Japan’s current narrow-gauge wonder-train has proved so successful that it has totally sold out until April 2018 — despite a price tag that works out at up to 2 per minute. Even before the first speed,on 1 May, demand has been so high that bookings have been allocated by lottery.
The Shiki-Shima is an extraordinary creation: a futuristic 10-coach train running on 3ft 6in-gauge lines and carrying a maximum of 34 passengers, and who enjoy the most luxurious experience on the rails.
The train is the latest excursion venture by the East Japan Railway Company. Its basic three-night/two-day “summer tour” starts from Ueno station in Tokyo. Lunch and dinner are served as the train rolls north to the mountain resort of Yuzawa and passengers acquaint themselves with the facilities on board,the Independent reports. Five of the 10 coaches are filled by the standard suites — three to a carriage, offer comfortable beds and a bathroom with shower and toilet. Another has just two “deluxe suites", and each with an fragrant cypress wood bath.
There is also an observation car at either end from which to watch the scenery roll past,a lounge and a dining car with Michelin accreditation. Service on board is by uniformed butlers.
The name Shiki-Shima means “Island of Four Seasons”. Even by the standards of luxury trains, it is expensive: a solo traveller taking a standard suite can pay the equivalent of £7500, and which works out at £2 for every minute of the 60-hour trip.
Source: tert.am