Overnight express train Cassiopeia, very popular overnight train between Tokyo and Sapporo

Cassiopeia is most popular overnight train in Japan.Overnight Trains
Cassiopeia is most popular overnight train in Japan.
Cassiopeia is most popular overnight train in Japan.

Cassiopeia is most popular overnight train in Japan.

*This train was discontinued in March 2016.

Cassiopeia is operated between Ueno and Sapporo. This train is like Japanese version Oriental Express and is the most luxurious in three luxurious overnight trains (other two are Twilight Express and Hokutosei) in Japan.

If you want to take this train by Japan Rail Pass, you need to pay some extra charges. You have to pay Limited Express surcharge and the accommodation fee. And also this train goes through non Japan Railway line between Morioka and Aomori. So you have to pay the basic fare for this non Japan Railway line. Even though you have to pay lots of the extra on Japan Rail Pass, many Japan Rail Pass user are interesting in this train. So I tell you that the extra cost, timetable, checking the availability and the types of accommodations.

Extra charges for Japan Rail Pass user

Japan Rail Pass cover only basic fare on Japan Railway. So you have to pay these extra charges.

Extra basic fare: 5,330 yen (for non Japan Railway line between Morioka and Aomori)
Extra express surcharge: 2,940 yen (between Ueno or Omiya and any stations in Hokkaido)

And also you have to pay the accommodation fee. Please see the next chapter.

Types of Accommodation

Welcome drink for Cassiopeia Suite and Cassiopeia Deluxe

Welcome drink for Cassiopeia Suite and Cassiopeia Deluxe

Cassiopeia Suite with View

  • Rate: 25,490 yen per person, based on two persons.
  • TV, clock, private shower, private washroom, welcome drink (a bottle of wine, a small bottle of whiskey, water and soft drink), coffee, Yukata (Japanese night wear), bath towel, facial towel
  • There is only one room in the train. This room has a huge glass window. It is so hard to get this room.
  • Images:
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia
    These following images are facilities. Cassiopeia Suite, Maisonette type has same as these things.
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia Suite, maisonette

  • Rate: 25,490 yen per person, based on two persons.
  • TV, clock, private shower, private washroom, welcome drink (a bottle of wine, a small bottle of whiskey, water and soft drink), coffee, Yukata (Japanese night wear), bath towel, facial towel
  • There are six rooms in the train. This room is two levels. The first floor is the bedroom and the second floor is the living. The extra bed can be put in the living room and can be used for 3 persons. The extra charge for third person is 13,350 yen.
  • Images:
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia Deluxe

  • Rate: 17,180 yen per person, based on two persons.
  • TV, clock, private shower, private washroom, welcome drink (a bottle of wine, a small bottle of whiskey, water and soft drink), coffee, Yukata (Japanese night wear), bath towel, facial towel
  • There is only one room in the train. This room is one level suite and has a higher ceiling than Cassiopeia Suite maisonette. The sofa can be converted to the extra bed and can be used for 3 persons. The extra charge for third person is 9.540 yen.
  • Images:
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia Twin (double decker)

  • Rate: 13,350 yen per person, based on two persons.
  • TV, clock, private washroom, welcome drink (soft drink), coffee, Yukata (Japanese night wear), facial towel (No private shower in the room. need to use the shared shower room at 310 yen for 6 minutes.)
  • This type of rooms are main stream in this train. This is like a standard twin room. These rooms are in the double decker car. Those rooms are located at the both lower level and higher level. But some of these rooms are located at the single level of this train. A few of these rooms at single level can be used for 3 persons. The extra charge for third person is 9.540 yen.
  • Images (Lower floor):
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia
  • Images (Upper floor):
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia
  • Images (located at single level):
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia
  • Images (Triple type):
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia
  • Images (Facilities):
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia Compart

  • Rate: 22,890 yen per room, based on two persons.
  • TV, clock, private washroom, welcome drink (soft drink), coffee, Yukata (Japanese night wear), facial towel (No private shower in the room. need to use the shared shower room at 310yen for 6 minutes.)
  • This room is designed for the handicapped person. We only have one room in the train
  • Images:
    Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Train Formation

123456789101112
CSV/CSMCSM/CDXDCC/CTCTCTCTCTCTCTCTL

*CSV=Cassiopeia Suite with View CSM=Cassiopeia Suite Maisonette CDX=Cassiopeia Deluxe CT=Cassiopeia Twin CC=Cassiopeia Compart D=Dining Car L=Lounge Car
*Smoking is permitted on Car#2, 3, 5, 6 and 11.

