Japan: On Board Luxury

Unlike much of the modern world today, the railways in Japan were not a colonial introduction, but built in 1872 by the Japanese government. Post World War II the railways were privatised, setting the stage for the shinkansen or the bullet train, one of the world’s fastest forms of transportation. Today, the East Japan Railway Company has taken it a notch higher. The Shiki-Shima super luxurytrain takes you on a three-day journey along East Japan and its varied terrain. You travel in luxury suites designed by Ken Okuyama, who has worked with brands such as Ferrari and Maserati. Suites aboard the Shiki-Shima, which are defined by their traditional Japanese aesthetic and modern design, also accommodate those who are differently abled. If you want a change of setting you could also visit one of the uniquely-designed luxury observatory cars. With the kitchens run by Michelin-starred chefs, one can enjoy five-star fare native to the regions you travel through and made with the freshest seasonal produce. From ¥700,000 or $6,100 for three days; jreast.co.jp/shiki-shima/en