Japan’s luxury sleeper train Seven Stars in Kyushu will be expanding its offer throughout 2026. Three new itineraries will be added to the time schedule, allowing visitors to explore some of Kyushu Island’s less-visited regions.
In 2013, Seven Stars in Kyushu was launched and dubbed Japan’s first luxury sleeper train. From the start of its journey, the train company has adopted an exclusive and quite unique approach. Tickets for two- and four-day journeys cost thousands of dollars, a price tag many were skeptic about before the launch. Yet people proved to be interested in the concept and with room for just 20 people aboard, Seven Stars in Kyushu has been oversubscribed since the start – meaning interested travellers enter a ballot before being able to book a spot.
Following that success, the train company has added three new itineraries to its 2026 offer. Just like before, the train will still set off from Hakata Station in Fukuoka. From there, travellers will journey to the mountain gorge town of Takachiho, to the volcanic onsen resort Unzen, or to the highland plateau of Kuju – all part of Kyushu island’s less-visited yet visit-worthy regions.
The goal of Seven Stars in Kyushu remains unchanged.
“Through the journey of Seven Stars in Kyushu, we would like to show you about Kyushu’s traditions and cultures, which have been passed down for over 100 years and also how wonderful Kyushu is. With this desire, we have organised unique Kyushu trips. Enjoy the Seven Stars journey and make unforgettable memories through the Seven Stars, a masterpiece of the artisans of Kyushu,” the company explains on its website.
What does a Japanese luxury sleeper train look like?
As said before, voyagers aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu should not expect to be met with a large crowd. Overall, the train has seven cars, five of which are used as (deluxe) suites. The ten suites each offer room to two people, meaning there won’t be more than 20 passengers aboard during one of the train’s journeys.
© Kyushu Railway Company
Aside from the cars containing suites, the luxury train also has a lounge car called Blue Moon and a salon bar called Jupiter, where passengers can meet each other and talk. A bar, tea room, and gallery shop complete the onboard offer.
“The Lounge Car Blue Moon is a saloon on wheels, where you can wind down during the day. At night, sip drinks at the bar and mingle with fellow passengers in the modern Japanese atmosphere as the pleasant sound of the live piano performance tinkles in the background. Enjoy the starry sky that peers in from the panoramic windows with a glass of bliss in your hand and relax on the sofas to take in the stunning views that pass by. This space provides the perfect setting for social gatherings as well as solo time,” Seven Stars in Kyushu explains.
Lounge Car Blue Moon © Kyushu Railway Company
Travellers who are eager to enter the ballot and catch a ride aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu are invited to keep an eye on the website. Fares include all transportation costs, as well as onboard service, tour buses, meals, beverages (not including select vintage wine, champagne and the fare at KAZ BAR), sightseeing, and accommodation costs for the 4-day 3-night journey.
AloJapan.com