportunities for smaller communities to benefit from seasonal tourism.
Rail Tourism Continues Growing Across Japan
Japan has long been recognised for its world-class railway network, where trains are valued not only for efficiency but also as tourism experiences in their own right.
Seasonal sightseeing trains have become increasingly popular across the country, offering themed journeys that celebrate cherry blossoms, coastal scenery, mountain landscapes and regional heritage.
The HOKKAIDO LOVE! Hitomeguri-go service strengthens this tradition by combining comfortable rail travel with one of Japan’s most beautiful natural seasons.
For international travellers already flying with JAL, the partnership also simplifies access to Hokkaido by integrating air and rail travel into a seamless holiday experience.
Autumn Strengthens Hokkaido’s Tourism Appeal
Autumn remains one of the island’s busiest tourism periods as visitors arrive to experience colourful forests, pleasant temperatures and seasonal cuisine.
Fresh seafood, locally grown produce, mushrooms and harvest festivals add another dimension to the visitor experience, while national parks and scenic viewpoints attract hikers and photographers from around the world.
Combined with Hokkaido’s renowned hospitality and efficient transport network, the limited-time train service enhances the region’s position as a leading destination for autumn travel in Asia.
Practical Travel Information for Visitors
Geographical Location: Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost main island, located between the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Operating Period:
- September 28 – November 4
Top Places to Visit in Hokkaido:
- Sapporo
- Otaru
- Hakodate
- Asahikawa
- Furano
- Biei
- Daisetsuzan National Park
- Shiretoko National Park
- Noboribetsu
- Lake Toya
Nearest Airports:
- New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)
- Hakodate Airport
- Asahikawa Airport
- Memanbetsu Airport
- Tokachi–Obihiro Airport
Major Railway Stations:
- Sapporo Station
- Hakodate Station
- Asahikawa Station
- Otaru Station
- Kushiro Station
Other Transport Options:
- JR Hokkaido railway network
- Domestic flights
- Long-distance buses
- Rental cars
- Ferry services connecting Hokkaido with Honshu
Currency:
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
Key Stats
- HOKKAIDO LOVE! Hitomeguri-go will operate from September 28 to November 4 during Hokkaido’s peak autumn foliage season.
- The seasonal train is a collaboration between Japan Airlines (JAL) and JR Hokkaido.
- The initiative encourages visitors to explore destinations beyond Hokkaido’s major cities.
- Hokkaido experiences some of Japan’s earliest autumn colours due to its northern climate.
- Scenic rail tourism continues to play a growing role in promoting regional travel across Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the HOKKAIDO LOVE! Hitomeguri-go train operate?
The special seasonal service will run from September 28 to November 4, coinciding with Hokkaido’s autumn foliage season.
Why is autumn a popular time to visit Hokkaido?
The island offers spectacular fall colours, mild temperatures, seasonal cuisine and scenic landscapes that attract nature lovers and photographers from around the world.
How can travellers reach Hokkaido?
Most visitors arrive via New Chitose Airport near Sapporo or connect through other regional airports before continuing their journey on the JR Hokkaido rail network.
Timeline and Events
- September 28, 2026: HOKKAIDO LOVE! Hitomeguri-go begins seasonal operations.
- Late September to October 2026: Peak autumn foliage transforms landscapes across Hokkaido.
- November 4, 2026: Limited-time autumn train concludes its seasonal service.
- Ongoing: JAL and JR Hokkaido continue promoting regional rail tourism and destination discovery across northern Japan.
Conclusion
The launch of the HOKKAIDO LOVE! Hitomeguri-go highlights the growing importance of scenic rail travel in Japan’s tourism landscape. By combining JAL’s extensive travel network with JR Hokkaido’s regional railway expertise, the seasonal service offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Hokkaido’s spectacular autumn colours while discovering destinations beyond the island’s best-known cities. Operating during one of the region’s most celebrated travel seasons, the train showcases how rail tourism can connect travellers with local communities, breathtaking natural landscapes and authentic cultural experiences, reinforcing Hokkaido’s status as one of Asia’s premier autumn destinations.