Dining Car / Lounge Car

Meal is not included in the rate. And the reservation for dinner must be done by 23:00 on three days prior to the departure date. But simply you can make a reservation at the same time as booking for the room. You can choose Kaiseki Gozen (懐石御膳=Traditional Japanese style cuisine) or French four course. Japanese dinner is 5,500 yen. French course is 7,800 yen. And also you have to choose dinner time from 17:15-18:15 or 18:30-19:50 or 20:10-21:30. Dining car is the pub after 20:30. You don’t need to make a reservation.

If you take Cassiopeia Suite or Cassiopeia Deluxe, Room service is available for only the first dining time, 17:15-18:15. And Also you can choose Cassiopeia Tokusei Bento (カシオペア特製弁当=Cassiopeia Special Dinner Box) at 3,500 yen. Of courese you need to order this dinner box three days before the boarding.

You don’t need to make a reservation for the breakfast. They open at 06:30. They have Japanese style and Western style. Both breakfast are same price at 1,600 yen.

They sell regular dinner box (Japanese Bento, Sandwich and so on) and drinks. If you cannot make a reservation for the dining car, you still can get something to eat. Of course you can get something before boarding.

Image (Dining car interior) : Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Image (Pub time menu) : Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Image (Breakfast menu) : Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Image (Cassiopeia Bento) : Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Lounge car is open for the public. You can enjoy the view through the panoramic glass windows. You can see the iamges of Dining car and Lounge car here on JR East website.

And also smoking is not permitted in Lounge car, but it is permitted in and dining car. Please don’t upset that!
*Since March 17, 2012, smoking is not permitted in both dining car and lounge car.

Image (Lounge car) : Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Image (Public washroom) : Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Image (Shared shower room) : Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia Overnight train Cassiopeia

Reservation and space availability

It is very difficult for Japan Rail Pass user to make a booking. Because you cannot make a reservation online. All you can do is going to the station to take it. Japan Railway starts to sell the ticket 30 days prior to the departure date. Most of Japan Rail Pass user start to use the pass right after arrival. So if you have a plan to take this train, you need to think about the back up plan. You have to expect that you won’t be able to make it!

*If you have a friend who speaks Japanese, you can ask to make a call to JR West odekake net at 078-341-7903. This reservation center can take a reservation for all JR trains. However you need to pay surcharge and accommodation fee. Japan Rail Pass do not cover any surcharge and accommodation fee on overnight trains. So it is not a big issue. And also you have to pick up your ticket in JR West, Shikoku or Kyushu’s stations. You cannot pick up ticket in other areas, like Tokyo, Niigata, Aomori, Hokkaido.

But you can check the availability online. Please access this page on JR East website. It is in Japanese but it is not complicated. You will see like this table.

曜日上野発札幌発
117O
18O
19O
20
21
22X
23

From left to right, Month (月), Day (日), Week-day (曜日), Departure from Ueno (上野発), Departure from Sapporo (札幌発). So the second row means January 17, Monday. Cassiopeia is not operated from Ueno to Sapporo. So you see “-“. On the other hand, you see “O” from Sapporo. It means that lots of rooms are still available. Please see the sixth row. You see “△” departure from Ueno. It means almost sold out. If you see “X”, it means completely sold out. Please check in last minutes before you depart from your country.

Operation dates will be different after March 14, 2015. Please find it at Schedule of 2015 spring seasonal trains of Japan Railways. I wrote the dates until September, 2015.

But you need to think about alternative in case that you cannot make it. If you need any ideas about a back up plan, please refer the post, Alternatives of overnight train Cassiopeia and Hokutosei. I suggest several itineraries.

