Japan’s luxury trains offer an unforgettable blend of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and unparalleled comfort. Whether it’s the iconic Seven Stars in Kyushu or the breathtaking Twilight Express Mizukaze, these trains redefine the art of rail travel with their gourmet cuisine, spacious accommodations, and curated itineraries.
This article explores the top luxury trains in Japan, their unique offerings, and why they represent the ultimate way to experience the country’s stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and traditional Japanese hospitality. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply fascinated by luxury train travel, this guide will showcase why these trains are a must-experience for any traveler.
What Are Luxury Trains?
Luxury trains are specially designed railways intended for tourism and scenic travel, offering passengers an exceptional level of comfort, style, and service. Unlike regular trains, these are often round-trip sleeper trains or multi-day journeys that include high-end accommodations, gourmet dining, and curated itineraries focused on sightseeing and cultural immersion.
Globally, iconic examples of luxury trains include the legendary Orient Express, the Royal Orient Train, and the Empire Builder in the United States. In Japan, these trains are often referred to as cruise trains (“クルーズトレイン”), blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with state-of-the-art design to create unforgettable journeys.
Key Features of Luxury Trains:
- Exclusive amenities: Spacious cabins, private suites, and personalized service.
- Gourmet dining experiences: Menus crafted by expert chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
- Scenic routes: Tailored itineraries showcasing breathtaking scenery and cultural landmarks.
- Cultural immersion: Stops at significant destinations for sightseeing and interaction with local traditions.
Luxury trains are not just transportation—they are a unique way to sightsee and enjoy a fully immersive travel experience.
Seven Stars in Kyushu: Japan’s Crown Jewel of Luxury Train Travel
Area: Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
Journey Duration: 1 night/2 days or 3 nights/4 days
The Seven Stars in Kyushu is more than just a luxury train—it’s a rolling masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship and hospitality. This luxury sleeper train offers an exclusive journey through seven prefectures of Kyushu, combining the elegance of traditional Japanese design with modern comforts. From its intricate woodwork to spacious suites and gourmet cuisine, it represents the pinnacle of luxury train travel.
International Acclaim
In 2023, the Seven Stars in Kyushu was awarded 1st place for the third consecutive year in the Train Category of Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition highlights the train’s unparalleled reputation as one of the best luxury trains in the world.
Celebrity Spotlight
Hollywood actress Margot Robbie also brought attention to this luxurious experience when she privately rode the Seven Stars in Kyushu during her visit to Japan in 2023.
Key Highlights
Flexible Itineraries
The train operates two distinct courses each week, allowing passengers to choose between a 1-night/2-day course and a 3-night/4-day course. The itineraries are refreshed every six months to showcase new scenic routes and cultural attractions, ensuring a fresh experience even for returning travelers.
Luxury Pricing
- 1-night/2-day course: Prices began at ¥150,000 to ¥400,000, but for the 2024 spring/summer season, costs have risen to ¥650,000 to ¥900,000 per person (based on double occupancy).
- 3-night/4-day course: Initially priced at ¥380,000 to ¥950,000, the cost for 2024 now ranges from ¥1,250,000 to ¥1,700,000 per person. This includes two nights aboard the train and one night at a luxury ryokan.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Passengers enjoy curated itineraries that highlight Kyushu’s most iconic destinations, such as the Mt. Aso volcanic region, Yufuin hot springs, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Exquisite Design
The train’s interiors combine traditional Japanese aesthetics, such as kumiko wood latticework and tatami-inspired design, with modern luxuries. Each suite is meticulously crafted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, reflecting Japan’s artistic heritage.
Gourmet Dining
Dining onboard the Seven Stars is an experience in itself. Renowned chefs prepare meals using the finest local ingredients, showcasing the best of Kyushu’s cuisine. Seasonal menus feature regional specialties, ensuring every bite tells a story of the land.
Why Choose Seven Stars in Kyushu?
This train is perfect for those seeking a serene yet luxurious way to explore Kyushu’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With limited passenger capacity, it offers an intimate and highly personalized travel experience. From gourmet meals to relaxing in the elegant lounge cars, the Seven Stars embodies the essence of Japan’s luxury train travel.
