What were the “limited express” trains in Japan?

Before the famous bullet trains, the so-called limited express trains (特急列車 – Tokkyū Ressha) were the true kings of the rails in Japan. They made important connections between major cities, with fewer stops than regular express trains and offering a superior experience – both in comfort and service.

They were a status symbol. With spacious cars, panoramic windows, onboard service, and striking names, these trains were not just transportation: they were part of the journey. Many Japanese people have fond memories of these long journeys crossing the country.

The most iconic limited express trains in Japan

Several of these trains marked an era and still live on in the memory of railway enthusiasts and Japanese culture. Below are some of the most emblematic.

Raichō (雷鳥) – The thunder of the mountains

The Raichō, which in Japanese means “snow rooster,” was a limited express that connected Osaka to Kanazawa via the Hokuriku line. It began operations in 1964 and for many years was the main link between Kansai and the Hokuriku region.

Its route passed through mountainous landscapes, especially beautiful during winter, and the cars had a distinctive paint job, with red stripes on a white background. It was decommissioned in 2011, replaced by the Thunderbird, but remains an icon of the Showa era.

Asakaze (あさかぜ) – The morning breeze

One of the most legendary night trains, the Asakaze made the long journey between Tokyo and Hakata. Its name, “morning breeze,” captured the spirit of night travels well – it departed at night and arrived at dawn.

It was famous for its “Blue Train” sleeper cars, with onboard service, private cabins, and full meals. It was common to see families, workers, and even students boarding it to cross half the country while sleeping.

It was decommissioned in 2005, but is still fondly remembered by collectors and frequently appears in period Japanese dramas.

Yamabiko (やまびこ) – The echo in the mountains

Before being the name of a shinkansen, the Yamabiko was a limited express serving the route between Tokyo and Sendai, and later reached Morioka. It was essential during the pre-shinkansen era to connect the capital to the northern regions.

The landscape it passed through – especially in the mountainous areas of Tōhoku – made the Yamabiko a practical as well as poetic reference. With the arrival of the Tōhoku Shinkansen, its name was reused, but the charm of the old models still fascinates enthusiasts.

Hatsukari (はつかり) – The first wild goose

The Hatsukari, operating since 1958, connected Ueno (Tokyo) to Aomori, on a long and scenic route that crossed the heart of Japan. The name comes from a migratory bird, symbolizing long crossings – a perfectly chosen name.

This train was one of the pioneers in high performance in the north of the country, and its route included tunnels and challenging passages through mountains. It was synonymous with adventure for many travelers and a precursor to railway development in Tōhoku.

Tsubame (つばめ) – The swallow that flew south

The legendary Tsubame, which means “swallow“, began operations in the 1930s and underwent several reformulations. In the 50s and 60s, it was a symbol of luxury on the Tokyo–Kagoshima route, crossing the island of Kyushu.

With refined design and first-class service, it was the preferred train for those seeking comfort and speed in southern Japan. Decades later, the name was revived in the Kyushu Shinkansen, as a tribute to its historical importance.

The decline with the arrival of shinkansen

From the 1960s onwards, the shinkansen began to take the place of limited express trains on almost all major routes. The efficiency, punctuality, and speed of the bullet trains changed the railway landscape of the country.

Even so, some limited express trains continued to operate until the early 2000s, especially on routes that still did not have shinkansen lines. Many were adapted for tourism or transformed into scenic and seasonal trains.

Are there still limited express trains today?

Yes, but in a new guise. Today, some trains maintain the designation “limited express”, although they are quite different from the classics:

• Romancecar (Odakyu) – famous for its panoramic design.
• Thunderbird (JR West) – modern successor to the Raichō.
• Azusa (JR East) – connects Shinjuku to Matsumoto.

They are fast and comfortable, but have a more standardized look. The glamour of the 70s and 80s is gone, but the efficiency remains.