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What It's Like to Ride the Seven Stars Kyushu—Japan's Version of the Orient Express

By Melinda Joe

Demand for luxury train travel has surged in the wake of the pandemic. The leisurely pace and atmosphere of Old-World glamour that define these voyages appeal to travelers seeking time for reflection and deeper connections to the people and places encountered along the way. While Europe boasts the Orient Express , Japan ’s Seven Stars in Kyushu represents the pinnacle of luxury rail travel in Asia. Newly renovated last year—and a reader favorite —the Seven Stars celebrates its 10 th anniversary this year. With only 10 cabins and a maximum of 20 guests, the deluxe liner elevates the art of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) to new heights.

The Seven Stars Kyushu runs east from Fukuoka to Oita Prefecture, south to Kagoshima Prefecture and then back up through Oita, returning to Fukuoka over the course of three nights and four days.

In late August, I climbed aboard the Seven Stars—known as the Nanatsuboshi in Japanese—to find out what it’s like to ride the country’s most elite train. The three-night, four-day Kirishima route runs east from Fukuoka to Oita Prefecture, south to Kagoshima Prefecture and then back up through Oita, returning to Fukuoka. Reservations for tickets are accepted via a lottery system, and slots are already booked solid through 2024. On the morning of our departure from Hakata station, the passengers convened at an exclusive lounge, where crew member Satoko Yamamoto, impeccably dressed in a white conductor’s uniform adorned with gold buttons, briefed me on my itinerary. After a toast to the journey ahead, we were whisked through a priority gate onto the platform.

In true Japanese fashion, the Nanatsuboshi pulled into the station at exactly 10:37 a.m. Inside, the magnificent interior, designed by Eiji Mitooka, looks like the stage of an Agatha Christie novel set in a fantasy of Meiji-era Japan: a different type of wood was used for the paneling of each car, and the corridors are decorated with intricately crafted kumiko woodwork lattices and gold fixtures. Craftsmen from the region’s most venerated ateliers have designed every detail, from the shoji paper window screens and Aritayaki porcelain lamps in the guest rooms, to the cutlery that punctuates the tables.

The train has two deluxe suites, 183-square-foot rooms with rosewood touches, coffered ceilings, and screens separating the bedroom from the living area.

General manager Yoshihiro Shiojima escorted me to room 702, one of the train’s two deluxe suites. The 183-square-foot room, sprawling for a train, and so stunning with rosewood touches, a coffered ceiling, and kumiko screens that separates the bedroom from the living area; the ensuite bathroom is furnished with a cypress-paneled shower, Aveda amenities (the compact but powerful Refa hairdryer is also a nice touch), and a bespoke porcelain basin made by the late master artisan Sakaida Kakiemon XIV. The largest suite, 701, is at the rear of the train and has a fabulous picture window, while each of the 108-square-foot main guest rooms come with seats that convert into bunks.

As we departed Hakata station, groups of children holding burgundy Seven Stars flags and clusters of smartphone-clutching trainspotters waved us off.

Meals aboard the train were elegant affairs. The front dining carriage with its picture window and classic booths was the backdrop to countless impressive and tasty dishes that crossed my table over the next few days. My first lunch on the train set the standards high: kegani crab with grated eggplant and caviar, Chateubriand steak with Japanese peppers, and sea bass with sweet onion puree. Over the course of the trip there were creative French and Japanese-inflected Italian (think horse mackerel carpaccio with Kunisaki olive tapenade and homemade pasta tossed with local bottarga) but the meal that I will never forget was a lavish lunch that included soy-simmered gluten with wood ear mushrooms and strands of pressed tofu tossed with shiso pesto and grilled eel dotted with sansho (Japanese pepper) miso. To drink, there was always a selection of champagnes, wines, sake and Kyushu’s famous shochu.

Meals aboard the train are elegant, French and Japanese-inflected Italian dishes.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

The optional excursions were as memorable as the train itself. Day one took me to the secluded pottery village of Onta, where the artisans eschew electricity in favor of water-powered stamp mills for crushing soil into fine powder, kick wheels, and woodfired collective kilns. Day two concluded with a stay at the spectacular hot-spring resort Tenku no Mori, a Relais & Chateau establishment. With just three villas, the property is spread across a lush expanse in Kagoshima Prefecture encompassing 60 hectares of natural beauty, three duck-filled ponds, and a garden that provides the property’s restaurant with 65 varieties of produce. My villa consisted of two spacious sleeping and living areas, with breathtaking views of the Kirishima Mountains, along with indoor and outdoor onsen (hot spring baths). The following morning, I was taken on a tour through the mountainous landscape on the border between Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, up to the Yatake plain for an open-air lunch overlooking the green valley of Ebino. On the last day, we ventured deep into the forest along a mossy riverbed for a meditation session inside a cave adjacent to the Kumano Magaibutsu, a 26-foot ancient Buddhist relief dating back to the 8 th century.

The dining carriage is replete with booths and picture windows framing the stunning views outside.

There was also plenty to do on the train. Activities included a tea ceremony, conducted in the cupboard-sized traditional tearoom decorated with tatami mats, where tea sommelier Naohiro Tsuruta whisked emerald-green matcha in exquisite ceramic cups. For expertly mixed aperitifs, I visited the swanky Kazu Bar, a glittering jewel box in car three with a handful of seats and a midnight-blue ceiling studded with golden stars. Evening entertainment featured live piano and violin music, as well as table-side magic (cooler than you think). But I spent most of the time mesmerized by the view, which moved between thickly forested mountains to verdant rice paddies and charming small towns. On the third day, as we headed back north from Kagoshima along the seaside, I watched smoke curl from the rim of Sakurajima, one of Kyushu’s nine active volcanoes, while sipping a glass of Ruinart to a piano rendition of “The Girl from Ipanema.”

The largest suite, 701, is at the rear of the train and has a fabulous picture window, while each of the 108-square-foot main guest rooms come with seats that convert into bunks.

My time on the Seven Stars was one of the most meaningful travel experiences I’ve ever had. At each train station we passed on our journey, little kids and their parents, groups of elderly ladies, and Seven Stars super-fans saluted us with the distinctive double-handed wave used by Kyushu locals to greet loved ones. On the return journey to Fukuoka, I found myself returning it back.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Seven Stars Kyushu: Riding the luxury train

Seven Stars Kyushu: Riding the luxury train

October 23, 2019

Wise travelers know that traveling is not just about the destination; getting there is half the fun. The significance of the journey itself is embodied in Japan’s Seven Stars luxury sleeper train, based in the island of Kyushu , Japan. This cruise train is meant to bring new life to train travel, to make the travel itself the integral part of a Kyushu vacation.

The Seven Stars cruise train, also known as Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu , gets its name both from the seven prefectures of Kyushu, and also from the seven lauded aspects of the region. These include the train system itself, nature, the hot springs, power spots, the region’s history, its cuisine, and the friendliness of Kyushu’s people.

Cruise train accommodations

The Seven Stars Kyushu strives to bridge the future of rail travel with its most illustrious past. The plush, classic décor harkens back to bygone days, while the technological advancements and large, picturesque viewing windows push the comfort of travel by train to new heights. Each of its cars was designed to meet its passengers’ needs and exceed their expectations.

Passengers can choose from 1 of 12 standard suites or 1 of 2 deluxe suites . Each suite features a sleeping area, sitting area, and a private bathroom consisting of a shower and toilet facilities. The suite nearest the dining and lounge cars is equipped to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility and is wheelchair accessible. The deluxe suites, located on the end carriages, can accommodate up to 3 persons each. These suites feature a sleeping area, lounge, and private bathroom. Deluxe Suite A has the additional advantage of a rear window across the width of the train car. This allows for a unique angle of scenic viewing from the comfort of a private room.

The chefs and stewards of the Jupiter Dining Car pride themselves on friendly and outstanding service. The entrees served reflect the nature and culture of the island of Kyushu, with ingredients reaped from its countryside and its seas. Most noteworthy, the Blue Moon Lounge Car offers an attended bar service both day and night. Daytime sightseeing from its vast windows is complemented by a grand piano and live musical entertainment in the evenings.

Seven Stars Kyushu itineraries and prices

The Seven Stars offers a 4 day/3 night trip as well as 2 day/1 night circuit aboard Japan’s finest luxury train. Many meals are taken on the train, but travelers will also have the option of experiencing the area’s unique eateries. Passengers will enjoy onboard activities such as tea time, as well as scenic views of rural areas and the South China Sea .

Both itineraries start and finish in JR Hakata Station (Fukuoka) , which you can easily reach from Osaka with your Japan Rail Pass , via the Sanyo Shinkansen .

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4-day itinerary

The longer trip tours the entire island of Kyushu with stops in 5 prefectures. Visitors desiring a relaxing visit to an  onsen , or hot springs , scenic volcanoes , and Kyushu’s principle cities will enjoy this trip. Excursions include a ferry sea cruise, sightseeing in Yufuin, Mimitsu, and Miyazaki , and an overnight stay at a hot springs resort in Kirishima. Fairs for this tour on the Seven Stars in Kyushu start at a price of ¥630,000 per person (approximately $5,400 USD ).

2-day itinerary

The two-day journey on the JR East luxury train tours 4 prefectures of northern Kyushu. This trip includes features a scenic trip around Fukuoka, Oita, and Japan’s largest active volcano, Mount Aso . You will also experience a night time tour of Nagasaki, and a sightseeing tour in Yufuin. Travelers can also visit the Arita porcelain kiln , and learn about the area’s 400-year heritage in pottery. Fairs for the two-day tour start at ¥300,000 per person (approximately $2,550 USD ).

