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10 August 2017

Meet the train created by a Ferrari designer

By James LisleJames Lisle
Swapping supercar-like handling and high-speed nimbleness with "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" (image credit: cntraveller.com)

The only thing the Japanese love more than cars is trains. And trust us when we say this, they really love their trains.

Mr. Okuyama – that guy who designed the Honda NSX, Porsche 911 (996), Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari 599, the Maserati Quattroporte, and a whole bunch of other stuff – has recently taken some time away from cars and designed one of the most luxurious trains in the world. And what a train!

Some areas are given themes. This area, for example, has been patterned to "evoke the image of a quiet forest". Nice. (globaltrendermagazine.com) Some areas are given themes. This area, for example, has been patterned to "evoke the image of a quiet forest". Nice. (globaltrendermagazine.com)

Called the 'Train Suite Shiki-shima' by its manufacturer, JR East, the 1250+ tonne hotel on wheels provides a super exclusive luxury experience designed to pamper a strict limit of 34 passengers from Tokyo to Hokkaido.

But it’s the details that make this thing really cool. The train gets its very own platform (just like the Hogwarts Express), the giant windows are floor-to-ceiling, the Chefs have Michelin stars, and there’s even an observation car!

*Sensory overload!* (digitalinsightresearch.com) *Sensory overload!* (digitalinsightresearch.com)

Yet, despite all of this full-on awesomeness, the next available booking period has been pushed back until July 2018 due to demand. And it costs around $11,000 for a four-day journey. Lame.

Oh well. There's always CountryLink, I guess...

Check out the video below for a more detailed look inside the hotel on wheels.

What do you think of the Train Suite Shiki-Shima? Is it Japan's greatest train yet? Tell us what you think in the comments below.