Train Suite Shiki-shima

Train Suite Shiki-shima

300px Artist's impression published in June 2014
Overview
Service type	Excursion train
Status	Planned
Locale	Japan
First service	1 May 2017 (scheduled)
Current operator(s)	JR East
On-board services
Sleeping arrangements	Private suites
Catering facilities	Dining car
Observation facilities	Observation cars at each end of train
Technical
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Train Suite Shiki-shima (TRAIN SUITE 四季島, Toran Suiito Shikishima, pronounced [toɽaɴ suiito ɕikiɕima]) is a deluxe sleeping-car excursion train on order by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan for use on services from 1 May 2017.

Design

The train styling is being overseen by industrial designer Ken Okuyama. The train will use a new "EDC" hybrid propulsion system, enabling the train to operate as an electric multiple unit under overhead electric wires, or use two diesel generators in the end cars to power the train's traction motors on non-electrified routes.

Train formation

The ten-coach train will consist of six sleeping cars, a lounge car, a dining car, and observation cars at either end of the train. Five of the sleeping cars will have three private suite rooms, while one car (car 5) will have two deluxe suites - a split-level "maisonette" type and a single-level "flat" type. The train formation will be as shown below. All suites have a shower and toilet. The two deluxe suites also each have a bathtub. One suite in car 8 will be universal access.

Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Car type	Observation car	Sleeping car	Sleeping car	Sleeping car	Sleeping car	Dining car	Lounge	Sleeping car	Sleeping car	Observation car
Facilities	Diesel generator	3 suites	3 suites	3 suites	2 deluxe suites			3 suites	3 suites	Diesel generator

Planned itineraries

The train will operate on two-day and four-day circular tours from spring to autumn, and on three-day tours during the winter period, as shown below.

2-day itinerary (spring - autumn)

Day 1

Ueno → Enzan → Obasute (overnight onboard train)

Day 2

Aizu-Wakamatsu → Ueno

4-day itinerary (spring - autumn)

File:Atsumi-spa-cherry blossom.JPG

Atsumi Onsen hot spring resort in spring

Day 1

Ueno → Nikko (overnight onboard train)

Day 2

Hakodate → Datemombetsu → Noboribetsu (overnight at hotel accommodation)

Day 3

Higashi-Muroran → Tōya → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto → Aomori → Hirosaki (overnight onboard train)

Day 4

Tsuruoka → Atsumi Onsen → Niitsu → Higashi-Sanjo → Ueno

3-day itinerary (winter)

File:Matsushima famous island.jpg

Matsushima Bay

Day 1

Ueno → Miyagii → Matsushima (overnight onboard train)

Day 2

Aomori → Hirosaki (overnight onboard train)

Day 3

Naruko-Onsen → Ueno

History

File:Train Suite Shiki-shima 2013 artists impression.jpg

An initial artist's impression of the train published in June 2013, and later changed

JR East first announced its plans to build a new luxury cruising train in June 2013, designed by Ken Okuyama, and provisionally scheduled to enter service some time after spring 2016. A year later, in June 2014, JR East published more detailed plans for the new train, with a revised exterior design and service entry date scheduled for spring 2017. The train's name and logo design were officially announced in October 2014. Details of the planned itineraries were published in December 2015.

See also

• List of named passenger trains of Japan
• Joyful Train, the generic name for excursion and charter trains in Japan
• Seven Stars in Kyushu, a luxury cruising train operated in Japan by JR Kyushu
• Twilight Express Mizukaze, a luxury sleeping car excursion train planned by JR West in Japan

External links

• Official website (Japanese)
• JR East June 2014 news release (Japanese)