Most Luxurious Trains In Japan

1. Shiki-shima (5,053 USD onwards)

Operated by the East Japan Railways Company (JR East), Shiki-shima is said to be one of the most sought-after luxury trains in Japan. It is a hybrid electric-diesel-operated luxury excursion train that made its maiden journey in May 2017. Salient features of the train include a luxurious lounge designed to look like a tranquil forest with its striking wall patterns, a dining car serving regional and global cuisine, a beautiful observation car, and a piano bar. Guest suites feature traditional tatami mat flooring, cypress bath tub, traditional and modern decor, etc. Guests are selected on the basis of an application process, where you can choose from a range of journeys through Japan.

Shiki-shima

Website: Shiki-shima

Price: 5,053 USD onwards

2. The Royal Express

Painted in a royal blue hue on the outside and resembling a regal palace on the inside, The Royal Express is truly the epitome of luxury train travel in Japan. Featuring opulent furnishing, rich wood panelling, stained-glass windows, and elegantly patterned ceilings and floors, this train offers an unmatched train travel experience. Guests can apply to travel one way or select from a range of carefully designed journeys to exotic destinations in Japan. The train features a children’s play area, kitchen car, Gold Class car, Platinum Class car, and dining car offering panoramic views of the scenery.

The Royal Express

Website: The Royal Express

Price: 227 USD onwards

3. Seven Stars in Kyushu

Operated by the Kyushu Railway Company, Seven Stars in Kyushu selects its guests through an application process that takes them on memorable journeys across the island of Kyushu. The train features opulently designed train cars that blend traditional and modern Japanese decor elements in its lounge car, dining car, and guest suites. Elegant wood and fabric details, large observatory-style windows, rich wood paneling, spacious suites, gourmet dining, and live piano performances are just some of the salient features of this train.

Seven Stars in Kyushu

Website: Seven Stars in Kyushu

Price: 2,731 USD onwards

4. Genbi Shinkansen (45 USD onwards)

Operating only on holidays, Genbi Shinkasen is a wonderful juxtaposition of art and Shinkansen (high-speed passenger trains). Travelling between Echigo-Yuzawa and Niigata, each car on this train has showcases some form of modern art specially created for the train by renowned artists. One car is decorated in rich yellow hues and patterns depicting seasonal festivals and harvests. Another car has reflective stainless steel mirrors and yet another car is specially created for kids with vibrant, map-like patterns on the walls. A cafe serving the popular Tsubame Coffee is also present here. Several other cars showcasing artworks, photographs, etc. from around the world can be explored too.

Genbi Shinkansen

Website: Genbi Shinkansen

Price: 45 USD onwards

5. Sunrise Seto

Jointly operated by JR Central and JR West railways, Sunrise Seto is an overnight luxury train that is also known as ‘Sunrise Express’. It travels between Tokyo and Takamatsu every day and is known for its variety of unique seating and sleeping plans. The 'Nobi-nobi’ seats are unique to Sunrise Seto and can be described as an open, partitioned room supplied with bedding, blankets, a small table, a lamp, and a window. Private compartments, berths, and small lounges are also available.

Sunrise Seto

Website: Sunrise Seto

Price: 81 USD onwards

6. Twilight Express Mizukaze

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A super luxury train, Twilight Express Mizukaze, can accommodate just 34 passengers at a time and offers multi-day luxury journeys in the Sanyo, Sanin, and Keihanshin regions of Japan. It has majestic exteriors and interiors, with the latter designed in the Art Deco style. Lending a touch of class and opulence to the train are its elegant furnishings, fixtures, and fittings in the lounge car and guest suites, observatory-style windows to take in the panoramic Japanese landscape from the observation cars, and a dining car that serves culinary masterpieces to delight your palate. This train is truly a palace on wheels!

Twilight Express Mizukaze

Website: Twilight Express Mizukaze

Price: 2,500 USD onwards

7. Fifty two seats of happiness

A train specialising in brunch and dinner service, Fifty two seats of happiness is a luxury train unique to Japan. Its quirky name belies the true charm of this train - its scrumptious gourmet dining and breathtaking views. Running only on weekends and holidays, the train has 52 seats divided amongst four- and two-person tables in its two passenger cars that are made from local timber and adorned with traditional handicrafts. Travelling between Tokyo and Chichibu, it promises Japanese fine-dining with superb countryside views.

Fifty two seats of happiness

Website: Fifty two seats of happiness

Price: 182 USD onwards

8. Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari

Travelling through the picturesque Shikoku region of Japan is the magnificent Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari luxury train. Aboard this sightseeing train relax in well-appointed passenger cars, each designed in a different seasonal theme, that are equipped with wide windows to take in the rustic scenery. Dine on authentic local delicacies that are served in a bento-box style presentation and enjoy a leisurely ride aboard this majestic train.

Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari

Website: Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari

Price: 92 USD onwards

9. Setsugekka

Highlighting the beauty and cuisine of Niigata region of Japan is Setsugekka, a luxury sightseeing train. Popularly known as a ‘resort train’, Setsugekka consists of an observation deck at the front of the train that has incredibly large windows from which to take in gorgeous countryside scenery, a lounge and bar, passenger seating areas, and a dining car that serves carefully prepared, exquisite French and Japanese dishes presented in a beautiful manner. Elegant decors of local cedar, birch, and beech wood has won this train several awards.

Setsugekka

Website: Setsugekka

Price: 159 USD onwards

10. Tango Kuromatsu (35 USD onwards)

Evoking an old-world charm and feeling of nostalgia is the Tango Kuromatsu train. Exploring the beautiful Kyoto countryside, this sightseeing train is designed on the theme of a pine tree, the symbol of Amanohashidate, one of the three renowned scenic views of Japan. It has a luxurious wooden interior design, pictures and symbols of pine tree pictures on the walls, and beautiful furnishings. Choose from lunch, tea ceremony, sweets, or drinking plans to enjoy a variety of local delicacies while feasting your eyes on the ocean, mountain, and countryside vistas.

Tango Kuromatsu

Website: Tango Kuromatsu

Price: 35 USD onwards

11. Tohoku Emotion (37 USD onwards)

Known particularly well for its cuisine, Tohoku Cuisine is a beautiful Japanese sightseeing train that runs between Hachinohe and Kuji stations. The train offers design, art, cuisine, and panoramic views all under one roof and comprises an open kitchen, private compartments, and dining area. The interior of the train is decorated with sashiko ori wall fabric, kogin sashi embroidery, and Iwate kohaku amber illumination following various Japanese traditions. Enjoy a set lunch or dessert buffet from a specially crafted menu involving local Tohoku ingredients. Book a one-way ticket or a round trip one to enjoy the best of Tohoku cuisine and scenery aboard the Tohoku Emotion train.

Tohoku Emotion

Website: Tohoku Emotion

Price: 37 USD onwards

Luxury train travel in Japan

Trains form the backbone of travel and transport in Japan. And taking train travel to new heights are the wide variety of luxury trains in the country. If you want to experience luxury train travel, do remember to take a look at our list of the most luxurious trains in Japan.