Other first class travel options

The Seven Stars in Kyushu is generally booked months in advance . Even if you cannot travel on Japan’s cruise train during your visit to Kyushu, you can still travel in style, using your JR Green Pass to access first class cars . Map your own itinerary to see the sights of Kyushu while you enjoy the green car’s ample space , sip on a hot or cold drink, and enjoy the scenery through large windows.

Besides, green cars may also offer hot or cold oshibori towels, snacks, individual radios, and magazines . Green cars are marked by a green clover emblem near the entry doors, so you will easily be able to find your accommodations when you return from touring the amazing sights Kyushu has to offer.

No matter which travel options you choose, the island of Kyushu is a must-see destination in Japan. Seeing Kyushu by rail is an unforgettable experience of natural beauty, delicious dining, and luxurious accommodations.

Open Applications for the Seven Stars in Kyushu 2020

In 20109, the Seven Stars in Kyushu cruise train is celebrating its 7th anniversary . For that reason, 2 very special journeys have been organized for 2020 on top of their already luxurious trips.

On these tours, the traveler immerses him or herself in the scenery, food, culture, and history of Kyushu. They are a treat to the senses that connects you with the vibrant characteristics of each prefecture and the warmth of the local people.

The journey period covers 17 regular runs from June to September of 2020, in addition to 3 special ones in April and June .

To book your trip online, you only need to complete the form you’ll find on the Seven Stars official webpage and request to make a booking on the Seven Stars . The application period runs from October 1st to October 22nd of 2019 , from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (JST).

This is an enchanting journey that many find emotionally stirring. It is a truly unique experience that will keep bringing a smile to your face long after the trip is over.

Related posts

Related tours & activities.

it is extraordinarily expensive.

A nice tour

Um. Ya. Nice Train. But this is never going to happen in my life time.

Ahahaha…(Cries) I feel you sister, I feel you.

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Kyushu Japan’s Seven Stars Train: History & Costs

Posted on February 03, 2022

For those who value the journey as much as the destination, the luxury sleeper train ‘Seven Stars in Kyushu’ (or the nanatsuboshi no Kyushu) is the best of both. Touring around the Japanese island of Kyushu over the course of four days and three nights, the Seven Stars sleeper train is the peak of luxury rail travel.

Seven Seven

The Seven Stars is named as such for two main reasons. The first is in homage to the seven prefectures of Kyushu, Japan, of which the train travels around five, starting and ending in Hakata Station, Fukuoka. 

The second is for the seven attractions of Kyushu. They are: 

• Hot Springs
• Cultural History
• Power Spots
• Body and Soul

The Seven Stars aims to showcase these seven elements on its journeys, treating guests to a medley of activities, excursions, and foods from Kyushu. These range from meals by top chefs to live musicals and even pottery classes, with many chances to step off the train at key points and attractions.

Want to experience the flavors of Japan but can’t make the journey here? Let Sakuraco help. Sakuraco sends traditional Japanese snacks , sweets, teas, and tableware right to your home straight from local makers, so you can enjoy a taste of Japan anywhere!

Types of Journey

The Seven Stars has two main itineraries: the 4D2N and the 2D1N. 

The 4D2N is the four days, two nights version, and offers one night on the train itself and one night in a luxury ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). This plan tours leisurely across five prefectures in Kyushu, stopping off at various stations along the way. 

The journey takes place on the scenic Hisatsu Orange Railway, where guests can enjoy beautiful Kyushu scenery as they travel. The railway is popular for its coastal views, and passengers can enjoy the countryside as they pass through. 

The itinerary for the 4D plan is packed with activities and tours designed specially for Seven Stars passengers. From train station tours to city sightseeing and on-board workshops, the Seven Stars is catered towards those with an interest or fondness for Japanese or Kyushu culture . 

The 2D1N option stands for two days, one night and treats passengers to a tour of the major tourist attractions of the five prefectures in the northernmost area of Kyushu. 

On this tour, passengers visit Arita, an area in Kyushu known as the ‘gateway to Japan’ in bygone days, which saw a significant amount of travel and was one of the first to develop white clay pottery (such as Imari ware ). Guests have the option of either visiting an Arita kiln, or staying on the train to participate in a kumiko woodwork (a woodworking style without nails) workshop.

Each day sees specially prepared food and stops at luxurious restaurants, especially for passengers to enjoy. With a mixture of French and Japanese cuisine, guests enjoy beautiful meals from top chefs for the entirety of the Seven Stars Kyushu experience. 

Seven Stars Dining

The food served on board Seven Stars reflects the image of luxury that the train encapsulates, with food from top Kyushu chefs and a mix of onboard and offboard dining. You may not see any of Kyushu’s regional ramen varieties , but the food will not disappoint. 

The luxurious Seven Stars dining cars – Jupiter Dining Car and Blue Moon Lounge Car – are extra-special dining cars, featuring wood-paneled interiors and a grand piano. In the Blue Moon Lounge Car, guests can enjoy piano performances during the day and live musical accompaniment during dinner. The Blue Moon Dining Car serves drinks throughout the day, as well as dinner.

The first night on the four day plan sees a lunch of sushi, served at one of Kyuhsu’s top sushi restaurants, Yamanaka, made with fresh fish from the Genkai Sea. For dinner, guests are treated to a Japanese-Italian dish by top chef Tetsuya Kakehashi.

Breakfast for both plans includes a filling, organic breakfast made with locally grown produce at the Kasei restaurant in Aso, which was built especially for the Seven Stars, right next to the train tracks. Guests simply hop off, enter, eat, and can get right back onto the luxurious train straight away. 

Other highlights include a lunch by Michelin-trained chef Kogishi, who uses exclusively Kyushu-sourced ingredients to craft colorful dishes, and dishes by the Seven Stars head chef, adept at creating beautiful bento (Japanese box meals) to suit the occasion. 

Seven Stars Activities

As mentioned, each plan sees its own differing selection of hand-picked activities and entertainment, meaning that each trip is different.

The four- day plan includes sightseeing in Izumi as well as a shichitoi craft workshop on board the train. Guests stay at a local ryokan on the second night and are able to take in the local surroundings, including a nature day on day two, surrounded by the best of Kyushu nature. 

The two-day plan sees a special tour to Kusasenri Plains in Aso, the region of Kyushu with an active volcano, as well as an onboard workshop and a nighttime tour of Nagasaki. 

Seven Stars Interior

The train is the height of luxury, with a wood-panelled interior and sparkling crystal lights, plush furnishings, and fantastically designed rooms.

The guest rooms or carriages consist of 12 standard suites and 2 deluxe suites; some of the latter boasting a floor to ceiling rear window, where guests can enjoy the back view of the train as it speeds along. 

Each room features a sleeping space, lounge area, and a private bathroom, so passengers needn’t move from their personal carriages unless for a scheduled activity. This makes it very popular with the Imperial Family, who often book out several carriages for their entourage.

You were right in guessing that this train is not cheap. All inclusive, with fans including the Imperial Family and aristocracy, the prices reflect this height of luxury as the most expensive train in Japan.

A four night plan costs from ¥830,000 per person (approximately $7,000 USD).

A one night plan costs from ¥402,000 per person (approximately $3,500USD). 

Better get saving…

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Get sakuraco, 3 responses.

I need more details as I am very interested.

It’s very interesting, right? You can Google it and see more information about the Seven Stars! 😊

Just watched a one hour program on the Smithsonian channel regarding the Seven Stars train. It is part of the channel’s Mighty Trains series. Very informative.

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What it's like to ride the Seven Stars Kyushu – Japan's version of the Orient Express

By Melinda Joe

Demand for luxury train travel has surged in the wake of the pandemic. The leisurely pace and atmosphere of Old-World glamour that define these voyages appeal to travellers seeking time for reflection and deeper connections to the people and places encountered along the way. While Europe boasts the Orient Express , Japan ’s Seven Stars in Kyushu represents the pinnacle of luxury rail travel in Asia. Newly renovated last year – and a reader favourite – the Seven Stars celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. With only 10 cabins and a maximum of 20 guests, the deluxe liner elevates the art of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) to new heights.

The Seven Stars Kyushu runs east from Fukuoka to Oita Prefecture, south to Kagoshima Prefecture and then back up through Oita, returning to Fukuoka over the course of three nights and four days

In late August , I climbed aboard the Seven Stars – known as the Nanatsuboshi in Japanese – to find out what it’s like to ride the country’s most elite train. The three-night, four-day Kirishima route runs east from Fukuoka to Oita Prefecture, south to Kagoshima Prefecture and then back up through Oita, returning to Fukuoka. Reservations for tickets are accepted via a lottery system, and slots are already booked solid through 2024. On the morning of our departure from Hakata station, the passengers convened at an exclusive lounge, where crew member Satoko Yamamoto, impeccably dressed in a white conductor’s uniform adorned with gold buttons, briefed me on my itinerary. After a toast to the journey ahead, we were whisked through a priority gate onto the platform.

In true Japanese fashion, the Nanatsuboshi pulled into the station at exactly 10.37am Inside, the magnificent interior, designed by Eiji Mitooka, looks like the stage of an Agatha Christie novel set in a fantasy of Meiji-era Japan: a different type of wood was used for the paneling of each car, and the corridors are decorated with intricately crafted kumiko woodwork lattices and gold fixtures. Craftsmen from the region’s most venerated ateliers have designed every detail, from the shoji paper window screens and Aritayaki porcelain lamps in the guest rooms to the cutlery that punctuates the tables.

