Luxury on the Rails: Japan’s Shiki-Shima Journey Is More Hotel Than Train

Forget simply getting from A to B. Japan’s Train Suite Shiki-shima turns the journey itself into the destination, with seasonal fine dining, private suites, observation cars and multi-day trips through some of the country’s most scenic regions.

Japan has long shown that a train journey can be much more than a way of reaching a destination. On Train Suite Shiki-shima, passengers can spend several days travelling through eastern Japan while dining on carefully prepared seasonal menus, sleeping in private suites and watching the landscape through panoramic windows.

Operated by JR East, Shiki-shima, whose name can be translated as the Island of the Four Seasons, runs from Tokyo towards northern Japan, with itineraries reaching Hokkaido. It has become one of the best-known examples of Japan’s luxury rail tourism.

Michelin-Starred Dining While Japan Passes the Window

Shiki-Shima offers delicious dishes that are always selected according to the season, and all ingredients are sourced from different regions of eastern Japan. Michelin-starred chefs take care of the menu. While dining, people can enjoy an unforgettable view of Japan and its nature. The whole atmosphere is complemented by the soothing rumble of the railway track.

Shiki-Shima Carries Just 34 Passengers

Luxury suites with a capacity of 34 people are available for passengers in up to five cars. The standard suite offers two sofa beds and a bathroom with a shower. The luxury suite has a fireplace in the room. The Shiki-Shima suite looks like a luxurious duplex apartment with several double beds and a bathroom that offers a traditional Japanese relaxing bath where everyone can leave their worries behind.

Sake, Live Piano and a Lounge Inspired by a Forest

The Komorebi lounge serves as the main entrance to the Shiki-Shima train suite. There is also a lounge bar inside, where everyone can relax with a good drink. The patterns on the lounge walls evoke a peaceful forest. There is a wooden floor on the ground and a fireplace in the middle of the room. It is furnished with a variety of traditional crafts and art objects that have been passed down through generations in Japan. After a good meal, passengers can sit back with a glass of Japanese sake and enjoy live music at the piano bar.

At the beginning and at the end of the train are so-called observation cars with a glass roof. Sun lovers can sunbathe in them during the day and watch the night sky and falling stars in the evening.

A Multi-Day Journey Through Northern Japan

Depending on the itinerary, a journey aboard Shiki-shima lasts between two and four days. The train makes stops along the way, allowing passengers to leave the carriage and explore destinations including the Nikkō Tōshō-gū shrine, the Hirosaki Castle area and the hot springs of Naruko, so passengers often buy a complete holiday built around the railway journey.

And naturally, it comes at a price. According to Japan Private Tour, prices can start at around €10,000 per person, depending on the itinerary and accommodation selected.