
Last spring, Japan Railways, operator of Japan’s fabled bullet trains, unveiled its design for a new Shinkansen that will whisk travelers to northeastern Japan as they relax at the onboard foot baths. Then came the announcement of an overnight train servicing Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima with amenities rivaling those of a fancy hotel.
Now, it’s east Japan’s turn, as JR East has released new images of its upcoming luxury sleeper train for the region, plus its passenger suites that look genuinely large enough to live in.
JR originally shared its plans for the train last year, when famed train and auto designer Kiyoyuki Okuyama, who also goes by the name Ken, came onboard the project. Okuyama, who also headed the design of the footbath-equipped Shinkansen mentioned above, has pegged the design theme as “a train where passengers can enjoy the flow of time and space.”
What this seems to translate to, in concrete terms, is carriages that make use of extremely large windows to provide occupants with the widest possible view of the outside landscape. At either end of the 10-car train is an observation area with sofas and natural light streaming in from all directions.
Of course, nothing ruins your tranquil contemplation of the beauty of nature like the sound of your stomach growling, so of course there’s a dining car.
▼ Enjoy a tranquil dinner under the stars while still hurtling towards your destination.
There’s also a lounge, if you’re looking for something lighter than a full meal.
The remaining six cars are used for guest rooms. Five of these contain three suites each, all of which include private bathroom and shower, and look to be a far cry from a packed Tokyo commuter train in terms of comfort.
The jewel in this rail-riding crown, though, is the centra car which houses the deluxe suites.
This split-level room includes two beds, a living room seating area, and even a bathtub. Honestly, if this was an apartment in Tokyo, you’d have no problem at all finding someone willing to sign the lease. The lack of a fixed address would make receiving mail tricky, though.
▼ “Hello, is this Pizza Hut? Yeah, I’d like a large caramel marshmallow pizza delivered to Shinjuku Section 3 Block 8 – I mean Block 9 – I mean….”
This isn’t even all the sleeper has to offer, as the deluxe suite car will also contain a seperate, single-level guestroom, although no images of it have been released yet.
JR East’s new pride and joy is expected to go into service in spring of 2017, so plan your trips (or apartment hunting) accordingly.
Sources: Jin, My Navi News, JR East
Images: JR East










JR’s new overnight sleeper train will connect Tokyo and northern Japan, is private cabin-only
Hot coffee finally returns to Tohoku, Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet trains
Japanese sightseeing train offers amazing luxury…for prices starting at 1.3 million yen per room
Japan Railways opening reservations for ridiculously luxurious Kyoto-west Japan sleeper train
All Japan Railway Tokyo trains to finally get security cameras starting this summer
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s Mister Donut Japan tries its hand at Taiwanese-style street food donuts
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Bandai cancels gacha/blind-buy system for anime cosmetics, will let fans choose what they buy
Only five branches of Japan’s beef bowl giant Matsuya serve milk shakes, but how do they taste?
Live-action Ghibli Princess Mononoke stage play tickets are now on sale
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
New private rooms on Tokaido Shinkansen change the way we travel from Tokyo to Kyoto
West Japan’s new sleeper train looks more luxurious than most hotels
Japan’s bullet train-upholstery chairs bring Shinkansen style to your living room【Photos】
New ultra-stylish, extra-traditional Shinkansen has tatami floors, foot baths
You can now buy replica JR train containers to sleep, hang out, or do whatever you want in【Pics】
Beautiful new luxury train for Ishikawa dazzles with gold leaf and lacquer interior
New Shinkansen design unveiled, bullet train exterior includes cherry blossom Easter egg
Tokaido Shinkansen ending in-train food/drink sales for all non-first-class-passenger cars
Schedule released for Japan’s “Contemporary art bullet train”
What’s the rule for where to put strollers on Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains?
Japan is getting a Disney Mickey Mouse Shinkansen bullet train this spring!
Shinkansen conductor caught playing GPS smartphone game on bullet train…for TEN years
Tokyo train little luxury showdown – Green Car vs. Kaiji, which is more comfortable?
Sanyo Shinkansen ending in-car food cart sales (unless you’ve got the cash for first-class)
Japan’s new luxury sightseeing train will show you part of the country most foreigners never see
Last chance coming up for amazing east Japan for all-you-can-ride Shinkansen-inclusive train pass
JR East announces awesomely cheap one-day all-you can ride pass, Shinkansen included