Japanese Luxury Trains: An Exquisite Journey Through Tradition and Modernity

Japanese luxury trains are famous for their meticulous attention to detail, exceptional service, and the ability to offer an enchanting journey. These trains are an excellent illustration of the famous quote by Montaigne – “The pleasure lies not in the end but in the journey.” Undoubtedly, they are about experiencing the journey in the lap of luxury. With their timelessly designed interiors, curated gourmet dining, and scenic routes, these trains offer a divine way to explore Japan.

Most Famous Japanese Luxury Trains

Traveling on a Japanese luxury train means enjoying some of the world’s finest luxuries and services. These trains are designed to provide a remarkable experience of comfort, refinement, and cultural immersion.

Seven Stars in Kyushu

Known as the pioneer of Japanese luxury trains, Seven Stars in Kyushu offers a quintessentially luxurious experience. The train boasts exquisite woodwork, intricate designs, and a blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics.

• Route: The train covers the island of Kyushu, offering 2-day and 4-day journeys.
• Price: Range from $6,000 to $13,000,000/person
• Notable Feature: Reservations are often decided through a lottery system, only a select few are chosen, adding an extra layer of exclusivity.

Shiki-Shima

Shiki-Shima is one of the definitions for a traditional and futuristic luxury train that represents elegance. Designed by renowned industrial designer Ken Okuyama, it features a sleek, modern design with large windows for panoramic views.

• Route: Through eastern Japan, covering regions like Nagano and Yamanashi, trip length starts from 2 to 4 days
• Price: Range from $2,400 to $5,200 per person
• Notable Feature: The train has lavish suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Only selected applications are chosen because of limitations in seating space.

Twilight Express Mizukaze

The Twilight Express Mizukaze offers a nostalgic journey through western Japan. Traveling in this Japanese luxury train is like stepping back to the golden age of train travel where you are surrounded by Art Deco interiors and refined service make it a standout choice.

• Route: Traverse along the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea with a 2-day or 4-day itinerary.
• Price: Between $2,800 and $22,000, depending on the room type and length of the trip
• Notable Features: The full-course meals are the highlight of the trip as it is prepared by selected Japan’s top-class culinary artisans

Royal Express

The Royal Express is a luxurious train designed for leisure adventure along Japan’s stunning coastlines. Its signature blue presents an elegance with a sense of warmth and comfort, adding to a journey of comfort and excitement.

• Route: Primarily a 2 to 4-day journey that operates between Shizuoka, Hokkaido, Seto
• Price: Start from $4,000 to $8,000 per person based on the itinerary chosen
• Notable Features: Spacious suites with a piano lounge, adding unique onboard activities like live music and art workshops.

The Sweet Train

This gem of Japanese luxury trains offers a dessert-focused journey, combining scenic journeys through the lush landscapes of Nagasaki. Be expected with delicious sweets and desserts made from local ingredients. Though it is a relatively short trip, the Sweet Train delivers a unique and luxurious experience with its refined service and gourmet offerings.

• Route: Scenic route from Sasebo to Nagasaki for approximately 2 hours.
• Price: Approximately $90 to $180 per person, depending on the season and availability.
• Notable Features: The onboard menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that passengers can enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Luxury Amenities and Services on Japanese Luxury Trains

1. Gourmet Dining Experiences

One of the standout features of Japanese luxury trains is the magnificent dining experience onboard. Each meal showcases the most pleasing aspects of Japanese and international cuisine, focusing on regional and seasonal ingredients.

• Acclaimed Chefs: The meals are crafted by native top chefs who have grown up with the cuisine, thus ensuring a high culinary standard.
• Regional Specialties: The menus illustrate the culinary traditions of the regions through which the train travels. For example, passengers might enjoy fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan or traditional Kyoto cuisine.
• Wine and Sake Pairings: Passengers are accompanied by carefully selected wines and sakes, chosen to complement the flavors of the dishes.

2. Luxurious Accommodations

The accommodations on Japanese luxury trains are designed to provide maximum comfort and elegance, ensuring a restful and enjoyable journey. Here’s what passengers can expect:

• Private Suites: The suites offer a high level of privacy and comfort with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and tasteful décor that is traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury.
• Attention to Detail: Every aspect of the accommodation is meticulously planned. From the quality of the bedding and linens to the amenities provided in the bathroom, no detail is overlooked.
• Personalized Service: The staff on these trains are highly trained and dedicated to providing personalized service. They are attentive to passengers’ needs, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience.

Travel on Japanese Luxury Trains: Booking Tips

How to Book

Booking a journey on one of Japan’s luxury trains requires careful planning and timely action due to their high demand and limited seating. Here are some essential tips for securing your reservation:

• Early Reservations: Extremely crucial to book at least six months in advance, especially if you are aiming to travel during peak seasons such as cherry blossom season (March-April) or autumn foliage season (October-November).
• Waiting Lists: Some luxury trains operate a waiting list system. If your preferred dates are fully booked, consider joining a waiting list as cancellations do occur.

Best Times to Travel

Choosing the right time to embark on a luxury train journey in Japan can greatly enhance your experience. Here are the ideal seasons to consider:

• March to May: Spring is one of the most popular times for train travel in Japan because of the stunning cherry blossoms. The weather is mild and pleasant, and the scenery is adorned with blooming sakura trees, making for a picturesque journey.
• September to November: Autumn is another fantastic time to travel, offering cooler temperatures and breathtaking fall foliage. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the autumn leaves create a spectacular backdrop for any train journey.

Consider the SJourney as an Alternative

If you’re looking for a luxury train experience in Asia but find Japanese luxury trains fully booked, consider the SJourney in Vietnam. The SJourney offers a rival blend of expensive, cultural richness, and scenic beauty, making it a compelling alternative.

• Luxury Amenities: Unmatched first-class amenities, including Indochina-inspired carriages with a modern twist
• Scenic Routes: The train travels through 8 cities that best represent Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes, including the lush countryside, stunning coastline, and culturally rich cities.
• Availability: With growing interest in luxury train travel in Asia, the SJourney often has more availability compared to the highly sought-after Japanese luxury trains. Booking a journey on the SJourney is a more feasible option with the same extravagance and memorable travel experience.

Off to an Exciting Journey on Japanese Luxury Trains and More

Traveling on Japanese luxury trains is a dream for many, offering an unmatched combination of luxury, comfort, and cultural immersion. By planning ahead, booking early, and considering alternative luxury train options like the SJourney in Vietnam, you can ensure a smooth and memorable journey—promises an experience of a lifetime.