Inside the Seven Stars in Kyushu the most exclusive cruise train in Japan
The luxury travel market has seen significant growth in recent years, with the global luxury goods market projected to reach approximately $1.5 trillion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5% from 2022. In Japan, the luxury travel segment is also on the rise, with a 10% increase in high-end travel experiences year-on-year. Among these exclusive experiences is the Seven Stars in Kyushu, a premier luxury cruise train that has captured the attention of affluent travelers seeking unique experiences in Japan’s scenic landscapes. With its opulent amenities and curated itineraries, the Seven Stars epitomizes the intersection of luxury and culture, making it a standout option for discerning travelers.
1. Seven Stars in Kyushu
The Seven Stars in Kyushu is Japan’s first luxury cruise train, launched in 2013. It features a capacity of just 30 guests across 14 carriages, ensuring an intimate experience. The train’s journey spans 1,000 kilometers, showcasing Kyushu’s stunning landscapes. In 2022, approximately 1,500 passengers experienced this unique journey, contributing to the luxury travel segment’s growth.
2. Shiki-Shima
Operated by JR East, Shiki-Shima is another luxury train that provides a unique travel experience in Japan. Launched in 2017, it has a capacity of 34 passengers and offers gourmet dining and exquisite interiors. The train has a strong market presence, with around 1,200 travelers per year, showcasing Japan’s commitment to luxury rail travel.
3. Twilight Express Mizukaze
This luxurious train operates in the western part of Japan. With a capacity of 26 guests, it offers a unique travel experience through beautiful landscapes. In 2021, the Twilight Express Mizukaze hosted approximately 800 passengers, emphasizing the demand for exclusive travel options.
4. Gran Class on Shinkansen
Gran Class is the premium service on Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet trains. It offers luxury amenities, including private suites and gourmet meals. In 2022, Gran Class saw a 15% increase in bookings, resonating with high-end travelers looking for comfort and speed.
5. Aurizn
Aurizn is a luxury train service introduced by JR West, designed to provide a high-end travel experience in the Kansai region. With a capacity of 12 passengers, it combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts. In its inaugural year, Aurizn welcomed over 500 passengers, indicating a strong interest in luxury rail travel.
6. Train Suite Shiki-Shima
This train suite offers a luxurious experience with spacious suites and fine dining options. It operates primarily in the Tohoku region and accommodates 34 guests. In 2022, it attracted around 1,000 travelers, showcasing the growing trend of themed luxury train journeys.
7. Suigun Train
Operating in the Tohoku area, the Suigun Train offers a unique travel experience, blending luxury with local culture. The train accommodates 30 passengers and showcases regional delicacies. In 2022, it recorded a passenger count of 600, demonstrating the appeal of gourmet travel experiences.
8. Yamagata Shinkansen
The Yamagata Shinkansen offers a first-class experience with premium seating and local cuisine. With an annual ridership of over 1 million, the train service is popular among tourists seeking both comfort and speed in their travels.
9. Hokkaido Shinkansen
This bullet train connects Tokyo to Hokkaido and includes premium services. The train has an annual ridership of approximately 5 million, highlighting the demand for high-quality rail services in Japan.
10. Setouchi Marine Train
The Setouchi Marine Train offers a scenic luxury experience along the Seto Inland Sea. With a capacity of 28 passengers, it combines breathtaking views with high-end dining. In 2022, it served around 400 guests, showcasing the niche market for luxury coastal experiences.
11. Ibusuki no Tamatebako
This luxury train operates in Kagoshima, featuring unique on-board services, including footbaths. With a capacity of 54 passengers, it attracted about 700 visitors in 2021, reflecting the growing interest in wellness travel.
12. Saphir Odoriko
The Saphir Odoriko offers luxury services on the Izu Peninsula line. It accommodates 132 passengers and has become a popular choice for travelers, with approximately 2 million annual riders, proving its relevance in the luxury segment.
13. Nikkō Line Limited Express
This train provides a deluxe experience while traveling to the historic city of Nikkō. With around 1.5 million passengers annually, it highlights the importance of historical tourism in luxury travel.
14. Express Train Kuroshio
Operating in the Kansai region, Kuroshio offers a first-class experience with regional gourmet dishes. It serves over 1 million passengers each year, underlining the appeal of culinary experiences in luxury travel.
15. Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t
Rapi:t connects Kansai International Airport to Osaka and features luxury amenities. With an annual ridership of over 1.2 million, it showcases the demand for high-end airport transfers.
16. Limited Express Haruka
This train service connects Kansai Airport to Kyoto and Osaka, offering premium seating and services. It attracts around 2 million passengers annually, indicating strong demand for comfortable travel solutions.
17. Limited Express Kizuna
Kizuna operates in the Tohoku region, combining luxury with cultural experiences. With a capacity of 30 passengers, it welcomed approximately 400 travelers in its first year, reflecting the niche appeal of luxury cultural journeys.
18. Limited Express “Seven Stars” Charter
This exclusive charter service allows private groups to enjoy the luxury of the Seven Stars experience. It serves a limited number of groups, with around 200 charters annually, emphasizing exclusivity in luxury travel.
19. Express Train Sunrise Seto
This overnight train offers a unique experience with sleeping compartments and fine dining. It caters to around 600 passengers per year, highlighting the growing trend of experiential travel.
20. Limited Express Shirasagi
Shirasagi operates between Kanazawa and Nagoya, offering luxury amenities. With an annual ridership of 800,000, it serves as an alternative for travelers seeking comfort on regional journeys.
Insights
The luxury cruise train market in Japan is poised for continued growth, driven by rising disposable incomes and an increasing demand for unique travel experiences. The luxury travel segment is expected to grow by 10% annually through 2025, with rail travel emerging as a preferred option for affluent travelers. As Japan continues to enhance its luxury offerings, trains like the Seven Stars in Kyushu are positioned to lead the market, appealing to both domestic and international travelers seeking exclusive experiences.
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