This “cruise train” is among the most luxurious on earth. There are only 14 suites on the train, guaranteeing an exclusive and special experience.
Seven Stars in Kyushu with cherry blossoms – image © Rail Man Photo Office
The Seven Stars in Kyushu train kicked off Japan’s luxury cruise train boom. Operated by JR Kyushu, there are three courses to choose from, ranging from 1-night/2-days to 3-nights/4-days. All three are designed to showcase the wonders of Kyushu’s rugged mountain and coastal scenery, with plenty of stops along way to get out and experience Kyushu’s nature.
The train has a total of 14 suite rooms that can accommodate a total of 30 people. All the suites, dining areas and lounges are designed and fitted out in immaculate classic style that you might have found on royal trains in the early 1900s. It’s a truly rare opportunity for you to experience this level of luxury on board a train in this day and age.
Seven Stars Suite Type B – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Seven Stars in Kyushu Route Map
This map summarises the different routes taken by the Seven Stars in Kyushu. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the Seven Stars official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Seven Stars lounge car – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
You can get schedules from the official Seven Stars website.
Seven Stars in Kyushu Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the different Seven Stars in Kyushu train routes, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations
You can apply for tickets through the official Seven Stars website.
Fares
- 2-day/1-night trip: from ¥402,000 double occupancy
- 3-night/4-day trip: from ¥855,000 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 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
- 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