The train has two deluxe suites, 183-square-foot rooms with rosewood touches, coffered ceilings, and screens separating the bedroom from the living area

General manager Yoshihiro Shiojima escorted me to room 702, one of the train’s two deluxe suites. The 183-square-foot room, sprawling for a train, and so stunning with rosewood touches, a coffered ceiling, and kumiko screens that separate the bedroom from the living area; the ensuite bathroom is furnished with a cypress-panelled shower, Aveda amenities (the compact but powerful Refa hairdryer is also a nice touch), and a bespoke porcelain basin made by the late master artisan Sakaida Kakiemon XIV. The largest suite, 701, is at the rear of the train and has a fabulous picture window, while each of the 108-square-foot main guest rooms come with seats that convert into bunks.

As we departed Hakata station, groups of children holding burgundy Seven Stars flags and clusters of smartphone-clutching trainspotters waved us off.

Meals aboard the train were elegant affairs. The front dining carriage with its picture window and classic booths was the backdrop to countless impressive and tasty dishes that crossed my table over the next few days. My first lunch on the train set the standards high: kegani crab with grated eggplant and caviar, Chateaubriand steak with Japanese peppers, and sea bass with sweet onion puree. Over the course of the trip, there were creative French and Japanese-inflected Italian (think horse mackerel carpaccio with Kunisaki olive tapenade and homemade pasta tossed with local bottarga), but the meal that I will never forget was a lavish lunch that included soy-simmered gluten with wood ear mushrooms and strands of pressed tofu tossed with shiso pesto and grilled eel dotted with sansho (Japanese pepper) miso. To drink, there was always a selection of Champagnes, wines, sake and Kyushu’s famous shochu.

Meals aboard the train are elegant, French and Japanese-inflected Italian dishes

Laura Fowler

Charlie Hobbs

Olivia Morelli

Connor Sturges

The optional excursions were as memorable as the train itself. Day one took me to the secluded pottery village of Onta, where the artisans eschew electricity in favour of water-powered stamp mills for crushing soil into fine powder, kick wheels, and woodfired collective kilns. Day two concluded with a stay at the spectacular hot-spring resort Tenku no Mori, a Relais & Chateau establishment. With just three villas , the property is spread across a lush expanse in Kagoshima Prefecture encompassing 60 hectares of natural beauty, three duck-filled ponds, and a garden that provides the property’s restaurant with 65 varieties of produce. My villa consisted of two spacious sleeping and living areas, with breathtaking views of the Kirishima Mountains, along with indoor and outdoor onsen (hot spring baths). The following morning, I was taken on a tour through the mountainous landscape on the border between Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, up to the Yatake plain for an open-air lunch overlooking the green valley of Ebino. On the last day, we ventured deep into the forest along a mossy riverbed for a meditation session inside a cave adjacent to the Kumano Magaibutsu, a 26-foot ancient Buddhist relief dating back to the 8th century.

The dining carriage is replete with booths and picture windows framing the stunning views outside.

There was also plenty to do on the train. Activities included a tea ceremony, conducted in the cupboard-sized traditional tearoom decorated with tatami mats, where tea sommelier Naohiro Tsuruta whisked emerald-green matcha in exquisite ceramic cups. For expertly mixed aperitifs, I visited the swanky Kazu Bar, a glittering jewel box in car three with a handful of seats and a midnight-blue ceiling studded with golden stars. Evening entertainment featured live piano and violin music, as well as table-side magic (cooler than you think). But I spent most of the time mesmerised by the view, which moved between thickly forested mountains to verdant rice paddies and charming small towns. On the third day, as we headed back north from Kagoshima along the seaside, I watched smoke curl from the rim of Sakurajima, one of Kyushu’s nine active volcanoes, while sipping a glass of Ruinart to a piano rendition of “The Girl from Ipanema.”

The largest suite, 701, is at the rear of the train and has a fabulous picture window, while each of the 108-square-foot main guest rooms come with seats that convert into bunks

My time on the Seven Stars was one of the most meaningful travel experiences I’ve ever had. At each train station we passed on our journey, little kids and their parents, groups of elderly ladies, and Seven Stars super-fans saluted us with the distinctive double-handed wave used by Kyushu locals to greet loved ones. On the return journey to Fukuoka, I found myself returning it back.

• Discovering Japan Through Flavor
• Experiencing Once-in-a-lifetime Beauty in Japan
• Embodying the Nature and Spirit of Japan
• Uncovering the Legacy of Japanese Craftsmanship
• Embracing Tradition and Culture through Modern Ryokan
• Accommodations
• Arts & Culture
• Natural Wonders
• Unique Journeys
• Hokuriku Shinetsu

Seven Stars in Kyushu

The Seven Stars represents what train travel should be: a journey remarkable not just for the distance covered, but for the travel experience itself. This luxury train is comparable to such fabled trains as the Orient Express and the Blue Train in terms of service and sheer splendor. Step into a dedicated lounge, attended to by expertly-trained staff, then settle into your fabulous suite as the train pulls out of Hakata.

The sleeping carriages adjoin the Jupiter and the Blue Moon dining cars, which serve as a gastronomic theater and an observatory onto the ever-changing scenery. The train moves at a leisurely pace, inviting travelers to reflect on the peacefulness of Kyushu. The interior, with subtle but luxurious decor, with accents by local artisans, is just as conducive to relaxation. There are two different journey lengths, a two-day one-night tour, as well as a four-day three-night voyage, and both are designed to showcase the beauty and wonder of this beautiful island.

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Journey details.

• 4D3N Journey (Jan - Feb 2023)
• 2D1N Journey (Oct 2022 - Mar 2023)
• 4D3N Journey (Mar - Aug 2023)
• 4D3N Journey (Sep 2023)
• 2D1N Journey (Mar - Sep 2023)

The first destination is Hita in Oita Prefecture. You can experience a day filled with the traditions of Oita, with an excursion to Hita and Onta, the traditional pottery village where you will find the pleasant sound of the kara usu wooden clay-crushing devices, or staying on the train for the experience of making geta (wooden clogs) made of Hita cedar, which are a traditional specialty of Hita.

On the second day, you will travel along the Hisatsu Orange Railway and enjoy the glittering azure colored East China Sea and Yatsushiro Sea. Customers who have chosen the off-train excursion will go to the Satsuma ware pottery "Chin Jukan" kiln. Customers staying onboard the train can enjoy the dynamic scenery of the beautiful Kinko Bay and Sakurajima from the train windows. For the accommodation, we will aim for at Kirishima Onsen, a famous hot spring that represents Kyushu.

In the latter half of the trip, the train will travel along the Kitto Line which connects Kagoshima and Miyazaki, for the first time since the start of the Seven Stars operation. Please enjoy the view that can only be seen here and now from the Seven Stars.

The last part of the Cruise Train journey is along the Hohi Main Line, with a view of Mt. You will build up your thoughts on the travel as scenes flow past the train windows on your way to Hakata Station, which is the last station of your trip and a new starting point for your life.

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Travel TW Collabs

Seven Stars in Kyushu Cruise Train: The Most Elegant Way to Discover Kyushu

Introducing Kyushu's luxurious sleeper train – the best way to absorb the region's vivid, emotionally stirring world.

June 23, 2020 Updated On December 28, 2022

To quote Paul Simon, “There’s something about the sound of a train that’s very romantic and nostalgic and hopeful.” Even though these days we’ve all grown more accustomed to other, often faster forms of travel, this sentiment holds true. It’s also precisely the type of emotional experience you want when you’re visiting a glorious region like Kyushu where slowing down to smell the flowers, so to speak, is the best way to appreciate all the island has to offer.

The Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan’s first luxury sleeper train, or cruise train, was launched in 2013 to deliver this very feeling to passengers while also being a novel way to share the wonders of this area with the world.

Not only will you be treated to first-class service, gourmet cuisine and one-of-a-kind cabin suites decorated by artisans, you’ll also enjoy a leisurely ride through the diverse nature of the island and enriching encounters with locals – along with a sense of being transported back to the sophisticated days of rail travel.

The deluxe train’s name is a nod to the fact it boasts seven carriages, takes you through all seven prefectures, and embraces Kyushu’s seven top drawcards, namely nature, food, history and culture, onsen (hot springs), “power spots”, humanity, and trains.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the best feature of The Seven Stars in Kyushu. Is it the radiant royal wine red color, described as the hue of ancient lacquer, of the train’s exterior (embellished with the seven prefecture names written in gold)? Is it the panoramic windows inviting in views of the shimmering ocean and verdant mountains? Is it the Lounge Car’s “Blue Moon” saloon where you can sip on drinks at the bar while being entertained by a live piano performance?

Some guests have even remarked that, for them, the most charming part was interacting with the onboard crew and the welcoming Kyushu locals they met along the way (keep an eye out for residents waving flags and hands at the train along the route).

Whatever it is that makes the experience unforgettable for you, there is no doubt you’ll leave with the essence of Kyushu imprinted on your soul.

Seven Stars in Kyushu Recommended Journeys

Operating on a 3,000km-long railroad, The Seven Stars in Kyushu offers a range of seasonal journeys. Here are the two main courses:

4 Days 3 Nights  

This plan is full of nature, cuisine, history and adventure with off-board excursions along the way. Explore five out of the seven prefectures (Fukuoka, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Kumamoto) and enjoy a one-night stay at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) in Yufuin, known for its beautiful hot springs. Experience making local crafts from Kunisaki, a guided tour of Tsuno Winery, a Kumiko woodwork workshop and more. From ¥688,000-¥1,647,000 per person.

