Train Suite Shiki Shima Guide And Map
- Kyoto
- 07 Apr, 2025
This ultra-luxurious “cruise train” follows two different routes through northern and central Honshu.
[Train Suite Shiki-Shima dining car — JR East Photo]
Operated by JR East, the Train Suite Shiki-Shima is one of Japan’s new “cruise trains.” These trains operate like luxurious cruise ships, but traversing rails instead of seas. Combining exciting design, attentive service and meals prepared by first-class chefs, the small group of lucky travelers on each cruise will be treated to one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys.
JR East offers 1-night/2-day and 3-night/4-day journeys, both of which depart from Tokyo’s Ueno Station. The shorter version explores the mountains of central Honshu, while the longer version heads up into the wilds of Tohoku. Tickets are by application only (see below).
[Train Suite Shiki-Shima with cherry blossoms — JR East Photo]
Train Suite Shiki-Shima Route Map
This map summarises the different routes taken by the Train Suite Shiki-Shima. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the Train Suite Shiki-Shima official
website for
timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about
destinations, and more.
[Train Suite Shiki-Shima suite room — JR East Photo]
Schedules
- five departures per year
- check schedules and apply via the JR East Shiki-shima site
Train Suite Shiki-Shima Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the different Train Suite Shiki-Shima routes, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
You can apply for reservations from the official JR East Shiki-Shima website.
Sample Fares
- 2-day/1-night trip: from ¥440,000 double occupancy
- 3-night/4-day trip: from ¥940,000 double occupancy
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.