Timetable

Timetable will be different after March 14, 2015. Please find it at Schedule of 2015 spring seasonal trains of Japan Railways. I wrote the dates until September, 2015.

station/directionUeno to SapporoSapporo to Ueno
Ueno (上野)16:2009:25
Omiya (大宮)16:4509:00
Utsunomiya (宇都宮)17:5007:50
Koriyama (郡山)19:1306:15
Fukushima (福島)19:5205:36
Sendai (仙台)20:5904:33
Ichinoseki (一ノ関)22:08
Morioka (盛岡)23:16
Hakodate (函館)05:0221:12
Mori (森)05:5220:18
Yakumo (八雲)06:1819:51
Oshamanbe (長万部)06:4319:15
Toya (洞爺)07:1318:42
date-Monbetsu (伊達紋別)07:2518:28
Higashi-Muroran (東室蘭)07:4417:57
Noboribetsu (登別)08:0017:37
Tomakomai (苫小牧)08:3317:06
Minami-Chitose (南千歳)08:5516:46
Sapporo (札幌)09:3216:12

Comments

  1. asya says:

    Hello!
    Thanks a a lot for a post. I can’t find the information I need. Maybe you can help me. I am planning a trip to Japan and I am thinking of taking Cassiopeia. There are 4 of us – 2 adults and 2 children (2 years old and 1 year old). How many tickets should I buy – 2, 3 or 4? Can we stay in one room (suitable for three persons) or there is no difference between adults and children and we should book 2 rooms? Thanks)

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Asya,

      In JR rules, one aid adult passenger can take up to 2 children who are younger than six years old. And as long as you share the bed with you children, you don’t need to pay any extra surcharge and accommodation fee.

      So your kids are still very young. I think you can share the bed with children easily. In my opinion, one compartment is good enough for you and your family.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  2. Caroline says:

    Hi

    I LOVE your website. Thank you very much. I took the Cassiopeia last year and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Please take it before it is withdrawn from service!!

    Caroline David

  3. Ali Zaidi says:

    OMG. We managed to book a ticket for Cassiopeia!!. Thankyou so much for all the advice. It worked exactly as you wrote> I am amazed.

    As per your feedback, I spoke to a Japanese friend. I offered for him to help arrange and I will pay for his share of the trip on Cassiopeia and onwards in Akita.

    You are right. Without having a reliable contact in Japan, its very very difficult to book.

    Anyways, now we have getting ready for the trip planning. Also, regarding the fact that I did not but a Japan Rail Pass, is simply because its not sold in my country. I am from Pakistan.

    Thanks again 😉

    I will let you know how the trip turns out.

    • JPRail says:

      No problem, Ali. I hope you will get a compartment enjoy your trip.
      I have never done Cassiopeia. I really envy you! 🙂

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  4. Ali says:

    Hello Shimamura san

    Thankyou for such a quick reply. I appreciate your taking time ot to answer my questions. With regards to your query about my travel plans and intention to use the Japan Rail Pass, I offer the following information.

    [1] Tokyo to Sapporo (if possible, Cassiopeia) (34000 yen)
    [2] Sapporo to Hakodate: スーパー北斗12号 (8790yen)
    [3] Hakodate to Hirosaki( Aomori): スーパー白鳥26号 and local trains (12440 yen )
    [4] Hirosaki to Tazawako: local train and Shinkansen (from Akita to Tazawako) 11100 yen)
    [5] Kakunodate to Tokyo: Shinkansen (approx 20000 yen)

    a] As you can see, I dont plan to go upto Morioka but onto Hakodate.
    b] Also some traveling will be done in Hokkaido but mostly in the Northern Honshu region

    Just two more questions

    i) So, do you think it might be a good idea to buy both the Hokkaido as well as the JR East Pass? Even though cost of both comes to 37,000 yen (shown below) but with a discount for the five place trip both purchases maybe worth it, including using Cassiopeia and then traveling to Tokyo-Sapporo-Haodate-Hirosaki-Kakunodate-Tokyo. What do you think?. Here is the cost of the passes

    –Hokkaido Rail 3 day pass (15000 yen)
    –JR East Pass flexible 5 day (22000 yen)
    Total Cost is 37,000 yen

    ii) I am also very curious about another point about pick up of mentioned in your Cassiopeia information mentioned above.

    “And also you have to pick up your ticket in JR West, Shikoku or Kyushu’s stations. You cannot pick up ticket in other areas, like Tokyo, Niigata, Aomori, Hokkaido”

    Do you mean to say that if tickets are booked on-line, then these will be delivered by post only in areas such as JR West, Shikoku etc. However, can someone books online and then decides to go and pick up the tickets in person from the JR station? Is physical pick-up of tickets also not allowed?

