Like Hogwart’s Express, a new Japanese train is now getting its very own mysterious in-between platform.
The space in between train station platform numbers is one that’s been tantalising people around the world since the magical Platform 9¾ captured people’s imaginations in the Harry Potter series of books and movies. Sadly, the closest thing we’ve been able to get to an in-between platform in the real world is the brick-wall sign set up for tourists at London’s King’s Cross Station, but that’s all set to change now that East Japan Railway Company has revealed plans for a Platform 13½ at Ueno Station in Tokyo.
Located in between platforms 13 and 14, the new structure will be reserved for exclusive use by a new luxury train called the “Train Suite Shiki-shima”, due to make its inaugural run in May next year. The hybrid electric/diesel deluxe sleeping-car train features mind-blowing luxury suites on board, and two to four-day tours to far-flung destinations around the country.
The magical experience of the new high-class train ride will start even before passengers step foot on board, with an exclusive lounge area called “Prologue Shiki-shima”.
After relaxing in the lounge area, passengers will then proceed to the special entrance to Platform 13½, which appears to be visible to Muggles as well.
Then it’s on to the exclusive platform, where there’s certain to be a huddle of photographers around any sign that says “Platform 13½”. Only those boarding the luxury train will be able to walk this path though, and with prices starting at 320,000 yen (US$2,823) per person, it’s a luxury only the richest of Muggles will be able to afford.
Still, with foot baths, split-level rooms, and maximum room for 34 passengers on board, a trip on the Train Suite Shiki-shima will definitely be an experience to remember. To see just what type of luxurious interiors await travellers, check out our story here, and if you have cash burning a hole in your pocket, visit the official website to make your booking ahead of the inaugural run!
Sources: Net Lab, JR East Press Release
Images: JR East Press Release
Harry Potter walk-through museum is now open in Tokyo, and here’s what you can see there【Photos】
Harry Potter Cafe opening in Tokyo and the menu is nothing short of spellbinding【Photos】
Tokyo Station lists departing train’s destination as…New York?!
Two Tokyo train stations getting Harry Potter-style makeovers
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
We try a viral Chinese TikTok recipe for spicy ramen using Sprite soda in the broth【SoraKitchen】
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Changes to Japan rail pass make it fall out of favour with travellers
Free bus tours of Japan’s famous “Disaster Prevention Underground Temple” underway
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
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
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
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
Japanese pizza chain opens stand at Tokyo station platform
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Drink hot sake at Tokyo train station’s “phantom platform”
Ueno Station has signs that show ambient sounds as onomatopoeia for deaf passengers
Train otaku say this is the narrowest train station platform in Japan
Japan’s Harajuku Station to be rebuilt ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Tokyo farewells Japan’s only double-decker Shinkansen with a special escalator at the station
Shinkansen station platforms now have…Baskin Robbins ice cream vending machines!
Tokyo partially shut down busiest train line, 3,200 workers fought clock on platform project【Vid】
Shinkansen breaks down, causes all-day commuter chaos at Tokyo Station
Doai Station: The deepest station in Japan is also one of the scariest, like a video game dungeon
Tokyo Metro adds platform display showing where least crowded parts of the next train will be
Our reporter can’t resist mystery of always-shut door being open on Tokyo subway station platform
Secret stairs at Tokyo Station dungeon come with a serious warning
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
November snow falls in Tokyo for first time in 54 years, causes chaos for peak hour commuters
Leave a Reply