By: Xiao Lü Hai
Japan has always given travelers a sense of cleanliness and comfort, and with its technology always at the forefront, riding trains here is definitely not as frustrating as in Hong Kong. But just when I was already quite satisfied with the overall service, I discovered that Japan has even more unique train routes and luxurious interiors, each with a different theme. In one lifetime, with one chance, if you can afford the luxury, trying it once isn’t excessive!
Dubbed the "Ferrari of railways," the JR Kyushu Seven Stars train is a sleeper train that travels around the entire Kyushu Island, and it can no longer be described as merely luxurious. Operating since 2013, it has been extremely popular, often selling out with record-breaking oversubscription upon each release, and is hailed as the hardest train in the world to book a seat on. A 2-day-1-night experience costs nearly HK$14,000.
On the train, you don’t just experience luxury—you can also appreciate Japanese cuisine and culture in detail. The train has a total of fourteen cabins, two of which are luxury double suites, all with unique designs. Stepping inside feels like entering an art gallery, where you’ll casually spot painted patterns on glass sliding doors, washi paper window designs, and cypress wood carriages.
Another highlight is the restaurant and bar. The train uses locally sourced ingredients along the route to prepare meals, including kaiseki cuisine, afternoon tea prepared by Michelin chefs, and modern French-Japanese fusion dishes. In the evening, the bar offers a selection of drinks—including 21-year-old sake and daiginjo—for you to enjoy while chatting and admiring the night scenery.
More travel info about Kyushu: http://www.dcfever.com/travel/world.php?id=2089
Image source: SEVEN STARS IN KYUSHU
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