Richie Bartlett

WOW
乗りたい

The design looks more like an upscale hotel than an Amtrak car.

Japan is already a global leader in train technology, so it would only follow that they’d be lapping the rest of the world in train design, too. Already, the country has produced gorgeous fleets of luxury trains with chic, retro stylings. Now, Japan’s JR East railway company has commissioned a new luxury train, the Cruise Train, which will be a way for Japanese one-percenters to check out the country in style. The opulent transport, which will cost about $50 million to develop and seats 34 people, will begin running in 2017. All images courtesy of the East Japan Railway Company.

The Cruise Train is a modern take on some of Japan's more vintage lines.
A central lounge area gives passengers the opportunity to meet and chat.
The lounge space comes with a view, too.
Designated dining areas are more like romantic restaurants than the usual food cars.
Passengers can enjoy a meal while the train speeds through the country.
The standard suites come complete with bathroom and fold-out sofa beds.
The suites are cavernous compared to most train compartments.
The split-level high-end suites are even more lavish.
In the high-end suites, there are complete beds and a loft.
The last car gives a beautiful view of the area through glass.