TOKYO — The Shiki-Shima Train hit Japanese tracks on Monday May 1st 2017. <br /> <br />The service, operated by East Japanese Railway Company, chauffeurs passengers around North-East Japan on 2 and 3-day trips. It departs Tokyo's Ueno station on a on a 800-mile round trip that stops in Shiroishi, Matsushima, Aomori, Horisaki, Ichinoseki and Naruko-Onsen before returning to Ueno. <br /> <br />The Shiki Shima travels at 110 kilometers per hour — 3 times slower than Japan's so-called bullet train, the Shinkansen. <br /> <br />It comprises 10 cars. These include 1 car for deluxe and Shiki-Shima suite passengers, 5 cars for regular suite , 2 observatory cars, a lounge car and a dining room. <br /> <br />It's observatory cars allow passengers to sit back and take in panoramic views of the Japanese countryside. <br /> <br />The train's 17 suites can accommodate 34 passengers. Guests have the option of staying in a regular maisonette type suite, or deluxe or the Shiki-Shima suite. <br /> <br />The Shiki-Shima's dining room also lets guests view the passing scenery while traveling. It's and a menu designed by a Michelin star chef. <br /> <br />The service is proving very popular. It's currently fully booked until next April and prospective guests currently need to apply online to join the journey.
