One of the world’s most exclusive trains departs from Tokyo, carrying just 34 guests on an extraordinary culinary journey through Japan’s quieter landscapes. The route winds through overlooked villages and traces the Japanese coastline, venturing to regions few international travelers ever see.

Train Suite Shiki-Shima is an ultra-luxury sleeper train with just 10 cars and 15 elegant suites. It was designed by Japanese industrial designer Ken Okuyama, and features panoramic glass observation cars, a sophisticated lounge, and traditional Japanese baths. Every detail is a case study in Japanese hospitality, craftsmanship, and cuisine.

Train Suite Shiki-Shima has two routes: a 3-night, 4-day trip that travels north to the island of Hokkaido, and a 1-night, 2-day itinerary that makes its way west, reaching Toyama Prefecture on the western coast of Honshu. Both routes leave from Ueno Station in Tokyo.

But with just 34 guests on each train, securing a booking is part of the challenge. The process starts with an application, where interested guests note their preferred departure date and route. If more applications than spaces are received, travelers are entered into a lottery. The lucky few are notified and sent a full itinerary before departure.

Train Suite Shiki-Shima runs year-round (in fact, Shiki-Shima translates to “Island of Four Seasons”), but itineraries vary based on the time of year. Currently, applications are still being accepted for trips departing in April, May, and June 2027, with the application process closing on Sept. 14 at 5:00 a.m. EDT.

The lucky few who get to experience spring aboard Train Suite Shiki-Shima will be treated to a redesigned onboard menu led by four renowned chefs. The 3-night, 4-day trip includes two nights onboard the train and one night at a renowned hot spring resort. On day 3, travelers can choose from two sightseeing routes: the Black Course, which includes a traditional uchiwa fan-making program, or the White Course, which takes travelers through a massive prehistoric archaeological village and to the renowned Aomori Museum of Art.

Culinary is a focus of Shiki-Shima, with travelers on the 3-night route introduced to sea urchin fresh from the sea, Japanese tea culture, and sushi using fish from Niigata. Off-board dining experiences may include a meal in a former temple or a visit to a restaurant perched atop a mountain peak.

Train Suite Shiki-Shima’s 1-night, 2-day route heads west, reaching as far as Uozu on the western coast of Honshu. Along the way, travelers enjoy an architectural and culinary journey, including visits to the Former Kaichi School Building, a National Treasure and an example of Giyōfū architecture, and the artisans of Tōjirō, a world-renowned knife manufacturer.

The two Shiki-Shima journeys are operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) with rates starting at ¥900,000 (about $5,800, at the time of publication) for the 1-night journey, and ¥1,100,000 ($7,100) for the 3-night trip. Full route details can be found here.”

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This train, the Shiki Shima, immediately reminds us of the luxury train experience we had in India back in 2020. That was such a memorable journey, filled with beautiful scenery, wonderful accommodations, and the kind of experience that makes a trip stand out in our memories long after it is over. Seeing the Shiki Shima brought all those memories back and got me thinking about Japan in a whole new way.

Since we still haven’t booked a visit to Japan, perhaps this could be an excellent segue into finally exploring the country. A journey aboard the Shiki Shima would give us a taste of Japan while allowing us to experience the country in a particularly special and luxurious way. Of course, the train journey itself is only three or four days, so we would have plenty of time to see and experience much more of Japan before or after the train trip.

We’d definitely want to schedule other tours and excursions while we’re there, perhaps visiting some of the places we’ve heard and read so much about over the years. And knowing us, we might even consider settling into a holiday home for a longer stay. Spending several weeks, or even a month, living in a Japanese neighborhood rather than moving from one hotel to another could be an experience in itself.

After almost 14 years of traveling the world, we’ve learned that some of our most enjoyable experiences come when we allow ourselves enough time to settle into a place and experience a little of everyday life. Japan could certainly offer that opportunity.

For now, though, we’re dreaming and exploring possibilities. We have no idea where our travels will take us next, but that’s part of what makes this lifestyle so exciting. We’ll see what the future holds for us, and perhaps one day we’ll find ourselves boarding the Shiki Shima and beginning an entirely new Japanese adventure.

Tonight, we’ll complete the new South Africa entry form required of everyone, including citizens, 24 hours before entering the country. Tomorrow morning, we’ll pack our bags and prepare for the next leg of our journey. We’ll head to Ivato International Airport, officially known as Antananarivo International Airport, to clear immigration and board our 2:45 pm flight to Johannesburg.

We’ll arrive in Johannesburg around 5:00 pm South Africa time, and that’s when we’ll finally know whether South Africa will allow us to re-enter the country for another 90 days. We’re anxious about that moment. We’ve spent all this time and money traveling to Madagascar for a week, hoping that leaving South Africa and spending time outside the country would allow us to return and receive another 90-day entry.

After everything we’ve been through to make this happen, there’s certainly some stress attached to the outcome. We’ve planned our lives around returning to Marloth Park, and we’re more than ready to get back to the house we’ve called home for these past several months.

Hopefully, tomorrow evening we’ll be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief, knowing that we’ve been granted another 90 days in South Africa. Until then, there’s nothing more we can do but follow the procedures, remain hopeful, and wait to see what happens when we reach immigration in Johannesburg.

Be well.