Toreiyu Tsubasa. First ever Shinkansen train that has foot bath.

The Shinkansen train run as fast intercity transfer. But this train, “Toreiyu Tsubsa” shows us completely different concept as the Shinkansen train. This Shinkansen train does not run very fast. It stops at all stations and it offers you warm atmosphere to spend the time in the train with your family or friend.

My reader, James and Tak gave us many photos of this train. I would like to share the photos and information with you. I would like to thank you, James and Tak for sharing the beautiful photos.

Route, schedule and trip time

Toreiyu Tsubasa runs on Yamagata Shinkansen line between Fukushima and Shinjo. Travel time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

When you take this train at Fukushima, this train does not depart from the Shinkansen platform. It departs from the conventional train track.

View Yamagata “Mini” Shinkansen in a larger map

 

Hotels in Aizu Wakamatsu
Hotels in Niigata

This train is operated as seasonal train. It usually runs on weekend and holidays. You can find the updated schedule and operation calender at Category:Season trains schedule.

Accommodation

Toreiyu Tsubasa is operated by renovated E3 Shinkansen series. This fleet was used as Akita Shinkansen “Komachi”. Since newer fleet E6 sereis was introduced to Akita Shinkansen, most of E3 series were redundant train sets. One of these fleets was renovated and remodeled for this train. And it was introduced to Yamagata Shinkansen as Toreiyu.

This train has completely different concept from other Shinkansen trains. It has Tatami seat, Japanese style salon space and Ashi-yu (foot bath).

Train formation

*R=Reserved seat RT=Reserved Tatami seat L=Lounge car FB=Foot bath car
Smoking is not allowed on this train.

Yamagata Shinkansen’s car number is starting at #11. Because Yamagata Shinkansen is basically coupled with Tohoku Shinkansen 10 car trains set (#1-#10) between Tokyo and Fukushima. Toreiyu Tsubasa runs only Yamagata Shinkansen segment. But it follows the rule.

Images

Extreior

Reserved Tatami seat

Common reserved seat is available in car #11. The photo is not available. But it is not much different from common Shinkansen trains.

Bar and Lounge space

Lounge has Japanese style table and Tatami seat.

Ashi-yu (foot bath)

Ashi-yu ticket is required to enter this car. But Ashi-yu ticket is basically available for the passengers who purchased JR East package tour. It is not covered by JR pass and JR East pass. Ashi-yu ticket is not available at Midori no Madoguchi either. If some Ashi-yu spaces are empty, the ticket may be sold in the train. Please contact to the attendant to make sure it.You can find the Ashi-yu image here.

The coverage by rail pass and the seat fee

If you use Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass Tohoku, JR East South Hokkaido Rail pass, this train is fully covered. If you use a single ticket, you can take this train by same as Yamagata Shinkansen. Please find the fare at hyperdia:

Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine

If you want to build your itinerary by yourself, Hyperdia will help you a lot. This site is transportation search engine. You can search the timetables and routes of all trains, flights and airport shuttle bus. But this site is a bit tricky and too many functions and options to you. This guide will help you to find the way to use this site.

jprail.com

2013.11.26

This train has reserved seat only. You cannot take this train without booking.

Enjoy the trip to the beautiful Tohoku region by Toreiyu Tsubasa.