JR Hokkaido's Furano Biei Norokko tourist train has begun its seasonal service but will be retired after the current run [1].
The retirement marks the end of a long-standing attraction for visitors to the Hokkaido countryside, where the train's open-air design allows passengers to view the region's famous floral landscapes.
The service operates on the JR Furano Line between Furano and Biei [1]. The operator said the decision to retire the train stems from the aging of the rolling stock [1]. The Norokko service originally began operations in 1998 [2].
There are conflicting reports regarding the exact date of the train's final journey. Some reports state the service will conclude after the 2024 season, with the final operation date set for Sept. 23, 2024 [1]. However, other records indicate the retirement was scheduled for fiscal year 2025, with service continuing through the summer of 2025 from Aug. 16 to Sept. 23, 2025 [3, 4].
Regardless of the specific end date, JR Hokkaido has integrated the train's final runs into broader regional efforts. The company launched the "JR de Iku Furano Biei 2026" campaign on April 25, 2026, in coordination with the Furano Biei Wide Area Tourism Promotion Council [5]. This campaign highlights the Norokko train as it completes its final season of operation [5].
Passengers have praised the experience for its immersive nature. One passenger said, "The scenery is beautiful and the breeze feels good" [2].
“The scenery is beautiful and the breeze feels good”
The retirement of the Norokko train reflects the broader challenge JR Hokkaido faces with aging infrastructure and rolling stock. By linking the train's final runs to a 2026 tourism campaign, the operator is leveraging the 'last chance' appeal to drive short-term travel to the Furano and Biei regions before the service is permanently discontinued.
