To that end, there are a huge number of different trains to choose from here, from the national Japan Railways, to a number of private trains, or the mighty bullet trains known as the shinkansen.
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A relative newcomer on the railway scene however is the cruise train known as the Seven Stars in Kyushu which is leading the way in luxury train travel in Japan.
The train made its first trip in October 2013 and has been making a name for itself ever since as one of the most luxurious sleeper trains not only in Japan but in the world. Happily, this is exactly what its creator Koji Karaike had in mind when he came up with the idea of ‘Cruise Train’ in Japan, and the aim of the train is to hark back to train travel in the days of old. Just think of iconic train journeys such as the Orient Express and you are on the right track, so to speak.
Here we take a look at one of the most elegant and luxurious train rides in the entire world...
Why is it called the Seven Stars?
The train is named the Seven Stars in Kyushu, and takes its name from the area in which it runs. The number seven in the name comes from several aspects of Kyushu, the first of which is a reference to the seven prefectures of the island which are Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki, Saga, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima.
The second reason that the train is named the Seven Stars is because of the seven best things about a trip to Kyushu, which are said to be the iconic hot springs, the abundant nature, the train system, the delicious food, the hospitality of the people, the history and culture, and the sightseeing spots.
Where does the train run?
The Seven Stars runs all over the island of Kyushu in the south of Japan and aims to showcase the best of this part of the country to visitors. The idea is that the train is a cruise train, and so the point of the trip is as much the journey as it is the destination. To that end, the trains runs at a leisurely pace all around Kyushu to let visitors take in the sights and scenery, as opposed to dashing to the final destination as quickly as possible. The train stops along the way and passengers can get off to experience some of the best locations that Kyushu has to offer, before boarding the train again and journeying on to a new destination.
How long does the trip last?
It depends on your budget and how long you have available to travel.
There are currently two different packages available, one of which is a 4 day and 3 night trip, and another which is a 2 day and 1 night trip.
If you choose the 4 day and 3 night trip then you will travel to five of the seven prefectures of Kyushu, namely Oita, Miyazaki, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. When you alight from the train, you can enjoy iconic sights such as views across the East China Sea and you will also get to visit the Kirishima hot spring resort. As you make the loop around Kyushu, you will also be able to take in sights such as dormant volcanoes as well as delightful urban scenery as you pass through towns and cities. Prices for shared berths for this journey start at ¥630,000.
Travelers who choose the 2 day and 1 night journey can enjoy a trip that focuses on the northern part of Kyushu, and you will start in Fukuoka before travelling through Saga, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto. You will also get to stop off in the picturesque town of Arita which is known for its gorgeous pottery and porcelain, a local craft that is said to date back over 400 years. You will also get to visit the spectacular town of Yufuin where you can enjoy some of the pretty landscapes for which Kyushu is so famous. Prices for this trip start from ¥300,000 for a shared berth.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, absolutely. The journeys on the Seven Stars only run every few months and as a result tickets are very limited and you will need to be quick to snap one up.
What can I expect on the train?
The Seven Stars is designed with luxury in mind, and is furnished for the passenger’s ultimate comfort and enjoyment. As a result, the train is modeled on great trains of the past like the Orient Express, so you can expect a kind of old fashioned glamour and design aesthetic. There are signature features such as large windows that allow you to take in the beauty of the countryside, and berths are decorated with furnishing from the area, such as local porcelain and pottery pieces.
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