Twilight Express Mizukaze: The Jewel of Western Japan
Area: Western Japan (JR West)
Journey Duration: 1 night/2 days to 2 nights/3 days
Described as a luxury cruise on rails, the Twilight Express Mizukaze offers passengers an unforgettable journey through some of the most scenic regions of western Japan, including the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan. Combining nostalgic charm with modern sophistication, this train epitomizes luxury train travel.
Key Highlights
Exclusive Design and Layout
The Twilight Express Mizukaze consists of 10 cars, yet it accommodates only 30 passengers, ensuring a highly personalized and intimate experience.
- 6 passenger cars featuring three room types: Suites, Twins, and Singles.
- 1 dining car, offering gourmet meals prepared in an open kitchen by skilled chefs.
- 1 lounge car for relaxation and socializing.
- 2 observation cars with expansive glass panels for panoramic views.
Flexible Itineraries
The train operates five different routes, ranging from 1-night/2-day one-way courses to 2-night/3-day round trips, allowing passengers to choose the itinerary that best fits their interests.
Gourmet Dining
The dining car serves exquisite meals crafted with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the culinary traditions of western Japan.
Nostalgic-Modern Design
Inspired by its predecessor, the legendary Twilight Express, the Mizukaze Green exterior features gold accents and a refined emblem, blending into Japan’s beautiful landscapes.
Why Choose Twilight Express Mizukaze?
The Twilight Express Mizukaze is ideal for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of luxury, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima: The Epitome of Elegance
Area: Northeastern Japan (JR East)
Journey Duration: 1 night/2 days to 3 nights/4 days
The TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima is a pinnacle of modern luxury and innovative design, offering a futuristic yet warm travel experience. Running through the northeastern regions of Japan, the train seamlessly combines contemporary architecture with traditional Japanese elements, providing a unique perspective on Japan’s natural beauty, historic towns, and hot springs.
Key Highlights
Multiple Route Options
Shiki-Shima offers five main routes, each designed to showcase the unique landscapes and cultures of northeastern Japan:
- 1-night/2-day Course (Yamanashi): Ueno → Niitsu → Enzan → Ueno.
- 1-night/2-day Course (Nagano): Ueno → Niitsu → Shimosuwa → Ueno.
- 1-night/2-day Winter Course: Ueno → Kashima Shrine → Nebukawa → Ueno.
- 2-night/3-day Winter Course: Ueno → Tono → Aomori → Matsushima → Ueno.
- 3-night/4-day Course: Ueno → Akita → Shiraoi → Aomori → Naruko Onsen → Ueno. (The second night is spent at a luxury onsen ryokan in Hokkaido.)
Luxury Pricing
Ticket prices range from ¥440,000 to ¥1,410,000 per person, depending on the route, accommodation type, and season.
Exquisite Accommodations
The Shiki-Shima features meticulously designed cabins, including suite rooms that are wheelchair accessible. Each room is furnished with high-end materials and expansive windows to enjoy the panoramic scenery.
Gourmet Dining
Dining aboard the TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima is an exceptional experience. The train’s executive chef crafts French-inspired menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the regions the train passes through. Additionally, guest chefs from renowned local restaurants board the train to showcase their specialties.
The Blue Moon Lounge
Passengers can unwind in the Blue Moon Lounge Car, a luxurious space featuring comfortable seating and panoramic views of Japan’s breathtaking landscapes.
Cultural Immersion
Passengers disembark for guided excursions to explore Japanese inns, artisan workshops, and historical landmarks, adding depth to their journey.
Why Choose TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima?
Shiki-Shima offers an unparalleled blend of cutting-edge luxury, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, making it ideal for travelers seeking a sophisticated and intimate experience.
The Royal Express: A Symphony of Scenic Beauty and Sophistication
Area: Izu, Hokkaido, or Shikoku (Tokyu Corporation)
Journey Duration: 3 nights/4 days to 4 nights/5 days
The Royal Express, operated by Tokyu Corporation, is a luxury sightseeing train that blends breathtaking coastal and mountainous scenery with exceptional hospitality. Unlike other luxury trains, passengers enjoy overnight stays at luxurious hotels along the route, providing a balanced combination of onboard elegance and off-train exploration.
