Public travel plan
Two Days Aboard Train Suite Shikishima from Tokyo
This is a two-day, 867 km round trip aboard Train Suite Shikishima, departing from and returning to Tokyo Ueno Station. The train departs from platform 13. The fare encountered on this journey was more than $1,300 per d…
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This is a two-day, 867 km round trip aboard Train Suite Shikishima, departing from and returning to Tokyo Ueno Station. The train departs from platform 13. The fare encountered on this journey was more than $1,300 per day; treat that as a historical price, not a current quote, and check current booking information before planning. Excursions use dedicated tour buses, while the suite, observation car, lounge and dining car are part of the onboard experience. The route passes rural scenery, rice paddies and ski-resort areas, some of which are views from the train rather than stops. Check current fares, booking terms and schedules.
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Itinerary highlights
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Day 1: Ueno departure and Niigata excursion
**Cabin and comfort:** Car 9 is 20 metres long, with three passenger suites for six guests. The suite has a private shower and toilet; amenities include a toothbrush, shower cap and body soap. Towels and other amenities are replaced after use, and complimentary grape juice, water and tea in the refrigerator are replenished when the room is cleaned. The shower has strong pressure and a water-level indicator. After dinner, the bed is made; it is comfortable but not especially wide, and Japanese-s…
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Ueno StationUeno Station, Tokyo, Japan
Begin the two-day round trip at Ueno. The train departs from platform 13 and returns here at the end of the journey.
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Minakami Station (Mizukami)Minakami Station, Minakami, Japan
The train pauses briefly here. Visitors and train enthusiasts gather to photograph the Shikishima.
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Niitsu StationNiitsu Station, Niigata, Japan
Passengers disembark here and board the dedicated excursion bus. The ride to the garden takes about 40 minutes.
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Niigata Saitō VillaNiigata Saitō Villa, Niigata, Japan
Visit this Japanese garden during the Shikishima excursion. The dedicated bus ride from Niitsu Station takes about 40 minutes.
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Bandai BridgeBandai Bridge, Niigata, Japan
The excursion bus crosses this well-known Niigata landmark, described as a symbol of the prefecture. It is part of the bus route rather than a separately described stop.
Day 2: Shinonoi excursion and return to Ueno
**Excursion logistics:** At Shinonoi Station, passengers transfer to a dedicated Shikishima bus for about an hour of sightseeing. Follow the onboard tour arrangements for the excursion. **Dining and onboard comfort:** The following lunch includes corn soup topped with tomato sorbet, fried vegetables with caviar, mushroom soup, Japanese Wagyu and lemon-shaped sweets. Back in the lounge, enjoy the forest scenery; the fireplace is decorative rather than functional. **Return to Ueno:** The train pa…