The Saphir Odoriko is JR East’s all-premium limited express running from Tokyo (and some Shinjuku departures) to Izukyu-Shimoda along the eastern Izu Peninsula. It is designed as a scenic, higher-comfort train rather than a standard limited express.
Launched in March 2020 to replace the older Super View Odoriko, it represents JR East’s modern approach to premium rail travel, with all-Green-Class seating and a dedicated café car.
Here is the key detail most travelers need upfront: the Saphir Odoriko is partially covered by the JR Pass. The base fare and limited express fee are included, but the mandatory Green Car supplement and the private Izukyu Railway segment are not.
And one more important clarification: travelers searching for “Saphir Odoriko vs Romancecar” are usually choosing between Izu and Hakone — the trains serve different destinations, so the comparison is ultimately about where you want to go.
What Is the Saphir Odoriko, and How Does It Compare to the Romancecar? — Quick Answer
The Saphir Odoriko vs Romancecar comparison is mostly about destination. The Saphir Odoriko runs from Tokyo to Izukyu-Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula, while the Odakyu Romancecar runs from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in Hakone.
The JR Pass partially covers the Saphir Odoriko (base fare and limited express fee, but not the Green supplement), while the Romancecar is not covered at all. Choose the train based on whether you are going to Izu or Hakone.
What Is the Saphir Odoriko?
The Saphir Odoriko is JR East’s premium limited express for travel between Tokyo and the Izu Peninsula.
- Operator: The train is operated by JR East as part of its premium scenic limited express lineup.
- Launch and background: It entered service in March 2020, replacing the Super View Odoriko, which had operated the same route for three decades.
- Name meaning: “Saphir” refers to the deep blue ocean along the Izu coast, while “Odoriko” comes from The Izu Dancer, a novel by Yasunari Kawabata.
- Train concept: The entire train is all-Green-Class, meaning there is no standard ordinary seating option.
- Frequency: The train runs about two to three round trips per day, with more services on weekends and holidays.
This is not a commuter train. It is designed as a premium travel experience with a focus on comfort and scenery. Unlike overnight trains such as the Sunrise Express, which run at night and focus on long-distance travel, the Saphir Odoriko is designed specifically for daytime scenery along the Izu coast.
Saphir Odoriko Route and Stops
The Saphir Odoriko follows one of the most scenic coastal routes accessible from Tokyo.
- Main route: The train runs Tokyo → Yokohama → Atami → Ito → Izu-Kogen → Izukyu-Shimoda, covering the eastern Izu Peninsula.
- Travel time: The full journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes end to end.
- Alternate departure: Some services begin at Shinjuku, joining the main route via the Shonan-Shinjuku Line.
- Track transition: The train uses JR East tracks from Tokyo to Atami, then continues onto the Izukyu Corporation line south of Atami.
This transition matters because:
- The JR Pass applies only to the JR East portion of the route.
- The Izukyu section requires a separate payment, even for pass holders.
The most scenic stretch begins after Atami, where the train runs close to the Pacific coastline.
Is the Saphir Odoriko Covered by the JR Pass?
Coverage is partial and requires careful understanding.
- Covered by JR Pass: The base fare and limited express fee for the JR East portion between Tokyo and Atami are included.
- Not covered: The Green Car supplement is mandatory because the train has no ordinary class, and this must always be paid separately.
- Not covered: The Izukyu Corporation section from Atami to Izukyu-Shimoda requires separate payment, including base fare and any additional fees.
What this means in practice:
- Expect to pay approximately ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 per one-way journey in additional fees.
- The Japan Rail Pass still reduces cost, but does not make the journey free.
This is one of the few premium scenic trains where the pass helps, but only partially.
Car Classes on the Saphir Odoriko
The Saphir Odoriko has no ordinary class. All seating is premium.
- Premium Green (Car 1): This class features a 1+1 seating layout, fully reclining seats, and more space per passenger, making it the most comfortable option with forward-facing views.
- Green Private Compartment (Cars 2 and 3): These are private four-person compartments designed for groups or families, booked per compartment rather than per seat.
- Green Class (Cars 5, 6, and 8): This is the standard seating class with a 2+2 layout, offering comfortable seats and large windows for scenery.
- Café Car (Car 4): This dedicated car serves meals, snacks, and drinks, including regional specialties from the Izu Peninsula.
Key points to remember:
- All seats require reservations; there is no non-reserved seating.
- The absence of an ordinary class is a defining feature of the train.
How to Book the Saphir Odoriko
Booking requires advance planning, especially for premium seats.
- Online reservations: Tickets can be booked through JR East’s reservation system, which opens one month before departure at 10:00 AM JST.
- JR ticket offices: Reservations can be made at any Midori no Madoguchi ticket office, including major stations and airport service centers.
- Ticket machines: Modern machines at major stations support English and allow booking of limited express trains.
Important booking details:
- JR Pass holders still need to reserve seats and pay supplements separately.
- Premium Green and private compartments often sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
- Standard Green seats are easier to find, particularly on weekdays.
Saphir Odoriko vs Odakyu Romancecar to Izu — Which Is Better?
This comparison is often misunderstood.
- Destination difference: The Saphir Odoriko goes to the Izu Peninsula, while the Romancecar goes to Hakone.
- Route reality: The Romancecar does not travel to Izu at all.
Train comparison:
- Saphir Odoriko: This train is slower but more premium, with all-Green-Class seating and a café car, designed for a scenic coastal journey.
- Romancecar: This train is also a premium limited express, with observation cars and multiple train types such as the GSE and MSE series.
JR Pass coverage:
- Saphir Odoriko: This train is partially covered by the JR Pass.
- Romancecar: This train is not covered at all because it is operated by Odakyu Railway.
Practical recommendation:
- Choose the Romancecar if your destination is Hakone.
- Choose the Saphir Odoriko if your destination is the Izu Peninsula.
The comparison is not about which train is better — it is about where you want to go.
What to Expect on Board
The Saphir Odoriko experience focuses on comfort, design, and scenery.
- Boarding process: Passengers board from designated platforms at Tokyo or Shinjuku, and it is best to arrive about 5 minutes before departure.
- Interior design: The train uses a blue-themed color palette inspired by the ocean, with large windows and soft lighting throughout.
- Café car: The café serves bento meals, local seafood dishes, drinks, and snacks, with some items reflecting Izu regional specialties.
- Scenic viewing: The best ocean views are on the left side when traveling from Tokyo to Shimoda, especially after passing Atami.
- Amenities: The train includes Wi-Fi, power outlets, and spacious restrooms compared to standard limited express trains.
- Family suitability: Private compartments make the train particularly suitable for small groups or families.
This combination of design and service defines what you are paying for beyond the base fare.
FAQs
Is the Saphir Odoriko covered by the JR Pass?
Partially. The JR Pass covers the base fare and limited express fee on the JR portion from Tokyo to Atami. It does not cover the Green Car supplement or the Izukyu Railway portion south of Atami.
How to book seats on the Saphir Odoriko?
Reservations open one month before departure at 10:00 AM JST. You can book online, at JR ticket offices, or at ticket machines, and JR Pass holders must pay supplements separately.
What are the car classes on the Saphir Odoriko?
The train offers Premium Green (1+1 seating), Green Private Compartments for groups, and Green Class (2+2 seating), plus a café car. There is no ordinary class.
Saphir Odoriko route and stops?
The train runs Tokyo → Yokohama → Atami → Ito → Izu-Kogen → Izukyu-Shimoda, taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Some services start from Shinjuku.
Saphir Odoriko vs Romancecar to Izu — which is better?
The Romancecar does not go to Izu. It goes to Hakone. Travelers are choosing between destinations, not just trains. Pick Saphir Odoriko for Izu and Romancecar for Hakone.
