Where to go to Vogue｜【Japan】Unboxing the most beautiful mobile restaurant in Northeast Japan, “TOHOKU EMOTION”, crosses the Pacific coastline reborn after the earthquake, enjoys a feast of art and taste buds, railway fans must have a pilgrimage | Vogue Taiwan

British poet Lawrence Darrell once said: “A journey is more important than arriving at the destination.” This sentence is particularly appropriate in this “TOHOKU EMOTION” train journey. Early in the morning of the day of departure, the cold wind was covered with a low temperature of nearly zero. Under the heavy snow for several days, snow covered the streets almost covered me. I took the train called “TOHOKU EMOTION”. When I opened the car door, the warm light filled the carriage. The service staff greeted me with a kind and warm smile, allowing the chill to dissipate instantly, as if I was walking into a winter dream.

A beautiful poem about rebirth after the earthquake

The “TOHOKU EMOTION” train runs between “Juci Station-Haho Station”. During this two-hour railway journey, it not only connects two landmarks, but also carries a story about rebirth after the earthquake. The 311 East Japan Earthquake in 2011 caused the JR Hachigo Line to be suspended for a while, but this railway winding along the Pacific Ocean miraculously recovered in just one year. The new “TOHOKU EMOTION” was launched in 2013, turning hope into a mobile feast.

“TOHOKU EMOTION” officially sailed for the first time in October 2013, connecting to “Jiuci Station-Haho Station”. Image provided by: TOHOKU EMOTION

Take “TOHOKU EMOTION” in winter and you can enjoy snow, forests and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean along the way. Image provided by Chara Yu

In this feast that integrates nature, culture and food, the train slowly crosses Wudao and the coast of Zhuchao along the way, and the blue ocean and the snow-covered mountain scenery in winter complement each other. When you arrive at the coast of Zangcha, the train will be slower, giving each passenger enough time to deeply imprint the magnificence of this pure coastline.

The northeast coast in winter is particularly charming, with the beaches and vast waves blending in the sunset, and every moment of the scenery along the way seems to be still in the picture frame. Image provided by Chara Yu

Designer Ao Shanqing takes the lead, combining aesthetic design with Northeast culture

Stepping onto “TOHOKU EMOTION” is like walking into a mobile art gallery. This train, known as the “most beautiful mobile restaurant” in Northeast Japan, was carefully created by the well-known designer Kiyoshi Okuyama. Every detail exudes a strong local style and artistic atmosphere. The appearance of the car is based on pure white and is matched with wall tiles. It is simple but textured. The small glass lantern next to the car door is low-key but not lacking in warmth. The division of labor in the three cars is clear, allowing every passenger to feel different surprises while moving.