the rail world
Luxury train travel is experiencing a little bit of Renaissance. One could argue that the old world charm of travelling by rail never faded away, but new trains are now updating that experience to run on the cutting edge of tracks and service. Set to depart for the very first time in June is Japan Rail’s Twilight Express Mizukaze, a luxury sleeper train that is really attempting to be a cruise ship on land.
Between its five separate trips running consecutively between Osaka Station, Kyoto Station and Shimonoseki Station in Yamaguchi on the Sanyo and Sanin Main Lines (four one-night trips, and a single two-night trip), the Twilight Express ploughs through a rich and varied slice of Japan. Opt for a single course, or string them all together in an extended train cruise – where a day is built into the schedule so you can spend time exploring the cities of Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Shimane or the surprising sand dunes of Tottori.
Staying on the train may be pleasure enough, though. The overarching concept by designers Tetsuo Fukuda and Kazuya Ura was to create a beautiful modern Japanese hotel on wheels. The green exterior may be chosen to blend into the scenery, but the interior stands out with its swanky offerings. The three classes of sleeping suites are expansive and welcoming, while the ten-car train also includes an observation deck, dining quarters and a lounge car with bountiful bar. Menus centre around Japanese and French themes, with staff plucked from one of Japan’s finest restaurants. Meals will be delicious, of course, and take a different meaning when staring out the window at the passing scenery.
Prices for the train start from ¥250,000 (RM9,750) for a double room. With a maximum of 34 people per train, reservations are required, with applications opening up six months in advance.
