The forerunner of Japan’s sleeper trains, the Twilight Express ran between Osaka and Sapporo.
Although the popular service was discontinued in 2015, its pride and tradition live on, in MIZUKAZE.

  • History
  • The train was in operation between 1989 and 2015.

    During those 26 years, it carried around 1,160,000 passengers.

  • History
  • History
  • History
  • History

    1989

    July
    First train format completed.
    Began operating as a group charter service between Osaka and Sapporo.
    December
    Second train format completed. Began operating four times a week as a special train service. General ticket sales began.

    1990

    July
    Extra car of A-Class private rooms added. (Train lengthened to nine cars)

    1991

    April
    Third train format completed. Began operating 250 days a year in its new format.

    2001 - 2002

    Renovated, with a focus on the interior.

    2015

    March
    Service between Osaka and Sapporo discontinued.
  • History
  • History
  • History
  • Format

    11 cars
    • - 9 passenger cars

      A-Class private rooms: 2 cars

      B-Class private rooms: 3 cars

      B-Class berths: 2 cars

      Salon car: 1

      Dining car: 1

    • - Generator car: 1
    • - Locomotive: 1

    Capacity: 130 people