Japan is adding several new rail routes and new trains to its network this year.
According to CNN, the high-speed line that connects Nagasaki to the rest of the Shinkansen network is now running as far as Takeo-Onsen. It stops at five stations, as the rest of the line has not yet been built due to local politics.
Travellers who want to connect to the rest of Japan from this line can do so on one of the Relay Kamome or Limited Express trains from the Shin-Tosu Shinkansen Station or Hakata Station in Fukuoka.
To mark the opening of the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki route, a new Joyful train called the Two Stars 4047 has been launched. The route begins at Takeo-Onsen and follows the old Nagasaki main line. The Joyful tourist train offers passengers day trips focusing on culture and local specialities.
Also introduced is the new High Rail 1375 Joyful train, which travels through the mountains of Nagano and the Yamanashi prefectures on the rural, astronomy-themed Koumi Line.
The train features an onboard mini planetarium. In the evening, it travels between Kobuchizawa and Komoro stations and includes a 50-minute stargazing experience at Nobeyama, Japan’s highest station.
The new, bright pink Sakubi Sakura sightseeing train travels north from Okayama to the hot springs region near Tsuyama, allowing passengers to enjoy views of the countryside. It operates from Friday to Monday, and offers special lunch boxes and dessert sets.
In July, the Limited Express Spacia X trains will begin running between Asakusa station in Tokyo and the Tochigi prefecture cities of Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. These trains offer six types of seating options, including the Cockpit Suite at the front of the train, private compartments, the Cockpit Lounge café zone, semi-private box seats, wider premium seats and standard seats.
