Japan's Top Railway Journeys! 5 Recommended Special Tourist Trains in Japan
Unlike ordinary trains that serve merely as a means of transportation, Japan boasts numerous tourist trains uniquely designed around local characteristics, attracting railway enthusiasts from both home and abroad to embark on distinctive rail journeys. This article specially curates five such Japanese tourist trains. Not only do they offer hotel-level cabin comforts, but they also feature gourmet cuisine crafted by Michelin-starred chefs. Passengers can enjoy breathtaking scenic views along the routes and even partake in cultural experiences at the destinations. Now, let's set off and embark on a delightful railway adventure!
1.TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE
Known as a "mobile five-star hotel," the Twilight Express Mizukaze features a green body accented with gold streamlined designs. Its interior is decorated in a nostalgic and elegant Japanese style.
The train consists of 10 carriages, including 15 single and double suites, along with 1 premium guest room. Additionally, it features an "observation carriage" where passengers can enjoy the pastoral scenery in the morning and starlit skies at night.
In addition to its luxurious accommodations, the onboard dining is a highlight not to be missed. Dishes are crafted by renowned establishments such as the Japanese cuisine specialist "Kikunoi" and the French restaurant "HAJIME," which meticulously select local ingredients from Western Japan. The open kitchen also allows passengers to watch the culinary preparation process firsthand.
From Kyoto, Okayama, Matsue, all the way to Osaka, the journey includes a tea tasting tour at the Myomyo-an teahouse, a nighttime cherry blossom illumination at Kodai-ji Temple, and Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. The itinerary also includes stays at the Park Hyatt Kyoto and the Marriott Mizukaze Osaka.
Official Website: https://www.twilightexpress-mizukaze.jp/
JR East TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima
The TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima showcases a seasonal theme throughout its carriages. Its elegant champagne-gold exterior is adorned with a matte gold-edged "Shiki-shima" logo, exuding sophistication. The train consists of 10 carriages, each designed around the evolving beauty of Japan’s four seasons.
The observation carriage representing spring features windows with a futuristic design inspired by scattered fragments of light, leaving a lasting impression.
The lounge, symbolizing summer, draws inspiration from tree branches stretching toward the sky, creating an open and airy atmosphere.
In the dining carriage embodying autumn, a modern-style chandelier adds a touch of grandeur.
The guest suites, themed around the tranquility of winter, incorporate Japanese design elements to provide a serene and relaxing space for guests.
The train comprises 15 Standard Suites (including one accessible suite), one Deluxe Suite, and one Shiki-shima Suite, totaling 17 guest rooms in all. Every suite is equipped with a private bathroom and designed in soothing, tranquil color palettes. The interiors feature elements such as lacquered panels crafted using Wajima and Iwate's Jobōji lacquerware, along with wardrobes inspired by the traditional Sendai Tansu chests. These details incorporate the artisanal heritage and thoughtful design inspired by the regions along the Shiki-shima route, ensuring passengers experience the utmost luxury and an extraordinary journey aboard the train.
To board the Shiki-shima, passengers must locate its exclusive Platform 13.5 and dedicated entrance.
Car No. 5 is the social lounge car: The passenger entrance and exit for the "Shiki-shima" train are located in the "Forest Glow Lounge," where all passengers board and alight. The bar in the lounge is open 24 hours (except from 24:00 to 5:00), offering a wide range of beverages including coffee, non-alcoholic drinks, and alcoholic beverages throughout the day. Guests can also enjoy light meals such as Shiki-shima's special dry curry rice and noodles.
Car No. 1 and Car No. 10 are observation cars. The ever-changing scenery outside the windows of the "Shiki-shima" train is one of the highlights of this beautiful journey, and the observation areas at the very front and rear of the train offer the best seats to enjoy this spectacular show. You are welcome to admire the passing landscapes through the expansive windows that stretch from the walls to the ceiling.
The interior design incorporates natural scenery as part of its decor, allowing passengers to enjoy ever-changing seasonal views comparable to an art gallery right from their seats. Particularly, the glass-walled observation cars at the very front and rear of the train offer panoramic vistas of the unique culture and beautiful landscapes of eastern Japan.
Car No. 6 is the dining car: Meals are served in the dining car "DINING Shiki-shima," under the supervision of Michelin-starred chef Katsuhiro Nakamura. The menu features exquisite dishes crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from Eastern Japan.
