Today I'm taking the world's most luxurious sleeper train over the next 72 hours. What's more I'm in the best room, or should I say I have the entire carriage as my suite! This is by far the most incredible sleeper train experience of my life, the Twilight Express Mizukaze. Though this is a trip you can't just book, and have to enter a lottery to reserve a ticket onboard. I'll be documenting every minute of my journey from what the dining is like in the restaurant car curated by a 3 Michelin star chef, the observation lounges (there are two!) and finding out what my private balcony is like in my suite. This also happens to be up there as my most expensive individual travel experience too... at over $40,000! As usual I've broken down the cost and how I booked this in the video.
The "Twilight Express Mizukaze," often called one of the world's best luxury sleeper trains, offers an exclusive experience in Japan, featuring lavish suites, gourmet meals, and stunning scenic views along the San'yo/San'in line.
Here's a more detailed look at the Twilight Express Mizukaze:
This video provides a first-person perspective of riding in first class on the Twilight Express:
The "Twilight Express Mizukaze," often called one of the world's best luxury sleeper trains, offers an exclusive experience in Japan, featuring lavish suites, gourmet meals, and stunning scenic views along the San'yo/San'in line.
Here's a more detailed look at the Twilight Express Mizukaze:
- Luxury and Exclusivity:
The train is known for its high-end accommodations, with options like "Royal Twin" and "Royal Single" rooms, as well as the "The Suite".
- Route and Destinations:
The Mizukaze operates a route departing from and returning to Kyoto Station, with stops at Okayama Station, Matsue Station, and Tottori Station.
- Dining and Amenities:
Guests can enjoy gourmet meals in the dining car, "Diner Pleiades," and relax in the lounge car, "Salon de l'Ouest," while taking in the views from the observation cars.
- History and Legacy:
The Mizukaze inherits the name of the special sleeper express "Twilight Express," which operated for about 26 years before ending its operation in 2015.
- Booking:
Bookings should be made well in advance, as only around 30 places are available onboard.
- Cost:
Prices start at around $2,800 USD for a one-night course in a Royal Twin room and up to $5,500 USD for a two-night course in the Royal Suite.
- Other Luxury Trains in Japan
The Shiki-shima (Four Seasons) is another luxury train that runs in the east of Japan.
- Other Luxury Sleeper Trains
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is another luxurious train.
This video provides a first-person perspective of riding in first class on the Twilight Express:
