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
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Saltiest ramen in Japan? Ikebukuro White goes viral for crazy salt levels
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
McDonald’s Japan hack: Make a Chicken Tatsuta in five minutes anywhere in the world
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
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
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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 station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
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
Secret stairs at Tokyo Station dungeon come with a serious warning
Our reporter can’t resist mystery of always-shut door being open on Tokyo subway station platform