Key Highlights
Multiple Routes
The Royal Express operates in three distinct areas of Japan:
- Izu Peninsula: Famous for dramatic coastlines, hot springs, and proximity to Tokyo.
- Hokkaido: Renowned for unspoiled nature, including rolling hills and abundant fresh seafood.
- Shikoku: A hidden gem with serene landscapes, historic temples, and traditional charm.
Flexible Itineraries
Travelers can choose between 3-night/4-day and 4-night/5-day itineraries. Prices range from ¥750,000 to ¥1,040,000 per person, depending on the route and accommodations.
Luxurious Seating and Amenities
The Royal Express offers two seating options:
- Gold Class: Family-friendly amenities, such as a wooden ball pool for children and observation lounges with panoramic windows.
- Platinum Class: A premium option featuring spacious seating and access to a private library.
Unique Onboard Facilities
- Dining Car: Features a piano for live performances and a sushi counter where chefs prepare fresh sushi.
- Kitchen Car: An open kitchen for observing chefs at work, crafting dishes inspired by regional ingredients.
- Multi-Purpose Car: Designed for events such as exhibitions, weddings, or business meetings.
Cultural Immersion
Passengers enjoy guided excursions to regional attractions, including hot springs, artisan workshops, and cultural landmarks.
Why Choose The Royal Express?
The Royal Express is a family-friendly luxury train offering a harmonious mix of customizable itineraries, local cuisine, and scenic landscapes. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a unique travel experience with loved ones or for celebrating special occasions.
Onboard Experiences That Make a Difference
Accommodations: A Home on Wheels
The suites on Japan’s luxury trains are thoughtfully designed, offering an ideal blend of comfort and style. Passengers can enjoy:
- Modern amenities and traditional touches, such as tatami mats and sliding shoji doors.
- Elegant lounge cars for socializing or quiet relaxation.
- Expansive windows for unobstructed views of Japan’s landscapes.
Gourmet Cuisine: A Highlight of the Journey
Each luxury train features gourmet dining menus crafted by top chefs, showcasing regional ingredients and culinary traditions. Meals are designed to be both delicious and reflective of the regions the train passes through.
Unparalleled Scenic Beauty
With large observation windows and panoramic views, trains like the Twilight Express Mizukaze and Shiki-Shima allow passengers to fully immerse themselves in Japan’s most scenic regions.
Planning Your Trip: Tips for Booking a Luxury Train
How to Secure Tickets for Luxury Sleeper Trains
- Plan early: Luxury train tickets are limited, and demand is high. Book at least 6–12 months in advance.
- Choose the right itinerary: Each train offers unique experiences, so select the one that aligns with your preferences.
- Be flexible: Trains like the Seven Stars in Kyushu often use lottery systems for ticket allocation.
What to Expect Onboard
Luxury train travel includes:
- World-class service: Attentive staff ensure every aspect of the journey is seamless.
- Exclusive amenities: Access to observation decks, lounge cars, and private suites.
- Gourmet meals: Multi-course dining experiences showcasing local flavors.
Is It Worth the Cost?
While luxury train journeys come with a high price tag, they offer an unmatched combination of cultural immersion, fine dining, and ultimate comfort, making them a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Summary: Why Luxury Train Travel in Japan Is Unforgettable
- Cultural immersion: Luxury trains in Japan offer curated itineraries that showcase the country’s rich history and traditions.
- Gourmet dining: Meals prepared by top chefs highlight regional ingredients and culinary artistry.
- Breathtaking scenery: Observation decks and panoramic windows provide stunning views of Japan’s landscapes.
- Exclusive experiences: Limited passenger capacity ensures personalized service and an intimate atmosphere.
Luxury train journeys in Japan are not just a way to travel—they are a celebration of the art of travel itself. Whether you’re exploring the volcanic landscapes of Kyushu, admiring the coastal beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, or relaxing in the Blue Moon Lounge, these trains promise an experience like no other.