Seven stars cruise train in Kyushu Japan called “Nanatsuboshi” now available exclusively by JTB
The “Seven Stars in Kyushu” luxury train sets a new standard for train travel in Japan. With the rooms limited to a total of 14 suites, the train is a luxurious travelling hotel, coasting through the countryside of Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. This is a true “Cruise train”, offering the ultimate in comfort and service. The train’s leisurely itinerary through Kyushu includes several guided excursions to notable places along the way, and a night at a luxurious Japanese inn – and of course gourmet food on board, and comfortable nights in your private suite cabin.
Ever since JR Kyushu introduced the “Seven Stars” in 2013, the train has enjoyed massive demand, and its very limited number of suite cabins is normally completely booked up for every journey several seasons ahead. But JTB has chartered the whole train for the journey from May 31st – June 3rd, to secure places on this unique train as part of place to buy a very special summer tour package.
With its sub-tropical climate, towering mountains, and glittering oceans, Kyushu is blessed by nature and is truly a treasure house of gourmet food. The dining car “Jupiter” ion the Seven Stars train offers passengers the best of Japanese and French cuisine made from seasonal ingredients throughout the year. At several points during the journey, there will also be occasions when you alight from the train for meals, allowing you to savor the local delicacies.
There will be plenty of assistance on hand to guide you to popular eating-places in the towns where the train stops. Many of the meals offered on board and at local restaurants are exclusive menus designed specifically for Seven Stars passengers, and you will meet special hosts and chefs responsible for creating the flavors which will make this cruise train journey a very special experience.
The theme of the train is a fusion of Japanese and Western design, and also reflects both modern and traditional styles. The selection of fabrics and wood used throughout the train are materials of the highest quality, designed and fitted with meticulous care. The high level of attention paid to details and design is evident throughout the “Seven Stars in Kyushu” train.
There are just fourteen guest cabins on board, all suite rooms, accommodating a maximum of just 14 couples. Each room is different and unique, with its own subtly different style. There are three of these suite rooms in a carriage, offering the highest possible level of comfort and attentive service from the highly-trained attendants. Needless to say that each room is fully equipped with a shower, toilet and air conditioning. Within the limited dimensions of a train carriage, all facilities have been meticulously designed to provide the ultimate comfort and convenience.
In addition, there are two special deluxe suites. The two rooms have a different design, but they are both spacious and airy, with an elegant Japanese-inspired design in furniture and fittings. The rearmost suite (Deluxe Suite A) has a window stretching right across the carriage, offering a panoramic view from the back of the train as it meanders through Kyushu’s countryside.
Seven Star Train Room 2
Seven Star Train Room 3
The Seven Stars train journey begins and ends at the dedicated terminal at Hakata station, in Fukuoka: the city is the major gateway to Kyushu. Sleek modern shopping centers combine with traditional districts in this thriving metropolis. The train’s first stop is at Yufuin, a small picturesque town where long-established inns and pensions, unique art museums, small galleries, sophisticated restaurants and coffee shops mingle together, giving the area an attractive atmosphere. Miyazaki Prefecture is one of the most southerly and sub-tropical areas of Kyushu, and Miyazaki City on the sheltered east-facing coast enjoys warm weather: phoenix trees and palm trees can be seen everywhere, which gives the city the atmosphere of a bright southern resort. The next stop, Kagoshima City, is a castle town known for the active volcano nearby, Sakurajima, historic sites remaining from the Meiji Restoration, and the extensive Sengan-en Garden. The garden was constructed by Mitsuhisa Shimazu (the 19th Lord of the Shimazu Clan) as a guest house of Kagoshima Castle, and is known for its blossoming flowers such as azalea and chrysanthemum. It is laid out to give stunning views of the sea and the Sakurajima volcano in the distance. On the last stages of the journey, the train stops at Mt. Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, and among the largest in the world. Mt. Aso and its volcanic activity throughout the millennium dominates the landscape: it has one of the largest caldera in the world (25 km north-south and 18 km east-west). A large area of open grassland – rare for Japan – surrounds the volcano. The Seven Stars train lets you experience the varied towns, landscapes and unique countryside of Kyushu.