
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
Japan Railways opening reservations for ridiculously luxurious Kyoto-west Japan sleeper train
Japanese sightseeing train offers amazing luxury…for prices starting at 1.3 million yen per room
All Japan Railway Tokyo trains to finally get security cameras starting this summer
Village Vanguard’s most expensive Black Lucky Bag sets an ominous tone for 2026
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Tokyo fish market breaks New Year auction record as single fish sells for over 5 million yen【Vid】
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Which Japanese convenience store has the best steamed curry buns?【Taste test】
New Studio Ghibli die-cast anime cars on their way, even if neither one is really a car【Pics】
Lest we forget 1936: The year fake Mickey Mouse attacked Japan
Unko Museum to open in Okinawa with some exclusive crap
Original Totoro plush toys from 80s and 90s re-issued for Studio Ghibli exhibition
A Japanese vending machine perfect for samurai
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
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)
JR East announces awesomely cheap one-day all-you can ride pass, Shinkansen included
Japan’s new luxury sightseeing train will show you part of the country most foreigners never see
Platform 13½ set to open at Ueno Station in Tokyo
Leave a Reply