Japan rail

Japan is famous for its bullet trains that began the era of high-speed rail travel in 1964. We think of these trains as clean, punctual and efficient but not necessarily luxurious. But in 2013 the Seven Stars luxury train service began on the island of Kyushu. The train is considered to be the Orient-Express of Japan. Its finely crafted interiors are a blend of classical Europen and Japanese woodworking. See a video about the train and its designer here, and an extensive tour here.

Another luxury train service is the Shiki-Shima which began in 2016. Whereas the Orient-Express and Seven Stars seek to recall the luxury of the 19^th and early 20^th century travel, the design of Shiki-Shima is ultra-modern. The meals are provided by a Michelin star chef. See a video here.