JR East E26 series Cassiopeia
Data (as of 29 Nov 2025)
| Status: | Extinct |
| Constructed in: | 1999 |
| Number built: | 13* |
| Retired in: | 2025 |
*Including one converted from 24 series.
History
The E26 series was the first coach type that JR Group developed. It was the only coach series to be made of stainless steel. Unlike other sleeper trains, all berths (compartments) were classified as First Class.
JR East developed the E26 series to make the sleeper train between Ueno and Sapporo more attractive, and it was introduced to Limited Express Cassiopeia. The company ordered only one twelve-coach unit of the series so that the train did not run every day. In 2000, a generator car of 24 series was incorporated to the E26 series, while that car was a spare and usually stored at a depot.
When Hokkaido Shinkansen was opened in 2016, the Limited Express Cassiopeia was discontinued along with Hokutosei and other sleeper trains to and from Hokkaido. Since then, JR East has been using the coaches for luxury rail tours.
The company made the E26 series compatible with new signalling systems in Seikan Tunnel, and it could run Hokkaido even after 2016. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the E26 series ran more infrequent than before, mostly used for short-distance day trips in the Greater Tokyo Area. The last tour was held in June 2025.
(Updated: 29 Nov 2025)