Twilight Express Mizukaze

The breathtaking Mt Daisen, sapphire shorelines, and unspoiled landscape make western Japan utterly enchanting. From your “rolling hotel” train room on the Twilight Express Mizukaze train, you’ll have the chance to enamor yourself to natural panoramas and the rich Japanese culture. As daylight breaks, you can take in the striking scenery from the dining car, open-air observation deck, or your private room.

There are three room types: Royal Single, Royal Twin, and the Suite. All of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. The desirable Suite, however, is an entirely private rail car with an attached balcony. For meals, you’ll dine on Japanese Haute cuisine created from local ingredients to give you a literal taste of your surroundings. Twilight Express Mizukake's exclusively designed background music and art come together to create an experience as enriching as your route.

There are five routes to choose from on this adventure, and the train stops at one sightseeing place every day. In addition to locations that are typical of tours in Japan, Twilight Express Mizukake prepares unique experiences that aren’t open to the general public. Enterprises might be idyllic activities like cruising on the Seto Inland Sea. You may have the chance to see a view of Kenrokuen Garden only the feudal lords of the past could enjoy. A priest will lead you through the ever-popular Itsukushima Shrine, and afterward, you'll see a performance of imperial court music. No matter the options you choose, time will pass slowly in this refined atmosphere.

Train Suite Shiki-Shima

The Train Suite Shiki-Shima invites its guests to experience Japan’s vibrant seasons. As you pass through the rapidly changing countryside of eastern and northern Japan, you’ll fall into the distinct flavors and cultures of these regions. Starting from Ueno Station in the heart of Tokyo, you’ll make stops in places like the captivating Nikko, historically significant Hakodate, and much-loved Yamanashi. After a day of exploring, you’ll sup delectable fare and retire to lavish sleeper cars.

The 15 suites don’t spare on craftsmanship. Along with the natural motion of the train, you’ll feel a sense of movement in your room’s decor, which utilizes the artisanal heritage of eastern Japan. The elegant Deluxe Suite includes a fireplace and a Japanese cypress bathtub. In the same car, the Shiki-Shima Suite Room is a “mansionette” with two floors. A cypress bath and seating area take up the first floor, and beds are laid out on the second. Meals also highlight local specialties as leading chefs from each town temporarily board to cook for a night.

The available routes complement the seasons and your needs. From spring to autumn, you can choose from 2-days/1-night and 4-days/3-nights excursions. Longer trips take you from Kanto up to Hokkaido and include a performance by Japan’s indigenous Ainu people and a traditional craft-making class. Shorter trips stay in Kanto and come with a wine tasting in Yamanashi Prefecture and a nighttime view of Zenkoji Plain. In winter, you can ride a cruise ship on Matsushima Bay and dine in Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden. Train Suite Shiki-Shima also creates “Seasons of Eastern Japan” treks that change annually.

Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu

Cruise Train Seven Stars leisurely meanders through the abundant natural scenes of Kyushu. From verdant mountains to sparkling seas, the beauty of this island is unparalleled. The train’s unique rooms were built with by the hands of skilled artisans to reflect the elegance of your journey. The wood paneling and art that fills the corridors combine traditional Japanese sensibilities with the convenience of modern amenities.

There are 14 guest compartments in total. Four cars split into 3 Suites that achieve both beauty and function. The writing desk is the perfect place to journal as you look out of the Japanese paper shrouded window. There are two Deluxe Suites available. The Deluxe Suite at the end of the train has a floor-to-ceiling window instead of a back wall so that you can watch the landscape retreating.

Tours run for 4-days/3-nights or 2-days/1-night year-round. You can choose an itinerary that takes you from the lush north to the tropical south or stay in just the northern region. Cruise Train Seven Stars provides a variety of activities from trekking through the world’s largest calderas to sitting back on sandy beaches. The shorter circuit stays in the northern half but takes you to Arita—the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Both options offer an onsen experience in Yufuin and optional onboard traditional Japanese arts workshops.

Plan your trip

When you contact us through e-mail or phone, we will discuss the type of trip and services you're interested in. There are many things to consider when planning your trip to Japan, such as your travel date, length of stay, destination cities, points of interest, and budget. Based on this information, we will create an initial “sketch” itinerary that includes an outline of recommended travel routes, destinations, accommodations, transportation type, and services we can provide.

If you're not sure which Japan tour is for you, many of our clients select one of our existing itineraries and modify it according to their interests and budget. Other clients have their own ideas about what to see and do, or even a specific itinerary in mind. Please have a look through some of the itineraries for inspiration. Our itineraries are created by Japan specialists, all of whom have years of background working as a tour guide in Japan.

Our Inquiry Form is designed to give us a clear picture of your interests and preferences so that we can create the ideal vacation for you. If one of our itineraries is the ideal base plan for you, please mention so in your inquiry. We will customize the plan so that it will meet your specific needs and desires.