Executive Chef Eiji Ikeuchi draws inspiration from "the travel story of Shiki-shima," carefully preparing each course using select ingredients from regions along the railway route. Paired with the ever-changing scenery outside the window, guests are invited to savor these extraordinary flavors.
※During certain breakfast and lunch hours, the "Forest Glow Lounge" will also be available as an additional dining space for guests.
The onboard cuisine is prepared entirely fresh to order, featuring a diverse range of dishes such as French, Japanese, and Chinese that vary according to the ingredients available. The menu changes based on the regions the train passes through during meals, and even offers customized services tailored to passengers' dietary preferences.
What makes Shiki-shima even more special is that in addition to its carefully selected onboard amenities, it also offers a range of exclusive original products aimed at promoting the revitalization of various regions in Eastern Japan. These include postcard sets and traditional Japanese Kokeshi dolls modeled after the train's cabin attendants.
Official Website：https://www.jreast.co.jp/shiki-shima/
THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO
The exterior is designed to evoke the image of a kitchen cloth, with the white body adorned with red grid patterns resembling the stitching of a cloth, giving it a slightly charming appearance.
The interior design and furnishings incorporate local products and traditional crafts from various cities and towns in the Chikugo region. Examples include a bamboo-woven ceiling unique to Yame and wall panels made from Fukuoka Jōshima tiles with a 400-year history. The rich artistic ambiance allows travelers to fully experience the local beauty of Fukuoka.
The train consists of three carriages. Carriages 1 and 3 are seating areas, designed so much like a restaurant that it's hard to believe you are on a train. Carriage 2 is centered around an open kitchen, complete with a pizza oven. Depending on the season and available ingredients, the menu features vegetable and meat platters, as well as freshly baked seasonal vegetable pizzas.
The brunch service offers bread and coffee from popular shops in Kurume City.
The train operates in three sessions: brunch, lunch, and dinner, running along the Nishitetsu Tenjin Ōmuta Line. It departs from Fukuoka Tenjin Station, passes by popular attractions such as Dazaifu and Yanagawa, and continues to Ōmuta, home to a World Heritage site from the Meiji Restoration period.
Operating Hours: Thursday to Sunday (including holidays)
Official Website：https://www.railkitchen.jp/
La Malle de Bois
The eye-catching "La Malle de Bois" (which means "wooden trunk" in French) features a white body complemented by black lines of varying thicknesses. Both the doors and windows are designed to resemble a trunk, creating a simple yet charming appearance. The train’s name conveys the idea that passengers are the most essential companions on a journey—packing themselves into a trunk for an adventure into the unknown.
It primarily operates along three routes, all departing from Okayama. The first route heads to the Hiroshima area, taking passengers to explore the historic streets of Onomichi nestled between the mountains and sea. The second route travels to Uno, a town rich in artistic ambiance, where travelers can transfer to a ferry to visit the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The final route crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge and arrives in Kotohira.
The train features wooden flooring, and passengers can purchase a variety of Okayama-exclusive souvenirs at the beverage counter in the second carriage. These include fruit beer, bento boxes, and the "Seto Journey" dessert box, which requires advance reservation.
The train also offers commemorative boarding certificates and souvenir stamps. Additionally, the train staff provides a complimentary instant photo service for passengers, with each guest receiving one photo as a memorable keepsake.
Official Website：
https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/kankoutrain/area_okayama/lamalledebois/
JR Kyushu Limited Express "Aso Boy!"
The most recognizable feature of the Aso Boy! is its retro and playful exterior design, centered around an adorable black puppy named "Kuro" who can be spotted both inside and outside the train. The Aso Boy! is a sightseeing train that runs round trips to Kumamoto. Its interior includes panoramic view seats, parent-child seats, and private compartment seats, totaling four types of carriages.
Car No. 3 features a children's play area equipped with a ball pit and a picture book library, allowing young travelers to enjoy their time onboard. The panoramic seating section also offers passengers scenic views along the journey.
Panoramic View Section
In addition to the play area, a "Kuro Café" has been set up, offering a variety of Kuro-themed merchandise, along with simple desserts, drinks, and snacks such as pudding, ice cream, and Kuro-themed bento boxes.
The meal designs are full of playful charm.
Every passenger will receive a commemorative train ride certificate.
Operating Hours: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (one round trip per day)
Official Website：
