Travel

Luxury on Rails: 'The Royal Express' Sets Off on Lavish 4-Day Tour

SHIKOKU, Jan 27 (News On Japan) - Starting at 960,000 yen per person for a 3-night, 4-day journey, the opulent 'The Royal Express' tourist train, akin to a luxury hotel, departed from Okayama on Friday, January 26th.

Covering the Shikoku and Setouchi areas, the journey promises a luxurious 3-night, 4-day experience.

Running from January 26th to March 4th on Fridays through Mondays for a total of six times, the price starts at 960,000 yen per person (double occupancy), with a capacity of 15 couples or up to 30 guests.

The tour is particularly popular among people in their 70s.

The popularity largely stems from its interior. The dining car, where meals are served, features designs utilizing traditional craftsmanship.

The train boasts stained-glass ceilings and handmade artisan interiors, radiating luxury. A lounge car offering panoramic views and a library for reading are also included.

Staffing mirrors that of hotels, with 13 attendants for a maximum of 30 passengers. A violinist also accompanies diners in the dining car, enhancing meals with live performances.

Lodging includes actual luxury hotels. On the first night, guests stay at 'Yuyama-so Asan Kotonami' in Kagawa Prefecture. The second night is spent in Ehime Prefecture's Dogo Onsen, at hotels like 'Bettei Oborodzukiyo' or 'Setouchi Retreat Aonagi by Onkochishin.' And on the third night, they stay at 'Azumi Setoda' in Ikuchijima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

by Brian Dentry

Source: TBS

Hokkaido to Build a Japanese Silicon Valley by 2050

The newly established Hokkaido Valley Vision Council aims to create a 'Hokkaido version of Silicon Valley' by promoting development around next-generation semiconductor firm Rapidus and transforming the region from Tomakomai to Ishikari into a hub for advanced technology.

Four Dead in 24 Mountain Accidents in Nagano During Holiday Period

At least 24 mountain climbing accidents have occurred in Nagano Prefecture since the start of the Golden Week holidays in late April, resulting in four fatalities.

Head Lice Are Spreading Again in Japan's Schools

Head lice, small parasitic insects that feed on blood from the scalp, are once again spreading among children in Japan as physical contact increases following the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sapporo, where outbreaks have been reported in schools, local officials are urging caution.

Wooden Church in Gifu Collapses Following Creaking Sounds

A wooden church in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture collapsed on Saturday evening, after years of delayed demolition plans due to financial constraints.

Japan Ranks 66th in Global Press Freedom, Lowest Among G7

Reporters Without Borders has released its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, ranking Japan 66th out of 180 countries and regions surveyed, just behind Timor-Leste (65th) and Fiji (64th).

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Kyoto’s Aoi Festival Begins with Traditional Purification Ceremony

In preparation for Kyoto’s Aoi Festival, one of the city’s three major festivals, the featured heroine known as the Saio-dai took part in a purification ritual called Gomiso-gi no Gi to cleanse herself before the main event.

Spectacular Horsemanship Displayed at Kyoto Shrine Festival

A traditional horseback ritual showcasing advanced riding techniques was held on May 5th at Fujinomori Shrine in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward, known for its association with the god of horses.

Dugong Spotted off Kume Island for First Time Since 2019

A dugong, a nationally protected species feared to be at risk of extinction, was spotted swimming off the coast of Kume Island in Okinawa Prefecture in April. This marks the first confirmed sighting of a dugong in Okinawa since 2019.

Osaka-Kansai Expo Does Flip-Flop to Allow Smoking

Plans are underway to install designated smoking areas inside the Expo site for the first time.

First Baby Deer of the Year Spotted at Nara Park

Footage captured on May 1st shows a newborn fawn walking unsteadily. The fawn, a female measuring 51 centimeters in length and weighing 3,140 grams, was found that afternoon and is now staying at the nearby Rokuen protection facility with its mother. They will remain there until July.