The route from Tokyo to Kurihara is primarily served by the Tohoku Shinkansen, specifically the Yamabiko and Hayabusa trains. The Hayabusa service is particularly notable for its speed, reaching up to 320 km/h (199 mph) and completing the journey in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. This train makes fewer stops, allowing for a quicker transit time. In contrast, the Yamabiko, which also operates on this route, has a travel time of about 3 hours, as it makes additional stops at several stations along the way, such as Sendai and Ichinoseki.
Both train services provide travelers with comfortable seating, multiple class options including Ordinary and Green class, and onboard amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and food services. For those focused on minimizing travel time, the Hayabusa is the preferred option, while the Yamabiko is suitable for passengers wishing to explore intermediate stops.