Inside Japan's ultra-luxurious new sleeper service that boasts two-storey suites and panoramic carriages
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima launching in May will offer one, two or three-night itineraries through east of Japan
- Sleeper train has 10 carriages featuring a dining car, lounge and 17 suites for up to 34 guests
- There are also two observatory cars in which guests can gaze out at the panorama speeding by
Forget speeding through the country on a bullet train, there’s a new leisurely and luxurious way to journey around Japan’s vast and breath-taking scenery.
The exclusive Train Suite Shiki-Shima, set to launch this May, features two-storey suites, panoramic observation cars and was designed by an automobile expert behind various Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati models.
East Japan Railway Company has unveiled new images showcasing the glamorous sleeper train, inside and out.
The luxurious Train Suite Shiki-Shima set to launch this May and was designed by an automobile expert behind various Porsche, Ferrari and Maseratis
Train Suite Shiki-Shima will snake through the east of the country offering one, two, or three-night itineraries packed with excursions to take in the region’s unique culture, crafts and gastronomy. The train's 10 carriages include two futuristic looking observatory cars (above), a fine dining restaurant, a shared lounge and three uniquely designed private suites
In the split-level dining car there are enough tables and chairs for sociable dining with all guests able to enjoy the scenic backdrop
The exclusive train will welcome just 34 passengers on each trip. Each suite features a bed, storage space, a shower and a WC
Guests staying in the shiki-shima suite benefit from two-storeys. Here, they have an area to unwind in, as well as a bedroom and bathroom. The suite is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring travellers have ‘a comfortable vantage point’ in which to take in the ever-changing panorama (left). Another style of sleeper suite (right)
Train Suite Shiki-Shima will snake through the east of the country offering just 34 passengers one-, two-, or three-night itineraries packed with excursions to take in the region’s unique culture, crafts and gastronomy.
The trains’ ten carriages include two observatory cars, a fine dining restaurant, a shared lounge and three designs of private suites. The 17 guest suites each accommodate two passengers.
A blend of modernist curves, wood panelling and artistic detail, the sleeper train's aesthetic is the brainchild of Ken Kiyoyuki Okuyama.
Previously chief designer for General Motors, he was a senior designer for Porsche AG and responsible Ferrari Enzo, Maserati Quattroporte and many other popular car designs.
Ultimate luxury: The exclusive shiki-shima suite even features a traditional rectangular Japanese bath tub
In the shared lounge car there is a bar and a cluster of tables for guest to enjoy an intimate evening unwinding while the wilderness whirls past
The walls feature a patterned designed to ‘evoke an image of a quiet forest’ in the lounge car
While each spacious suite features a bed, storage space, a shower and a WC, guests staying in the shiki-shima suite benefit from two-storeys.
Here, holidaymakers have an area to unwind in, as well as a bedroom and bathroom with a tub. The suite is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring travellers have ‘a comfortable vantage point’ in which to take in the ever-changing panorama.
In the communal lounge car, the walls feature a pattern designed to ‘evoke the image of a quiet forest’. There is also a bar and a cluster of tables for guests to enjoy an intimate evening unwinding while the wilderness whirls past.
Spacious: One suite has been made accessible for guests with disabilities
A team of top chefs will curate cuisine based on eastern Japan’s seasonal ingredients. During their journey guests can expect to be served cuisine unique to each stop such as ‘Hakodate’s famous squid and salmon roe rice bowl’ for breakfast, regional lunches and dinners, as well as French cuisines and pastries
A blend of modernist curves, wood panelling and artistic detail, the sleeper train is the brainchild of Ken Kiyoyuki Okuyama
In the extravagant split-level restaurant car there are enough tables and chairs for sociable dining with all guests able to enjoy the scenic backdrop.
A team of top chefs will curate a menu based on eastern Japan’s seasonal ingredients. During their journey guests can expect to be served cuisine unique to each stop such as ‘Hakodate’s famous squid and salmon roe rice bowl’ for breakfast, regional lunches and dinners, as well as French cuisines and pastries.
Guests are expected to flock to the two futuristic-looking observatory cars which offer floor-to-ceiling windows and even overlook the tracks.
Previously chief designer for General Motors, Okuyama was a senior designer for Porsche AG and partly responsible for the looko of the Ferrari Enzo, Maserati Quattroporte and many other eye-catching car designs. Above, the entrance at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo for the new train
Setting off in style: The premium lounge for the luxury sleeper train at Tokyo Station
Golden exterior: The ten-car train has 17 guest compartments each accommodating two passengers
Each season the sleeper train will explore a different route taking in highlights such as Naruko’s hot springs and Hirosaki castle.
A summer three-night and four-day itinerary traversing 1,800km (1,118 miles) will see the train depart Tokyo and head to Yuzawa on the first day, enter Hachinohe and Naruko Onsen on the second and on the third day travellers voyage through Ichinoseki before returning to Tokyo.
Tickets for two-day trips start at 320,000 yen (£2,229) per person and for four-day trips will cost 750,000 (£5,373).
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