2 Days 1 Night

Leading you through Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki and Oita, this route lets you stop off at a historic pottery kiln in Arita and explore the untouched countryside of Yufuin. Also tuck into Japanese food including a boxed bento with local ingredients. From ¥321,000-¥800,000 per person.

Note: The details of these courses are subject to change. Please check the website for updates.

Reservations are accepted twice a year at www.cruisetrain-sevenstars.jp/english/application/

More info at www.cruisetrain-sevenstars.jp/english/

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Seven Stars in Kyushu-11 things you need to know before riding this luxury Japanese Train

The Japanese are known for the affinity towards train travel and they have perfected over the last 100 years to make it what it is today. Trains are not only a way to get from one place to another in Japan, but they are a way of recreation that the modern traveler may not even consider.

Luxury train travel in Japan is so popular that now you must enter a lottery system and hope that your number gets picked in order to partake in this adventurous way of exploring the country. However, don’t let that deter you. There are many train excursions you can choose from and the Seven Stars in Kyushu is just one of them.

• 1 What is special about Kyushu, Japan?
• 2 What is the Seven Stars in Kyushu Train?
• 3 What are the Seven Stars in Kyushu Prefecture loop?
• 4 What will I see on the Seven Stars in Kyushu train?
• 5 How much does the Seven Stars in Kyushu cost?
• 6 How do I book a trip on the Seven Stars in Kyushu train?
• 7 What are the sleepers car like on the Seven Stars in Kyushu train?
• 8 What are meals like on the Seven Stars in Kyushu?
• 9.0.1 Yufuin Tamanoyu
• 9.0.2 Kamenoi Besso
• 9.0.3 Sansou Murata 
• 10 When is the best time to visit Kyushu, Japan?
• 11 Is the Seven Stars in Kyushu worth it?

What is special about Kyushu, Japan?

Kyushu, Japan is an island that many will flee to in order to get away from the mundane monotony of life and experience a land that is rich in extremes. From the ongoing seismic activity that has perfectly shaped this ancient landscape, to the healing hot springs that dot the island, to the craggy trails and the abyss of the craters that cover the land, there is something captivating about this playground for the adventurous.

What is the Seven Stars in Kyushu Train?

The Seven Stars in Kyushu train is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. The train will travel the circumference of the Kyushu Island and introduce you to the incredible beauty that is so unique to this part of Japan. The Seven Stars train is very exclusive and only accommodates 23 guests per trip. Therefore, getting tickets can be quite tricky.

What are the Seven Stars in Kyushu Prefecture loop?

The Seven Stars in Kyushu refer to three things when referencing this luxurious train trip in which you are about to embark. First, there are seven prefectures in Kyushu in which you will travel through. Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures are the counties that make up this stunning loop that the train will travel through on its more than 1,800 mile trek.

Secondly, there are seven carriages that make up the passenger amenities on the train. These include the lounge car called “The Blue Moon, the salon car called “The Jupiter”, the tea room, the bar, the gallery shop and guest rooms.

Lastly, the Seven Stars reference the seven elements you will experience while on your trip. Natural scenery, food culture, characteristic hot springs, history, energy fields, customs and train scenery.

What will I see on the Seven Stars in Kyushu train?

The Seven Stars will take you to an island that boasts hot springs, active volcanoes, gorgeous lakes and the cutest little towns with towering mountains looming over. Enjoy ryokans that serve delectable meals and tea services that bestow Japanese traditions that have lasted through time.

How much does the Seven Stars in Kyushu cost?

The cost of traveling on the Seven Stars varies with the length of your trip and the type of accommodations you choose. You can choose a 4-day , 3 night trip which can cost anywhere from $5,400 to $11,000. The 2-day and 1 night itinerary starts at $2,550. The third through seventh cars on the train are the sleeping carriages, consisting of twelve standard rooms as well as two deluxe suites.

How do I book a trip on the Seven Stars in Kyushu train?

Booking a trip on the Seven Stars is not as easy as going online, picking a date and paying the fare. You must fill out an application by going to the Seven Stars website. From here, you will be notified as to whether there will be a lottery.

Because there are so many that want to take this unbelievable trip, there is always a lottery. If you are chosen, then you will be notified and can book your trip. In my experience, it’s always the trips where there are lotteries involved that are the best!

What are the sleepers car like on the Seven Stars in Kyushu train?

The sleeper cars on the Seven Stars train are unlike anything you have probably experienced. The fine fabrics, the dark and warm woods and the elegant interiors feel like you have entered the pages of “The Great Gatsby”. You will want for nothing as you lounge in either a standard or deluxe room.

Enjoy foldable sofas that convert to a bed by night as well as showers and toilets. However, the view is the showstopper in these sleeper cars. In the Deluxe Suite, you will find a rear window that stretches across the entire car as well as a private lounge and bathroom.

What are meals like on the Seven Stars in Kyushu?

Meals are one of the many highlights of the Seven Stars trip. Renowned chefs from the region take special seasonal ingredients from the island’s natural resources and exquisitely seek to wow and amaze you through your tastebuds. You can also get a taste of Kyushu through the restaurants you’ll have an opportunity to try at each stop.

On board you will be served meals like Fukiyose, which are herbal steamed chicken with ginkgo shaped crisps, roast pork with vegetables, Shiraae, which is tofu and sweet potato in a white sesame sauce, taro potato croquette and Japanese pickles. In fact, the meals on board the Seven Stars are so amazing, you even get dessert with your breakfast!

What is a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese style of accommodation that includes futons, tatami straw mat floors and Japanese architecture and style. By taking a trip on the Seven Stars, you will have an opportunity to disembark and stay at a ryokan for one night. Choosing one may be difficult, however, they are all of the highest standard.

Yufuin Tamanoyu

This ryokan was once a sanitorium for Zen priests. The traditional feel of the ryokan has been left in tact, but a modern touch has been added to the 16 separate guest rooms spread over the 2.5 acre heavily forested property.

Kamenoi Besso

If you like lakeside living, then the Kamenoi Besso is the ryokan that you should select on your itinerary. Fifteen cottages dot the shores of Lake Kinrin and the beauty it exudes. You can also enjoy private onsen or hot springs right outside your door.

Sansou Murata 

If a more modern design is closer to your liking, then choose Sansou Murata. Although you can select a traditional Japanese ryokan, a modern ryokan is also available on the property. Traditional Japanese cuisine is also served at this ryokan.

When is the best time to visit Kyushu, Japan?

Springtime is the best time to visit Kyushu. The cherry trees are in full bloom, the poppies are gorgeous and the sun is warm and inviting. If you choose to go on some excursions, the weather is generally free of storms and the air temperature is pleasant.

Is the Seven Stars in Kyushu worth it?

The Seven Stars train is totally worth it and is an experience that you have to give yourself if ever in Japan. To see the miracles of nature, the wonders of history and the taste of the region is an adventure that you can’t get anywhere else.

We recommend taking the Shinkansen Bullet train to get to Kyushu, which will give you the experience of both fast and slow train travel in Japan.

Wendy Edwards

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To Ride One of Japan's Most Luxurious Trains, You First Have to Win a Lottery

J apan’s train travel opportunities are not limited to the bullet trains , AKA the Shinkansen. While the country is at the forefront of high-speed train technology (Japan holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest Maglev train in the world , which can reach a top speed of 374.68 mph), it also knows how to create extremely luxurious rail travel experiences.

Enter the Seven Stars in Kyushu, a train so exclusive that you have to win a lottery to ride it. Indeed, despite the fact that it costs thousands of dollars to take a trip on board this train, you need to fill in an application form to even be considered as a potential passenger. That’s because there’s very limited space on board the Seven Stars in Kyushu, which has can accommodate a maximum of 20 sleeping guests .

The Seven Stars in Kyushu: What is it like on board?

The Seven Stars in Kyushu is a small train, composed of only seven cars — one for each of the seven prefectures of the island of Kyushu where it operates. Of those seven cars, one hosts the piano lounge/bar space where passengers can enjoy drinks, live music, and the views thanks to large windows; one is the salon car where travelers can relax and socialize in comfortable armchairs and sofas, as well as enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the small tea room; and the remaining five are dedicated to passengers’ personal quarters, with 10 guest rooms (eight suites and two deluxe suites). All guest rooms feature private en suites.

What makes the Seven Stars in Kyushu stand out is exactly what makes other luxury trains, like the famed Orient Express , so attractive: the striking interior, the high level of service, and the gourmet food. Despite the destinations and activities offered being extremely exciting and high end, it’s really what goes on on board that appeals to travelers. On board the Seven Stars in Kyushu, the decor is strikingly elegant, with an abundance of fine woodwork crafted by local artists who carry out traditional crafts in the 21st century, and potters who create ceramics for every day use on board the train according to time-honored traditions.

When does the Seven Stars in Kyushu run and how can I apply?

Photo: KYUSHU RAILWAY COMPANY

The Seven Stars in Kyushu operates from April to August and from September to February. During each time period, there are two different trips available, one two-day trip and one four-day trip. Applicants must apply for the time period that suits them best but they don’t get to select a preferred trip. Applications for the April 2024 to August 2024 journeys are currently closed, and applications for the September 2024 to February 2025 journeys will close at the end of March, so hurry and fill out the necessary form if you want a shot at riding one of the world’s most luxurious trains.

How much does it cost to ride the Seven Stars in Kyushu?

The price of riding this very special train varies according to the length of the trip, the type of suite you stay in (regular suite or deluxe), and whether you’re traveling alone or as a pair (with traveling alone being more pricey).

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DISCOVER KYUSHU IN STYLE WHILE ABOARD THE “SEVEN STARS IN KYUSHU” – A LUXURY CRUISE TRAIN!

The lovely island of Kyushu is an idyllic paradise among Japan’s islands, with a natural landscape that includes lush forests, picturesque volcanoes, and beautiful coastline. Its beauty is enhanced with a charming local culture and history, similar to yet also distinct from the culture of the mainland. This enchanting island is inhabited by communities of friendly and welcoming locals, who still practice a more traditional Japanese hospitality. As the smallest island of Japan’s Big Four, Kyushu is often overlooked by many tours to the Land of the Rising Sun, considering the powerful draw of cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. But if you are planning a second visit to Japan, or just really love beautiful nature and the thought of discovering one of Japan’s less-traveled corners, a luxurious excursion aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu Cruise Train is an ideal way to travel this gorgeous island.

THE CONCEPT OF SEVEN STARS IN KYUSHU

The Cruise Train “Seven Stars in Kyushu” is a deluxe excursion train that travels through the seven pastoral prefectures of gorgeous Kyushu Island. Having opened in October of 2013, it is Japan’s first luxury excursion train, and is among the finest in terms of elegant design, comfortable travel, and homegrown hospitality. It has been described by Seven Stars’ designer Eiji Mitooka to be like “a spacecraft bound on a journey to discover the unknown in Kyushu,” comparing the luxury train to the image of a “galactic railroad” leisurely rocketing through Kyushu’s stellar landscape. A trip on Kyushu Seven Stars certainly is an out-of-this-world experience; the splendid countryside panoramas that zoom into view from the train’s generous windows brings out the island’s naturally enchanting and mysterious allure. The “Seven Stars” in the name is a reference to both the seven train cars and the seven prefectures of the island, which each carry their own unique local charms. However, you can also think of the “Seven Stars in Kyushu” when considering the exceptional attractions of this less-traveled arcadia – its history, its captivating culture, its rejuvenating hot springs, its spiritual “power spots” to energize the body and mind, its welcoming brand of local hospitality, and of course, its breathtaking natural splendor. The ultimate goal of this journey is to celebrate the unique charms of Kyushu in elegant relaxation and comfort.

THE COMFORT OF A CRUISE TRAIN

This luxurious train has seven train cars tinged in a wine-red color to suggest traditional lacquer, and the inside is no less elegant, with warm wood paneling and large, panoramic windows that present the best views of Kyushu to every passenger. The train has 14 comfortable guest rooms, each supporting a pair of travelers. This includes 12 regular suites (11 Twin Rooms, 1 Double Room) that are a glorious blend of Western and Japanese tastes, with rich wooden interiors, soft lighting, soft beds, and of course, clear viewing windows to enjoy the passing landscape. You can count on private restroom and shower facilities of the finest quality in each suite. While suites are comfortable and include Wi-Fi (although reception may be spotty depending on where you are in the mountains), TVs are absent – the goal being to encourage passengers to mingle with each other and enjoy the delightful views together. The last two suites are deluxe suites designed to maximize personal relaxation and comfort. The classy design of these suites include Japanese furnishings accented with various Western comforts complemented by a stylish, hand-crafted interior décor. Between Deluxe Suite A and B, it’s Suite A that is the most coveted for its magnificent wall-to-wall window giving guests a spectacular view of Kyushu’s landscape. It is generally a good idea, no matter which kind of suite you are intending to book, to make your reservation at least a year in advance. Aside from the suite cars, there is a lounge car called “Blue Moon” which offers an excellent place to relax and meet fellow passengers. This saloon car offers drinks to relax the body, live piano performances to soothe the mind, and of course, plenty of space to chat and take in the sight of the gorgeous countryside. There is also the dining car, called “Jupiter,” which celebrates the cuisine of Kyushu with dishes using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, carefully prepared by onboard expert chefs, and brought to your table by attentive staff.

THE TRAIN ROUTES – A JOURNEY ACROSS KYUSHU

There are two all-inclusive journeys to choose from, and each presents a unique vision of Kyushu: a 2-day, 1-night journey that wraps around the northern part of the island and over to Nagasaki, and a 4-day, 3-night journey that takes guests down to the southern prefecture of Kagoshima along the gorgeous eastern coastline. Each journey offers unique sightseeing opportunities, local cultural activities, and regional cuisines, and all experiences on board are of the highest quality. Please be aware while you browse these journeys from the 2022 schedule that details are subject to change depending on season or availability.

2-Day, 1 Night Journey

The shorter journey lasts two days and one night and is an adventure into the history and tradition through five northern Kyushu prefectures – Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Oita. Day 1 departs after a welcome ceremony at Hakata Station, giving you three hours to settle into your suite, enjoy a delicious lunch (prepared by Michelin-star chef Akihiro Kogishi), and explore the beautiful train before arriving in Arita. Arita, being a birthplace of Japanese pottery, maintains the traditional artisanship of its past. While here, you have the option of sightseeing the various old-fashioned kilns in the town, which still produce lovely porcelain. You can also remain onboard for a refreshing teatime and an introduction to a local brand of decorative woodworking known as “Kumiko,” which comes from Fukuoka prefecture and decorates the interior of the Seven Stars Train. You will have the opportunity to try Kumiko-making for yourself under the guidance of an expert craftsperson. The train continues from there to Haiki Station and down along the coast to Nagasaki. Along the way, dinner is served: a French cuisine made from Nagasaki ingredients, reflecting the influence from Japan’s longstanding “Gateway to the West.” On the way, be sure not to miss the gorgeous sunset over Omura Bay, also known as Koto-no-Umi (Japanese Harp Lake), before turning in for the night. On Day 2, after passing Tosu Station in the early morning hours, you arrive at the town of Aso – home to Japan’s largest active volcano (and one of the largest in the world). Its massive caldera is about 120 kilometers around. By the station is a special restaurant exclusive for Kyushu Seven Stars passengers: Restaurant Kasei Olmo Coppia, which serves Kyushu cuisine sourced from local organic ingredients – some of which are grown in the chef’s own garden! While there, enjoy a bus tour of the Kusasenri Plains, an idyllic grassland near Mount Aso. Enjoy tea onboard while on the way to Oita Station, where you will savor a meal cooked by the Seven Stars Head Chef as the train makes its way back up towards Hakata. The train passes through Yufuin, a beautiful mountainous resort town, before the Seven Stars Farewell Event on the way back to Hakata Station and the end of this Cruise Train Tour.

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See Inside Japan's Stunning Luxury Train with a Traditional Tea Room on Board

The exclusive Seven Stars train boasts elevated food and drink, grand suites with private showers, and sweeping views of Kyushu.

Maria Yagoda is a senior editor at Food & Wine, where she has worked for five years, specializing in restaurant and travel coverage.

Courtesy of Seven Stars

In October, Japan reopened its borders to foreign tourists, reinstating visa-free entry after nearly three years of pandemic restrictions. The country is full of dreamy potential vacations, from immersive food tours of the countryside to biking expeditions to craft breweries . However, one of the coolest, time-honored ways to experience Japan remains by train . And one train, in particular, stands out above all the rest as the pinnacle of luxury.

The elegant, seven-car Seven Stars train travels through Japan’s island of Kyushu, stopping in each of its prefectures. It’s a beautiful way to experience the landscape of Kyushu, but the amenities on board are enough to captivate passengers’ attention. 

RELATED : This Sake Train Running Through Japan Is Pure Magic  

“Seven Stars in Kyushu” launched in 2013 to offer scenic 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 on the train, which has just ten suites (outfitted with Japanese furniture and massive picture windows) and a few gorgeous places to eat and drink.

The lavish train also boasts gold-embellished windows and viewing seats in the first and seventh cars. But what is perhaps its greatest feature is its traditional ryurei-style tea room, which “is decorated with tatami mats like a teahouse,” reads the train’s website . 

There’s also an elegant salon car with self-service drinks and a saloon car with those aforementioned picture windows. “Sip drinks at the bar and mingle with fellow passengers in the modern Japanese atmosphere as the pleasant sound of the live piano performance tinkles in the background,” the site adds. “Enjoy the starry sky that peers in from the panoramic windows with a glass of bliss in your hand and relax on the sofas to take in the stunning views that pass by.” 

The train travels along a 3,000-kilometer route through Kyushu, with different journeys depending on guests’ interests. Though any food-centric traveler should look into its three-night, four-day trip devoted entirely to Kyushu’s cuisine, with stand-out meals in different prefectures. On day three, for example, the journey stops at the city of Miyazaki for a memorable bento experience using local Kirishima cedar, “which have been carefully collected at the expert judgment of previous generations are dried naturally for many years before use … Dishes made from local ingredients are packed in bento boxes made of ‘wood with vital energy.’”

On day four, breakfast is at Murezuru Shuzo, featuring “‘watadamai’ (rice for presentation to the Imperial Family) cooked in the oven of the cellar of the Murezuru Shuzo brewery, and ‘Torijiru’ chicken soup.” 

RELATED: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Is Launching the Ultimate Train Trip Through France and Italy for Champagne Lovers

The Seven Stars journeys sell out quickly, and applications for spring to fall trips in 2023 have already been closed. To get in on the adventure next time, stay peeled to its website . 

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This Luxe Overnight Train on One of the Japan's Most Scenic Islands Is Getting an Upgrade

All aboard!

Japan's new plan to test tourism is officially underway , so now may be the right time to start looking into your luxurious return to Japan by rail. And your overnight train ride through one of Japan's most scenic islands is about to get an upgrade.

In April, Seven Stars , the luxury sleeper car experience by Kyushu Railway Co., announced plans to upgrade its already spectacular train. The new-and-improved train will hit the railroad in October 2022. It currently operates on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu.

