Five Recommended Trips on Luxury Sleeper Trains in Japan

Japan's luxury sleeper trains offer a unique and opulent way to explore the country, combining stunning scenery, world-class dining, and impeccable service. Here are five recommended trips that stand out for their exceptional experiences.

1. Seven Stars in Kyushu

The Seven Stars in Kyushu is often regarded as Japan's premier luxury sleeper train experience. This "cruise train" circumnavigates Kyushu Island, offering passengers a relaxing journey to various tourist sites, where they can experience the region's nature, food, hot springs, history, and culture. The train features all-suite accommodations, spacious lounges, and a dining car serving local delicacies. There are two main courses: a "one night and two days" course and a "three nights and four days" course, both starting and ending at JR Hakata Station.

• Accommodations: Each guestroom is a suite, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy.
• Dining: The Junpiter Dining Car offers exquisite local cuisine, highlighting Kyushu's culinary delights.
• Activities: Passengers can enjoy activities such as pottery making and brewery tours, providing a deep dive into Kyushu's culture.
• Booking: Due to high demand, booking involves a lottery system, and applications must be made several months in advance.

2. Twilight Express Mizukaze

The Twilight Express Mizukaze is a luxury sleeper train that embodies the concept of "a hotel rolling through the beautiful Japanese landscape." Starting and ending at Osaka Station, Kyoto Station, or Shimonoseki Station, this train offers one-night and two-day one-way options as well as two-night and three-day round-trip courses. The journey takes passengers through the Sanyo Line and Sanin Line, offering fantastic views and meals prepared by top chefs.

• Route: The train passes through fabulous locations, including coastal areas and mountainous regions.
• Amenities: The train features carriages with sophisticated designs, onboard dining, and luxurious private compartments.
• Booking: Rates vary by date and guest room, with options starting from around 250,000 JPY per person for a one-night trip.

3. E26 Series Cassiopeia

The E26 Series Cassiopeia is a popular overnight limited express train service running from Ueno Station in Tokyo to Sapporo Station in Hokkaido. This train is known for its luxurious suites, spacious lounge car, and shower rooms, making it an ideal choice for long journeys. The carriages are designed to ensure maximum comfort during the trip.

• Accommodations: All seats are private rooms, offering privacy and comfort.
• Amenities: The train includes a lounge car and shower rooms, enhancing the travel experience.
• Booking: The train is chartered by travel agencies, so rates, schedules, and reservation procedures vary by agency.

4. Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo

The Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo are Japan's last regularly scheduled sleeper trains, offering an overnight elegance that is hard to match. These trains run coupled from Tokyo to Okayama, where they separate to head to Takamatsu and Izumo, respectively. Each train consists of seven cars, including private rooms, onboard showers, vending machines, and stretch-out seats.

• Route: The trains travel from Tokyo to western Honshu and Shikoku, providing a scenic journey.
• Amenities: Onboard facilities include private rooms, showers, and vending machines.
• Booking: Reservations can be made starting one month in advance, but availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.

5. Train Suite Shiki-Shima

The Train Suite Shiki-Shima is a luxury tourist "cruise train" that offers one-night and two-day as well as three-night and four-day courses. Starting at Ueno Station in Tokyo, the train journeys through the Koshinetsu Region and southern Tohoku Region, showcasing Japan's natural landscapes. The carriages are modern yet incorporate traditional materials like washi paper and urushi lacquer.

• Accommodations: The train features luxurious suites, including the two-floor Shiki-Shima Suite with a bespoke cypress bathtub.
• Dining: The onboard dining room serves fine dining cuisine using seasonal ingredients from each region.
• Booking: Applications are accepted at certain times of the year, and planning in advance is essential due to high demand.

Each of these luxury sleeper trains offers a unique and unforgettable experience, blending comfort, cuisine, and scenic beauty in a way that is quintessentially Japanese. Whether you're looking for a short, luxurious getaway or a longer, more immersive journey, these trains are sure to leave a lasting impression.