The Japanese sure are full of creativity. This time, Yamagata Prefecture has launched a Shinkansen (bullet train) equipped with foot onsen baths—every six-car train has one car with a foot bath that can accommodate up to eight people at a time.
It’s truly a delightful experience to enjoy a foot soak while gazing at the scenery through the train window. And if you fancy a drink with such a beautiful view, there’s even a Bar Corner inside the train. Sipping a fine sake from Yamagata while riding the Shinkansen makes for a unique experience.
This Shinkansen is called “とれいゆ (TOREIYU).” To reserve a spot in the foot onsen, you’ll need to join a local travel agency’s “View” TOUR. But if you’d rather not join a tour and still want to enjoy the foot bath, the Yamagata Prefecture Tourism Bureau has three handy tips to help you out!
1) Start your journey from the terminal stations (Shinjo or Fukushima)
2) Choose a longer train ride
3) Purchase the foot onsen ticket as soon as you board
Some users have shared that it’s easier to get a spot during the off-season—for example, they succeeded in early April. However, during peak seasons or Japanese national holidays, even those who join the “View” TOUR might not get access to the foot bath!
Website: http://www.jreast.co.jp/railway/joyful/toreiyu.html
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Source: Visit Yamagata – Yamagata, Japan