The railway company will refurbish its luxury sleeper service, including reducing the number of guests on board at one time to ensure improved service for passengers. The upgrade plan, the company shared in a statement, will reduce the number of guest rooms from 14 to 10, and will now set the maximum capacity to 20 passengers per ride.

Beyond reducing the number of guest rooms, Seven Stars will also get a new tea room and salon so guests can spread out even more on the train.

According to Japan News , this is the first refurbishment for the Seven Stars train since its introduction to service in 2013. Beyond the new tea room, the train's dining area, which was housed in the first and second cars, will now be found in just the first car. There, guests will dine on seasonal fare prepared by the train's master chefs. The second car will also be transformed into a gorgeous salon, allowing guests to move smoothly between dinner and drinks. The third car, which was previously one of the passenger cabins, will now feature a lounge bar alongside a premium shop stocked with crafts and goods sourced from around Kyushu.

The train's interiors harken back to a slower, more magical time in travel thanks to its use of rich, dark woods, luxurious fabrics, and soft lighting that seems to sway with the train's subtle movements. Its massive picture windows allow guests to take in the epic views from every single seat. Or, guests can choose to retire to their rooms, which come with the same throwback styling as the rest of the train but include the modern amenity of a private bathroom.

The train offers one, two, three, and four-night packages. Following the completion of the update, rates will start at $5,085 (¥650,000) per passenger for a one-night journey.

Seven Stars in Kyushu Train

Kyushu, Japan

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Sleeping car excursion train which showcases the island of Kyushu, known for its active volcanoes, beaches and natural hot springs! The train is features the best in Japanese artistry. Everything is custom made and unique… handmade porcelain sinks, panels of “kumiko” traditional Japanese woodwork, and an incredible tea room. It’s the best onboard rail experience with exceptional cuisine.

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Katie Cadar

Maike cenci, tracey kleber, karen murphy, christine chalmers, heidi hoehn, more about this experience.

This is considered one of the most luxurious train experiences in the world. I was extremely lucky to have been confirmed onboard and able to be treated like a queen in my lifetime!

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Seven Stars Cruise Train – the unique way to travel through Japan’s Kyushu Island

In the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan is embracing international visitors as never before; and the country is encouraging travellers to go beyond the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, to discover the country’s other islands and cities.

Well, if one ever needed an incentive to explore the verdant island of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands, then look no further than the Seven Stars ; writes Andrew Forbes .

This gleaming, deep burgundy train, adorned with polished brass lettering has a timeless elegance akin to the world’s classic luxury sleeper trains, yet with quintessential Japanese style, from exquisite ‘kumiko’ wooden latticework; delicate paper shoji window screens; to elaborate meals prepared with typical Japanese attention to detail.

The Seven Stars train cruises the striking landscapes of Kyushu island, renowned for its stunning volcanic landscape of national parks and hot springs.

The Seven Stars train cruises the striking landscapes of Kyushu island…

Japan is made up of an extraordinary archipelago of hundreds of inhabited islands, extending more than 3,000 km from north to south, running through various climate zones. There are four main islands including Hokkaido in the north, Honshu (the main island where one finds Tokyo, Kyoto and Mt Fuji), Shikoku Island, and then Kyushu in the south.

My Seven Stars experience began at the gleaming new Hakata station. My luggage, labelled with elegant tags with the gold star logo of the train, was taken aboard whilst I proceeded to the Seven Stars Kinsei departure lounge. One leaves behind the pristine glass, steel and marble atriums of the modern station and enters an exclusive club lounge filled with the gentle melodies of the pianist and violinist.

At my table, I am offered a chilled sparkling sake and mango mouse. The train manager greets us and then the musicians play the rousing anthem of the Seven Stars – it’s certainly begun to build into a sense of occasion, creating anticipation for the moment when we board the Seven Stars train.

Although evoking nostalgia for a bygone era of luxury private train travel, the Seven Stars is very much a 21st-century creation. Launched in 2013, this purpose-built luxury cruiser was the idea of Koji Karaike, the boss of the Kyushu rail company which brought the Shinkansen bullet train to the island. His passion for Kyushu, and his desire to showcase the island to the world, led him in 2011 to commission the world’s most modern luxury sleeper train. Nothing would derail his focus, as within 2 years his dream was a reality.

The brief was to make the Seven Stars the best train in the world…

Every element of the design and construction of the train’s seven carriages was profoundly researched and considered by a specialist team led by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. Here the focus wasn’t the legendary speed of Japan’s bullet trains, but the luxury and exclusivity of the world’s finest sleeper trains. The brief was to make the Seven Stars the best luxury train in the world and incorporate the wealth of artisan talent from Kysuhu.

Once finally aboard the train, it has immediate impact. Everything is immaculate – from the gleaming polished hardwood floors, and the rich wood-panelled walls to the engraved glass carriage doors. The uniformed crew move with almost choreographed finesse throughout the train – always smiling and frequently bowing.

As we pull away from the station, crowds of people along the platform enthusiastically wave; whilst on board the crew huddle around the windows waving back, encouraging us to do the same. It’s a childlike moment of excitement and joy that is to be repeated each time the train departs a station. In fact, the Seven Stars is an icon of considerable regional pride.

Each town along the route is honoured by the inclusion in the train’s itinerary and as we disembark at each destination, we are met by typical Japanese mascots, and treated as visiting dignitaries.

My cabin was ready and waiting for me, but first I headed to the lounge at the end of the train, evocatively called ‘Blue Moon’. Towards the lounge, one passes examples of Kyushu artisan fretwork. Created by Masato Kinoshita, one of Kyushu’s most famous woodworkers, these panels are really pieces of art – and a testament to the craftsmanship of Kyushu island.

The entire end of the carriage is one large picture window, allowing you to experience luxury rail travel from a unique perspective.

The crew are ever-attentive, and poured welcoming glasses of champagne before serving a generous brunch in the dining car.

This isn’t the first time I’ve travelled in style on a private train, but this level of service and style takes luxury train travel to new heights.

Seven Stars may not have the heritage of say the Orient Express, but what this new train lacks in history is more than made up for with exceptional quality, service and exclusivity. I had guessed that the Seven Stars name referred to this the high of attentive service; yet it is in fact a reflection of the seven prefectures, or provinces, that make up the island of Kyushu. The island’s culture, cuisine and creativity is showcased on-board and during the excursions.

I was given suite 603, one of 12 refined cabins in the 5 sleeper cars. There are also two additional deluxe suites; number 702 which accommodates 3 people; and the largest, 701 right at the end of the train. When the locomotive is at the other end, guests in 701 can enjoy their private salon and from the sofa gaze out of the huge window.

My suite is compact, at around 10 square metres, but thanks to a high ceiling and clever design, it feels comfortable. During the day, the twin beds are small sofas, and there is a desk that runs along one wall.

some additional, distinctly Japanese features…

The style is classic, nostalgic of the belle époque Pullman carriages of Europe, with radiant woodwork, brass fittings and vintage lights. Yet there were contemporary features such as A/C, telephone, mood lighting and some additional, distinctly Japanese features.

Firstly, the cabin has two different sized windows – one panoramic, the other tall and narrow, dressed with elegant bamboo blinds, delicate paper screens and wooden shutters. Once in the private ensuite shower room, there are more signature details, including a stunning handmade porcelain wash hand basin from the Kakiemon kiln – we were to visit the pottery on one of the excursions.

The ensuite was very well-appointed. Of course, there was an electronic Japanese bidet W.C., but also a full-size shower lined with Japanese hinoki cypress wood, together with a little cypress wooden stool. In a country where bathing is taken so very seriously, its unsurprising that the designers didn’t skimp in the shower room.

A Pandora’s box of bathroom amenities was left for me –  opening it, revealed different-sized containers that fitted together like a puzzle – each containing a luxury amenity and of course the ubiquitous Japanese face and body cloth.

Whilst indulging at dinner expect one’s cabin to be prepared for the night. Aboard the Seven Stars which means that as well as having the bed made, there will be embroidered white pyjamas laid out for you too!

The bed is narrow – but relatively comfortable; and thankfully the train was in a secure siding during the night so there was no movement to disturb me, although it gently shuddered to life early the next morning. I think it would have been a treat to have a double bed in the cabin as one has on say the Transcantabrico train in Spain.

The Cuisine

Dining aboard the Seven Stars was without a doubt the best gastronomy that I’ve enjoyed on a luxury train. I shouldn’t have been surprised, since when I passed the galley kitchen on the way to the ‘Jupiter’ dining car, I clocked at least 5 chefs deftly negotiating the cramped space, each smartly attired in chefs’ whites.

The Japanese lunch commenced with a bento tray of bite-size starters – as much a visual feast as a culinary one.

My advice is to pace yourself with eating – the food doesn’t stop coming. A few hours later expect delightful afternoon tea treats from the  Patisserie Muguet by Ryuji Ikeda, an acclaimed Kyushu pastry chef. The choice is tempting; delicate, pastel-coloured macarons, green tea biscuits, hazelnut madeleines, and chocolate bonbons. I devour a ‘Pandora’ cake – a handmade chocolate sphere, that when gently opened for me by one of the uniformed waiters, reveals a smooth nutty filling made from Kyushu chestnuts, from Kumamoto.

As much a visual feast as a culinary one…

Dinner was a gala affair, and everyone dressed for the occasion. I was reticent at first to don my bow tie, but the atmosphere was superb and in retrospect, I’m pleased that the Seven Stars encourages a fairly strict dress code on the train; it certainly helps maintain the magic on-board.