    Thank you once again and sorry for such a long mail

    Have a nice night

    Ali

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Ali,

      I don’t understand why you don’t purchase JR Pass 7 days at 28300 yen. There is only one advantage if you use JR East and Hokkaido pass. That is Aomori-Morioka section. JR East pass covers this section but JR Pass does not. That is 5300 yen. 28300 yen + 5300 yen is still cheaper than 37000 yen. If you want to have Flex type ticket, your choice is right.

      Regarding booking, there is no online booking available. Actually one of readers tried to book over the phone, he was asked phone number that JR West can contact anytime in Japan. So he gave up. Even if you have contact number in Japan, when you pick up a ticket, you have to tell them confirmation number and show them your credit card that you use for booking. They can mail and pick up at the window. But it is very hard to use it in these days.

      So far, unfortunately it is very difficult to book overnight train for overseas travellers.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  5. Ali says:

    Wow. This is a great website.

    Regarding Cassiopeia, I have a question. I wonder if you can help me? Is it possible to buy a discounted Cassiopeia ticket using a JR East Pass (not a Japan Rail Pass). Everywhere that I have searched, people are using Japan Rail Pass. However, if a tourist could not buy the Japan Rail Pass, it it still possible to buy the JR East Pass and try to use for the Cassiopeia ticket?

    Thankyou in advance

    Ali

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Ali,

      Technically you can use it by JR East pass. But how do you take it? Do you think you will take just from Ueno to Morioka?
      I have never heard that for just day use. I think as long as you pay surcharge and full amount of accommodation fee, you can take it.

      If you want to take this as overnight train, you have to pay extra for outside of coverage area, like Nakaoguni(north border station of JR East pass) – Hakodate. In this case, JR East pass + extra charge may be more expensive than JR Pass 7 days.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  6. Sharon says:

    Tak, Thanks but JTB HK do not offer to sell Cassiopeia.

    if I had Japanese friend can call JR West to buy ticket, do you know if we can pick up the ticket within Tokyo (for example : Tokyo station)

    Please kindly advise.

    Regards,
    Sharon

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Sharon,

      No, you can’t. If you can ask your friend, ask him/her to go to the station and make a booking. And ask your friend to send a ticket to your hotel in Tokyo by courier.
      But Cassipeia Suite is very very hard to book. If your friend show up at the station at 10:00am on one month before departure date, it is still very very hard. It is almost draw.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  7. Sharon says:

    I’m planning a trip to Sapporo from Ueon by Cassiopeia Suite on Oct 1. Pleae kindy advise Japan travel agency which can help to book this itinerary. I’m living in Hong Kong.

    Thanks
    Sharon

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Saron,

      Try to contact JTB Hong Kong.
      email:out_air@hk.jtb.cn

      I don’t know they can take it or not. But JTB is the biggest travel agency in Japan.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  8. Joyce says:

    Hi Takeshita,

    I am planning a trip for my 65 mother and I am sure she will love the Cassiopeia suite, or suite on the twilight express or hokusei. I understand you said these suite are really hard to get. Can you tell me normally how much in advance should I start to try booking? I am residing in Hong KOng.

    I am planning for a trip either in Aug 2013 or JAn 2014

    Thank you very much.

    Yours truly,
    Joyce

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Joyce,

      Any JR trains ticket will be started to sell at 10:00 am of one month prior to departure date. For example, if you want to take it on Aug 18, ticket will be started to sell at 10:00 am on Jul 18. You cannot do anything before this date.

      The tickets that you want to take will be super hard to book. Even if you are at the reservation window at 10:00 am, the chance will be very tiny. These ticket are usually sold out in one second.

      If you want to book it from Hong Kong, only way to book it is asking travel agent. But please remember that even travel agent cannot guarantee to book it. It’s like a draw.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. Leo Kwan says:

    I’ m a solo traveler. Then someone buy Cassiopeia ticket for me,
    should I need to provide my information(e.g. Name & passport no…….)?

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Leo,

      I think it is very hard to find a person who can purchase your ticket for you here. You have to send your money to book it and find the way to deliver. It is too risky.

      I don’t know where you live. But try to find a travel agent who can book it for you. That is only way to book it safely.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  10. Chris W says:

    Takeshi-san –

    Can Cassiopeia tickets be picked up at Sapporo station for the Sapporo – Ueno trip?

    Thank you.

    Chris

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Chris,

      Do you mean you want to book it at Sapporo station and get a ticket there? If so, you can do it.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

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