What happens when you ask a super-car designer to create a super
luxurious train?
Magic, judging by the above images released
by Japanese rail company JR East.
Yamagata-born Ken Okuyama, well known in
automobile design circles, was brought in to style the company's super slick
new Cruise Train,
due to start chugging down the tracks in spring 2017.
Holding a maximum of 34 passengers, the
Cruise Train will have 10 carriages made up of five suites, one deluxe suite,
two glass-walled observation cars, a dining car and lounge.
Okuyama has worked as a chief designer for
General Motors, a senior designer for Porsche AG and design director for
Pininfarina, the company behind the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte.
According to his company, Ken Okuyama Design,
he wanted to create a train that would allow passengers "to appreciate the
flow of the time and space," while enjoying Japan's landscapes and culture
throughout the journey.
One of the more unique features is the
observation carriage at the front of the train, which allows passengers to see
onto the tracks ahead.
The other observation car is at the end of
the train.
JR Rail says the train will be fitted with furniture
that conveys the nobility of traditional Japanese culture.
The Lounge, for instance, is wrapped in
graceful curves and features decor inspired by trees.
All suites will have a private bathroom with
a shower and toilet, but the top sleeping space is the split level deluxe
suite, which sleeps four.
On the bottom are two double beds, on the top
a traditional Japanese dining area, with seats on the floor.
The train will be able to run on both
electric and non-electric rails.
Can't wait till 2017?
JR East's upcoming Cruise Train won't be the
first Japanese train to take the super-luxury route.
JR Kyushu's Seven
Stars train, which features Japanese and Western design elements, hit the
tracks in the fall of 2013.
This one only travels through the island of
Kyushu and has 14 luxury guest rooms, two deluxe suites, three presidential
suites, a lounge car, dining car and bar.
Guests can choose either the two- or
three-night experience.
The name "Seven Stars" represents
the seven prefectures of Kyushu, the seven carriages of the train and the seven
main tourist attractions of the island (nature, cuisine, hot springs,
history/culture, spiritual sites, local hospitality and sightseeing).
Those who want to take a Seven Stars journey need
to apply online. Prices start from ¥180,000 ($1,765) per person for the
two-night trip.
No first come first serve here.
The company says that in the event that
applications exceed available places, a lottery will be conducted to select
participants.
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