Chef Akara Kawabata had joined the train, to create the gourmet, seven course meal accompanied by champagne and Japanese wines and sake –  we were clearly on track for a very special evening.

Cocktails at the bar accompanied by the pianist and violinist led into a gastronomic evening, that ended with an extraordinary performance by a musician who joined the train as we pulled into Nagasaki station.

The musician wowed us a performance using a two-string bow called an ‘Er-hu’; it is known as a Chinese violin. But instead of being held horizontally from the shoulder, she held it vertically from her waist.

Breakfast was probably the most striking meal for me, as I opted to enjoy a traditional Japanese start to the day – an appetising tray of delicacies from Bungo, in the Oita prefecture, in the northeast of Kyushu.

Small servings in tiny ebony boxes, bamboo cups and woven baskets included vegetables, pressed with salmon; a small rolled omelette; grilled mackerel; deep-fried tofu; miso soup; boiled beef; rice; pickles – and finally a precisely prepared boiled egg. What a beautiful start to the day!

The Excursions

In its bid to showcase the best of Kyushu, the train tour includes visits to cultural and natural highlights of the island. For example, the train stops at Arita for a guided visit to the prestigious Kakiemon pottery. The family are the pioneers of the famous over-glazed porcelain from the area. The visit included special behind-the-scenes access, as well as meeting with Kakiemon XV, the present artistic director, a direct descendent of Sakaida Kakiemo who created the family kiln in the 17 th century.

There is also an excursion to visit Lake Kinrin, offering quintessential Japanese scenes of maple trees overhanging the hot spring lake.

On the longer itinerary, there is a night’s stay at a classic country inn, or Ryokan, where guests can enjoy Kyushu’s famous hot springs.

Information

There are two main itineraries, of either 2 or 4 days, offering a unique way to enjoy the island, cruising some of its 3,000 km of track.

Prices for the 2-day, 1-night tour start from ¥480,000 (about £2,600)

Prices for the 4-day, 3-night tour start from ¥950,000 (about £5,200)

www.cruisetrain-sevenstars.com

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Inside world’s most luxurious train costing passengers £2,400 a night with panoramic windows and your very own butler

• Aiya Zhussupova , Foreign News Reporter
• Published : 12:50 ET, Apr 26 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

JAPAN is famed for its ultra-fast bullet trains - but this lavish train journey is one of its kind.

The Seven Stars is the first luxury sleeper train in the country which offers a unique experience like nowhere else.

Launched in 2013, the sleeper train became an instant hit with tickets selling out at lightning speed each year.

The demand is so high that passengers often have to enter a lottery for a berth on Japan’s very own Oriental Express.

And it is no wonder since the Seven Stars is more akin to a lush cruise ship than a regular train.

Passengers embark on a 1,800-mile journey from Hakata station in Fukuoka where they can wait for the "cruise train" in an exclusive lounge.

The Seven Stars adopted its name from its route which stops at seven prefectures of Kyushu island.

At each stop, the guests can explore the culture, cuisine and craftsmanship of the local area which is far cry from the modern Japan .

They are offered excursions to visit the island's nature and hot springs while learning its rich history on two-day itineraries.

But inside the train, there is still plenty to captivate the passengers' attention.

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The train has ten en-suite rooms and two deluxe suites which cost about £2,400 a night.

Every room is complete with its own shower, toilet and an air conditioner.

The deluxe suites can accommodate up to three people, and allows them to enjoy the scenic journey from the comfort of their room.

The wall-to-wall panoramic window opens up to the view of picturesque green mountains and sky-blue tranquil sea.

The world-class chefs prepare fresh 10-course meals for the especially hungry passengers which they can enjoy to the sounds of grand piano.

The bar which serves drinks day and night is also accompanied by live musical entertainment.

In the tea room, the guests are immersed in the best of Japan 's traditions as the interior is decorated with the customary tatami mats.

The car at the rear also features a large bay window to enjoy the scenery.

The website said: "Enjoy the starry sky that peers in from the panoramic windows with a glass of bliss in your hand and relax on the sofas to take in the stunning views that pass by."

Meanwhile, the UK boasts its own posh train where passengers can enjoy champagne and six course dinners.

The Northern Belle imitates the luxury of the 1930s while travelling through the UK countryside with departures from London Victoria.

Another fancy train journey in the UK is the four-night Welsh Dragon holiday, run by Steam Dreams Rail Co.

Travelling from London Paddington through  Wales , there is an onboard bar as well as a dining car with a specially made menu.

Starting from £995pp, the steam train trip is set to run this September.

A new luxury train service is also set to launch in Italy with an onboard cocktail bar, private cabins and other lavish touches.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express recreates the atmosphere of the 1960s Italy, all while passing through some of the country's most popular holiday hotspots.

Saudi Arabia doesn't lag behind its European counterparts and has revealed its latest ambitious plan for a luxury train cruise.

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Dubbed "Dream of the Dessert", the new train will offer “luxury train cruise” journeys from the capital city of Riyadh to Qurayyat, which is situated close to the northern border with Jordan, the state media reports.

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Inside world’s most luxurious train costing passengers £2,400 a night with panoramic windows and your very own butler

• Aiya Zhussupova , Foreign News Reporter
• Published : 17:50, 26 Apr 2024
• Updated : 1:12, 27 Apr 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

JAPAN is famed for its ultra-fast bullet trains - but this lavish train journey is one of its kind.

The Seven Stars is the first luxury sleeper train in the country which offers a unique experience like nowhere else.

Launched in 2013, the sleeper train became an instant hit with tickets selling out at lightning speed each year.

The demand is so high that passengers often have to enter a lottery for a berth on Japan’s very own Oriental Express.

And it is no wonder since the Seven Stars is more akin to a lush cruise ship than a regular train.

Passengers embark on a 1,800-mile journey from Hakata station in Fukuoka where they can wait for the "cruise train" in an exclusive lounge.

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The Seven Stars adopted its name from its route which stops at seven prefectures of Kyushu island.

At each stop, the guests can explore the culture, cuisine and craftsmanship of the local area which is far cry from the modern Japan .

They are offered excursions to visit the island's nature and hot springs while learning its rich history on two-day itineraries.

But inside the train, there is still plenty to captivate the passengers' attention.

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The train has ten en-suite rooms and two deluxe suites which cost about £2,400 a night.

Every room is complete with its own shower, toilet and an air conditioner.

The deluxe suites can accommodate up to three people, and allows them to enjoy the scenic journey from the comfort of their room.

The wall-to-wall panoramic window opens up to the view of picturesque green mountains and sky-blue tranquil sea.

The world-class chefs prepare fresh 10-course meals for the especially hungry passengers which they can enjoy to the sounds of grand piano.

The bar which serves drinks day and night is also accompanied by live musical entertainment.

In the tea room, the guests are immersed in the best of Japan 's traditions as the interior is decorated with the customary tatami mats.

The car at the rear also features a large bay window to enjoy the scenery.

The website said: "Enjoy the starry sky that peers in from the panoramic windows with a glass of bliss in your hand and relax on the sofas to take in the stunning views that pass by."

Meanwhile, the UK boasts its own posh train where passengers can enjoy champagne and six course dinners.

The Northern Belle imitates the luxury of the 1930s while travelling through the UK countryside with departures from London Victoria.

Another fancy train journey in the  UK is the four-night Welsh Dragon holiday, run by Steam Dreams Rail Co.

Travelling from London Paddington through  Wales , there is an onboard bar as well as a dining car with a specially made menu.

Starting from £995pp, the steam train trip is set to run this September.

A new luxury train service is also set to launch in Italy with an onboard cocktail bar, private cabins and other lavish touches.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express recreates the atmosphere of the 1960s Italy, all while passing through some of the country's most popular holiday hotspots.

Saudi Arabia doesn't lag behind its European counterparts and has revealed its latest ambitious plan for a luxury train cruise.

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The Middle Eastern nation is launching the first luxury train to be used in the kingdom after striking a £43million deal with Italian hospitality company Arsenale Group.

Dubbed "Dream of the Dessert", the new train will offer “luxury train cruise” journeys from the capital city of Riyadh to Qurayyat, which is situated close to the northern border with Jordan, the state media reports.

• train tickets

Athens to Elektrostal by train

Travel from Athens (Greece) to Elektrostal (Russia) by train (2265km): schedule and information to the train connection. Compare fares and buy your ticket.

To travel by train from Athens in Greece to Elektrostal in Russia, the main route leads via Romania and Ukraine or Serbia and Hungary. Please read the following information and blog posts.

There are two main routes. Compare them and decide which one feeds your needs best.

1 Athens (Greece) - Thessaloniki (Greece) - Sofia (Bulgaria) - Bucharest (Romania) - Chisinau (Moldova) - Moscow (Russia) - Elektrostal (Russia)

2 athens (greece) - thessaloniki (greece) - sofia (bulgaria) - belgrade (serbia) - budapest (hungary) - warsaw (poland) - moscow (russia) - elektrostal (russia).

The following links could be interesting for you.

train connections : popular connections travelled by other users

The route consist of more than one step. You have to buy several train tickets.

1a Travelling from Athens (Greece) to Thessaloniki (Greece)

To travel by train from Athens to Thessaloniki, use one of the direct IC connections for day travel. There are usually five IC connections per day with a journey time of 4 hours. The ticket price for a one-way journey starts from EUR 35 in second class. There is one overnight train available with a journey time of seven hours. Ticket fare starts from EUR 20. Find the train-schedules and ticket fares via our booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from Athens to Thessaloniki?

Our recommendation! Buy your train ticket or bus ticket at 12go. Compare ticket prices from different companies on this travel connection.

