LINE ID japanroyalservice
+817013781777 click here
+817013781777 click here
LINE ID japanroyalservice
+817013781777 click here
+817013781777 click here
Shiki-Shima, meaning “Island of Four Seasons,” is a homophone for an ancient name of Japan, Shiki-Shima. The train is designed by Ken Okuyama, renowned for his work with luxury cars such as Ferrari, Maserati, and Porsche. Traveling on the Train Suite Shiki-Shima, one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive trains, allows guests to explore the hidden depths of Japan while indulging in the ephemeral beauty of fleeting moments. A journey through eastern Japan on this train is truly an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience, embodying the very essence of Shiki-Shima.
Before the advent of the Shinkansen bullet train in 1964, luxury trains—often called “blue sleeper trains”—were a common sight across Japan. These trains were not just efficient modes of transportation; they were experiences in themselves.
In recent years, however, the popularity of luxury trains has waned, giving way to the speed of the Shinkansen. The last of the “blue trains” ceased operation in 2015, marking the end of an era. Yet, luxury seekers need not despair, as Japan has introduced a new lineup of first-class rail accommodations. In the spring of 2017, JR East and JR West launched two “cruise trains,” elevating the entire travel experience.
The Train Suite Shiki-Shima journey begins in the heart of Tokyo at JR Ueno Station, one of the busiest stations in the city. Guests are welcomed into the exclusive lounge, Prologue Shiki-Shima, where they can relax before boarding. Also designed by Ken Okuyama, this luxurious and tranquil space offers a preview of the extraordinary journey that awaits onboard the Train Suite Shiki-Shima.
The Train Suite Shiki-Shima features ten cars, accommodating a total of thirty-four passengers. Six cars house seventeen rooms, each lavishly decorated in a contemporary Japanese style. The rooms include Western-style beds, traditional Japanese tables, and seating. The suites feature baths constructed of Japanese cypress. The remaining four cars are designated for dining, a lounge, and sightseeing, with the aptly named “glass train” offering floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views.
Car 6 houses the dining car, Dining Shikishima, which resembles an elegant fine-dining restaurant. Most seats are positioned by the windows, offering fantastic views. The centerpiece of this car is an exclusively designed chandelier that emits a soft light, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere that complements the wooden furnishings. Combined with the gentle rumbling of the train, a meal on the Train Suite Shikishima is simply unforgettable.
On the Train Suite Shikishima, each meal is a unique experience, with a different head chef crafting the menu each day. Guests can enjoy a range of cuisines, from French-inspired dishes to traditional Japanese bento boxes.
Cars 1 and 10 are the observation cars, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the idyllic countryside, lush forests, and sparkling seas as they travel. The constantly changing scenery across different seasons is one of the highlights of a journey on the Train Suite Shikishima, and the best places to enjoy these views are from the observation spaces: View Terrace Kizashi and View Terrace Ibuki.
The Train Suite Shikishima’s fifteen Suite rooms are spread across Cars 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9, with three rooms in each car. Each room features meticulously crafted décor and furniture that incorporate delicate designs and traditional Japanese craftsmanship in a modern way. For example, the rooms are furnished with wall panels made from rare Joboji lacquer from Iwate Prefecture, and wooden closets designed to resemble traditional chests from Sendai City. All Suite rooms are equipped with a shower and toilet, and like the Deluxe Suites, the sofas convert into beds at night.
Lounge Komorebi, located in Car 5, is the entrance to the Train Suite Shikishima. Here, guests can unwind in a cozy corner of sofas. This car is also home to the train’s drink bar, where guests can enjoy original cocktails or light meals. Dedicated staff are always on hand at the bar counter, except during meal service hours.
The Shikishima Suite in Car 7 is the most luxurious and expensive room type. This maisonette-style suite features beds on the lower level and a tatami living room space on the upper level. The tatami space, situated next to the windows, offers a relaxing atmosphere and great views of the passing scenery, with a heater to keep guests warm during colder months.
Adjacent to the Shikishima Suite, the Deluxe Suite in Car 7 boasts high ceilings, large windows, and a fireplace. For safety reasons, the fireplace is artificial but still provides the heat, sound, and glow of a real one.
The hinoki bath enhances the overall opulence, offering guests a deeply relaxing experience as they soak in warm water, surrounded by the natural aroma of hinoki wood, all while journeying through Japan’s scenic landscapes.
Train Suite Shiki-Shima offers a variety of journeys, allowing passengers to experience Japan’s rich natural beauty and unique cultural heritage at a leisurely pace, all within the comfort of a luxury train.
Experience a tapestry of natural beauty and timeless culture passed down through generations.
Let’s create a wonderful journey together to enjoy your stay in Japan.