In October, Japan reopened its borders to foreign tourists, restoring visa-free entry after nearly three years of pandemic-related restrictions. The country offers dreamy potential vacations, from immersive culinary tours through the countryside to cycling trips to craft breweries. However, one of the coolest and most traditional ways to experience Japan remains train travel. And one train stands out as the pinnacle of luxury.
The elegant seven-carriage Seven Stars train traverses Japan’s Kyushu island, stopping in each of its prefectures. It’s a beautiful way to experience Kyushu’s scenery, but the onboard amenities are enough to captivate passengers’ attention.
Launched in 2013, “Seven Stars in Kyushu” was created to offer picturesque tours around Kyushu, with excursions to experience the island’s nature, food, hot springs, history, and culture. The journey begins at Hakata Station, where passengers can relax in an exclusive lounge. This sense of exclusivity continues onboard the train, which boasts only ten suites (furnished with Japanese furniture and huge panoramic windows) and a couple of beautiful dining and drinking spots.
The luxurious train also features gold-adorned windows and observation seats in the first and seventh cars. But perhaps its most notable feature is its traditional Ryurei-style tearoom, described on the train’s website as “decorated like a teahouse with tatami mats.”
There’s also an elegant salon car with self-service drinks and a salon car with the aforementioned panoramic windows. “Enjoy drinks at the bar and mingle with fellow travelers in the modern Japanese atmosphere, accompanied by the pleasant piano concert in the background,” adds the website. “Savor the starry sky peeking in through the panoramic windows, glass in hand, and relax on the sofas to watch the stunning landscape pass by.”
The train travels a 3,000-kilometer route through Kyushu, offering different journeys depending on guests’ interests. However, any travel-hungry epicurean should check out the three-day, four-day journey that is entirely dedicated to the culinary experience of Kyushu, with outstanding meals in various prefectures. For example, on the third day, the journey stops in Miyazaki City for an unforgettable bento experience with local Kirishima cedar wood, which “has been carefully collected by experts of past generations and naturally dried over many years before being used… Dishes made from local ingredients are packed in bento boxes made of ‘wood with vital energy.'”
On the fourth day, there’s breakfast at Murezuru Shuzo, featuring “Watadamai” (rice presented to the imperial court), cooked in the kiln of the Murezuru Shuzo brewery, and “Torijiru” chicken soup.
Trips on the Seven Stars sell out quickly, and registrations for spring to autumn trips in 2023 have already closed. To be part of the next adventure, keep an eye on the website.
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