The Saphir Odoriko is the most luxurious way to get from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula. Premium green car seats are spacious and there are only two in each row, so they afford magnificent views of the coastal scenery.
Saphir Odoriko premium Green Car Seat – JR East Photo
The Saphir Odoriko, operated by JR East, is the most luxurious way to get from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula, which is home to hot springs, magnificent coastal scenery, some great hiking and historical sites.
Premium green car seats are spacious and there are only two in each row, so they afford magnificent views of the coastal scenery. There are even private compartments for groups of up to six people.
If you’re staying in a luxury ryokan down on the Izu Peninsula, it makes good sense to take the Saphir Odoriko. Best of all, it’s a JR train, so it’s easy to book.
Saphir Odoriko en route – JR East Photo
Saphir Odoriko Route Map
This map summarises the route taken by the Saphir Odoriko. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Schedules
- There are at least two trains a day in both directions (Tokyo to Shimoda).
- For more information, see the JR East Saphir Odoriko page.
Saphir Odoriko Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Saphir Odoriko train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
- Buy tickets at any JR Station in Japan
- Buy online at the JR East Reservation site
Sample Fares
Fares between Tokyo and Ito:
- regular Green car seat (per person): ¥6970
- premium Green car seat (per person): ¥8470
- Green car private compartment for 1-4 people (per compartment): from ¥23,710
- Green car private compartment for 1-6 people (per compartment): from ¥33,480
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 all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
