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- Yamagata Shinkansen
The Tsubasa service on the Yamagata Shinkansen line began in 1992, providing direct service to Yamagata Prefecture from the Tohoku Shinkansen line using the Ou Line. Initially operating to Yamagata Station, the service was extended to Shinjo Station in 1999. At the fastest speed, travel from Tokyo to Yamagata via Fukushima takes 2 hours, 29 minutes, and then another 45 minutes to reach Shinjo. Along the line are located a series of celebrated hot springs. The Yamagata area is known for its cherries as well as grapes, pears and other fruit cultivation. Visit a u-pick orchard or maybe just buy some to take home as presents.
The Train Line-up
- Series E3
Tsubasa: Tokyo - Yamagata / Shinjo
The Tsubasa is coupled to the Yamabiko or the Max Yamabiko between Tokyo and Fukushima.
Places of Interest
- During the Warring States period of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Yonezawa was historically a castle town with deep connections to the daimyo (load) Uesugi, which produced famous generals during the Warring States period in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In this town today are interspersed a great number of historical locations and gardens including Uesugi Shrine and the Uesugi Mausoleum. The blossoming cherry trees lining the moats of the shrine are a sight to behold, particularly just after the prime of the blooming as the petals begin to scatter. The food in Yonezawa is also renowned, with Yonezawa beef rated as top-class in Japan, and Yonezawa ramen is famous for its light, pleasant flavor.
Access: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yonezawa Station. 
- The region between Yonezawa and Yamagata Stations is blessed with many hot springs, among which Akayu Onsen and Kaminoyama Onsen are two popular destinations conveniently located for an easy trip from Tokyo. Visit the morning market where you will find freshly picked fruits and vegetables, and return to the hot spring for a bath. Then perhaps change into a yukata cotton robe for a truly leisurely afternoon.
Access: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Akayu or Kaminoyama Onsen Station. 
- Located by bus about 40 minutes from Yamagata Station is Mount Zao, home to ski resorts and snow monsters (juhyo), natural winter formations created from snow and ice. Popular attractions include the giant open-air hot spring and the three-house common bath, both supplied with naturally acidic hot water, highly rated for its favorable effects on the skin.
Access: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station, then transfer to the bus to Mount Zao.
Fastest Travel Times
| Interval | Train | Fastest Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo to Shinjo | Tsubasa | 3 hours, 14 minutes |
| Tokyo to Yamagata | Tsubasa | 2 hours, 29 minutes |