Online shop for train tickets of Greek railways TrainOSE.

train types: Train types you are likely to travel with. Inter City (IC)

night train: Night trains that might be suitable for this trip. T 600 Athens - Alexandroupoli / T 601 Alexandroupoli - Athens

train company: OSE TRAINOSE

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Thessaloniki - Athens

1b Travelling from Thessaloniki (Greece) to Sofia (Bulgaria)

Travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia by direct day train. The journey time is 8:30 hours. Buy your train ticket for 18 EUR at the train station in Thessaloniki. The departure time in Thessaloniki is 05:50. The arrival time in Sofia is 14:20. There are always seats available therefore it is no problem to buy the ticket at the day of departure, even very early in the morning at Thessaloniki railway station. Note (2022/2023): currently the train traffic is interrupted and you have to travel by bus. The bus ticket price is 15-20 EUR. Buy it via the given links or on union-ivkoni.com No discount with Interrail/Eurail.

Where to buy a ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

Online shop for train tickets of the Bulgarian State Railways BDZ.

Buy the train ticket at a railway station. Note: in some countries you have to pay a service fee at the ticket counter. The ticket can be purchased at a station in the country of departure, also sometimes in other countries.

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Sofia - Thessaloniki

1c Travelling from Sofia (Bulgaria) to Bucharest (Romania)

Travel from Sofia to Bucharest by direct train connection. The journey time is 9:40 hours. The ticket fare is 161 RON (33 EUR). The departure time in Sofia is 07:20. And the arrival time in Bucharest is 17:00. In off-season (October to May) you have to change trains in Ruse (Bulgaria). Arrival time in Ruse is 13:20. Departure time in Ruse is 14:15. You can save money if you split your ticket booking: buy one ticket for Sofia to Ruse and a second ticket for Ruse to Bucharest. Find the exact train schedules and buy your tickets via the given booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from Sofia to Bucharest?

Buy your train ticket on the official website of Romanian Railways CFR.

Cheap train tickets! Buy your train ticket online on Omio. The easy to use booking system with very good prices and e-tickets.

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Bucharest - Sofia

1d Travelling from Bucharest (Romania) to Chisinau (Moldova)

Travel from Romania to Moldova by overnight train on the route from Bucharest to Chisinau. The journey time is 14 hours. The train ticket price starts from 25 EUR. The train route runs via Iași (Romania) and Ungheni (Moldova). The overnight train Bucharest to Chisinau offers the following service categories: - 2nd class: 4-bed compartments. The ticket price 135 RON (28 EUR). - 1st class: 2-bed compartments. The ticket price 290 RON (60 EUR). The departure time in Bucharest is 19:15. The arrival time in Chisinau is 09:30. Additionally there are local trains from Iași (Romania) across the border to Ungheni (Moldova). Regular train connections are available from Ungheni to Chisinau. Find the exact train schedules and buy your ticket via the given booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from Bucharest to Chisinau?

Online tickets for selected routes in Moldova.

night train: Night trains that might be suitable for this trip. 402/106 Bucharest - Chisinau

train company: CFR Căile Ferate Române / CFM Calea Ferată din Moldova

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Chisinau - Bucharest

search for train schedules here: Online timetable information, on which you can find relevant, up-to-date connections. rail.cc Deutsche Bahn / CFR

1e Travelling from Chisinau (Moldova) to Moscow (Russia)

To travel from Moldova to Russia by train, buy your train ticket via one of the given booking links or locally at a train station in Moldova. There are daily overnight trains available from Chisinau (Moldova) via Ukraine to Moscow (Russia).

1f Travelling from Moscow (Russia) to Elektrostal (Russia)

To travel in Russia by train, buy your ticket online via one of the given booking links. There you find exact schedules and ticket prices. The price depends on the type of train and the time you travel and can vary a lot. For most trains you can chose your seat if you book online. And it is the easiest way if you do not speak the Russian language. Good to know: in Russia you will find very interesting long-distance trains, travelling overnight. They usually offer: 1st class sleeper with 2-berth compartments, 2nd class Kupé with 4-berth compartments and 3rd class Platskartny with open-plan dormitory cars.

Where to buy a ticket from Moscow to Elektrostal?

train types: Train types you are likely to travel with. Ж - F - Fast Train (Ж)

night train: Night trains that might be suitable for this trip. 32A Moscow - Helsinki / 020 Moscow - Beijing / EN 17B/409 Moscow - Nice / EN 23J/452 Moscow - Paris / EN 21E/404 Moscow - Prague / EN 9S Moscow - Warsaw

bus: Bus connections that might be helpful. Saint Petersburg - Tallinn

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Elektrostal - Moscow / Moscow - Saint Petersburg / Moscow - Vladivostok / Moscow - Volgograd / Moscow - Yekaterinburg / Moscow - Sochi / Moscow - Smolensk / Saint Petersburg - Moscow / Saint Petersburg - Sochi / Saint Petersburg - Novosibirsk / Saint Petersburg - Vladivostok

From one metropolis to another in four hours

From russia with snow, an overnight journey in the russian grand express, travel in less than four hours between the two russian metropolises, with the rzd night trains, travel in style with russian railways, from the aegean sea to the balkan mountains, a documentation about the direct train from greece to bulgaria., 2a travelling from athens (greece) to thessaloniki (greece), 2b travelling from thessaloniki (greece) to sofia (bulgaria), 2c travelling from sofia (bulgaria) to belgrade (serbia).

Travel from Sofia to Belgrade by direct day train connection. In off-season (October to May) you have to change trains in Dimitrovgrad and Niš. Sometimes an overnight train is offered as well. The journey time from Sofia to Belgrade by direct day train is 09:15 hours. Train tickets are available from 21 EUR in 2nd class. Buy your ticket locally at the railway station. The departure time in Sofia is 09:15. The arrival time in Belgrade (Topcider) is 18:30. If no direct train is available, you have to travel in several steps: 1. Sofia to Niš. 2. Niš to Dimitrovgrad. 3. Dimitrovgrad to Belgrade. Find the exact schedules via the booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from Sofia to Belgrade?

Online shop for train tickets of Serbian Railways Srbija Voz.

Interrail/Eurail celebrates its 50th anniversary. Get 10% discount now! --> Make your journey easier: buy only one Interrail or Eurail pass instead of several train tickets. Save your time and money!

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Belgrade - Sofia

2d Travelling from Belgrade (Serbia) to Budapest (Hungary)

Travel from Serbia to Hungary by direct train on the route from Belgrade, Novi Sad to Budapest. There are saver fare tickets available from 15 EUR. 2021: the direct route Belgrade, Novi Sad to Budapest is under construction. The best option is to travel by train from Belgrade to Zagreb and from Zagreb to Budapest if you want to avoid changes and buses. Find the exact train schedules and buy your train tickets via the given booking websites.

Where to buy a ticket from Belgrade to Budapest?

Online shop for train tickets of the Hungarian State Railways MAV Start.

train types: Train types you are likely to travel with. EuroCity (EC)

night train: Night trains that might be suitable for this trip. B340 Belgrade - Budapest

train company: MÁV Magyar Államvasutak - MÁV START

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Budapest - Belgrade / Novi Sad - Budapest

search for train schedules here: Online timetable information, on which you can find relevant, up-to-date connections. rail.cc Deutsche Bahn

2e Travelling from Budapest (Hungary) to Warsaw (Poland)

Travel from Budapest to Warsaw by train. There exists one direct day train and one direct overnight train. More train connections are available with a change of trains. The journey time is 10:30 hours. The ticket price starts at 19 EUR. 1) Travel by day train connection. The journey time is 10:30 hours. The departure time in Budapest is 08:40. The arrival time in Warsaw is 19:10. The ticket price starts at 19 EUR. 2) Travel by overnight train EN476. The departure time in Budapest is 19:25. The arrival time in Warsaw is 09:10. The train offers the following service categories: - standard seats from 19 EUR. - shared compartments with 4 or 6 beds from 49/59 EUR. - private compartments with 3, 2 or 1 bed (optional with private shower and toilet) from 69/89/129 EUR.

Where to buy a ticket from Budapest to Warsaw?

Polrail Service offers train tickets for Poland and to bordering countries.

night train: Night trains that might be suitable for this trip. EN 476/456/406 Budapest - Warsaw / EN 407/477 Warsaw - Budapest

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Warsaw - Budapest

2f Travelling from Warsaw (Poland) to Moscow (Russia)

Travel from Warsaw to Moscow by direct train. The journey time is 15 hours. Train tickets are available from 150 EUR. The trains run overnight via Belarus and offer compartments with 1, 2 or 4 berths. They are very comfortable and high quality. If you want to avoid Belarus, you can travel via Ukraine. First travel from Warsaw to Kiev by day or overnight train. The journey time is 15 hours, tickets are available from 45 EUR. Then travel from Kiev to Moscow. The journey time is 13 hours and tickets are available from 70 EUR. Find train schedules and buy your ticket via the given booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from Warsaw to Moscow?

You will receive your suitable ticket for this route here. Most even convenient as e-ticket by e-mail. Very good and extensive support included, as well as many payment options.

Online shop for train tickets of the Polish State Railways PKP.

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Moscow - Warsaw

2g Travelling from Moscow (Russia) to Elektrostal (Russia)

What to do, where to stay and how to get here by train, it's not that complicated, need a cheap place to sleep we recommend booking.com, find a cheap flight compare prices on kiwi.com.

Do you have questions about the connection between Athens and Elektrostal? Does something not work as it should? Just ask in our forum and get competent answers from our rail travel experts.

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