<strong>Japan's new luxury train: </strong>Train Suite Shiki-shima, a luxury new sleeper train operated by East Japan Railway (JR East), launched Monday. Although ticket prices start at 500,000 yen ($4,451) for a double-occupancy suite, the service is already sold out until March 2018.
Japan's new luxury train: Train Suite Shiki-shima, a luxury new sleeper train operated by East Japan Railway (JR East), launched Monday. Although ticket prices start at 500,000 yen ($4,451) for a double-occupancy suite, the service is already sold out until March 2018.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Cruising through eastern Japan: </strong>The 10-car train -- pictured here on a training run in Inawashiro -- provides spacious accommodation for just 34 passengers, on two-day and four-day itineraries around eastern Japan.
Cruising through eastern Japan: The 10-car train -- pictured here on a training run in Inawashiro -- provides spacious accommodation for just 34 passengers, on two-day and four-day itineraries around eastern Japan.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Observatory car: </strong>Plush-carpeted observatory cars at the front and rear of the train offer uninterrupted views of the Japanese countryside.
Observatory car: Plush-carpeted observatory cars at the front and rear of the train offer uninterrupted views of the Japanese countryside.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>The lounge:</strong> The train is designed by Ken Okuyama, best known for his work with Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati. JR East says the decoration of the lounge evokes "a quiet forest."
The lounge: The train is designed by Ken Okuyama, best known for his work with Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati. JR East says the decoration of the lounge evokes "a quiet forest."
STR/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Piano bar: </strong>And if a forest theme isn't relaxing enough, there's also an on-board piano player. Shiki-shima even has its own signature tune, "Train Suite."
Piano bar: And if a forest theme isn't relaxing enough, there's also an on-board piano player. Shiki-shima even has its own signature tune, "Train Suite."
STR/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>The suites: </strong>The train holds 17 suites. The most expensive, the Shiki-shima suite, costs 1,050,000 yen for single occupancy ($9,338). <br />
The suites: The train holds 17 suites. The most expensive, the Shiki-shima suite, costs 1,050,000 yen for single occupancy ($9,338).
STR/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Not your average train bathroom:</strong> As well as swanky amenities like this bathroom, some of the suites are split-level, with two beds and a living area.
Not your average train bathroom: As well as swanky amenities like this bathroom, some of the suites are split-level, with two beds and a living area.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Old and new: </strong>JR East says on its website that the design of the suites combines "traditional Japanese aesthetics with a futuristic spirit."
Old and new: JR East says on its website that the design of the suites combines "traditional Japanese aesthetics with a futuristic spirit."
STR/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Departure: </strong>A Harry Potter-style Platform 13 1/2 has been built for the train's exclusive use at Tokyo's Ueno Station, between Platforms 13 and 14.
Departure: A Harry Potter-style Platform 13 1/2 has been built for the train's exclusive use at Tokyo's Ueno Station, between Platforms 13 and 14.
<strong>Warm reception:</strong> The new train service has been so popular, would-be travelers have to apply for tickets, with the lucky few being selected by lottery.
Warm reception: The new train service has been so popular, would-be travelers have to apply for tickets, with the lucky few being selected by lottery.
STR/AFP/Getty Images