Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is returning to Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan’s first luxury sleeper train, for a second year.
Two exclusive departures include a spring journey timed perfectly for the cherry blossom season.
Traveller’s often apply to the lottery year after year before they win a place, but A&K’s exclusive charter provides instant access to the entire train.
The two departures in 2027 run in April and from September, with maximum group sizes of 18 and 20 respectively.
Seven Stars launched in 2013 and its 10 suites each have a private bathroom and shower, with fine woodwork and textiles that blend Japanese and Western design.
Guests can soak in Kyushu’s scenery from the Blue Moon lounge car, which becomes a piano bar in the evening, or in the Jupiter salon car, home to a tatami-floored tearoom.
The 10-day Japan by Luxury Train: Seven Stars in Kyushu 2027 journey starts in Fukuoka with two nights at The Ritz-Carlton.
Guests then board at Hakata Station for a welcome ceremony in the Kinsei Lounge and spend four days crossing Kyushu.
Excursions off the train include a visit to Ransei-an, a workshop that preserves hand weaving, hand tying and natural indigo dyeing. A stop at Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, gives 360-degree views of the crater.
The group then spends a night at Ryotei Hanzuiryo, a ryokan at the foot of Mount Unzen known for its hot springs, followed by stargazing at Nita Pass, a scenic overlook normally closed to the public after sunset.
At Kitsuki, a local priest guides them through the Rikugo Manzan Sojiin and Futago-ji temples, set in forest known as one of Japan’s best places for forest bathing.
Back in Fukuoka, guests eat at a yatai food stall before taking the shinkansen to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima.
The journey ends in Kyoto at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto. Guests visit Kinkaku-ji and the Arashiyama bamboo grove, take a confectionery class and join a tea ceremony led by a tea master.
The farewell dinner is hosted by a geiko and maiko, who dance, sing and share stories of life in modern Kyoto.
The journey includes A&K’s signature touches: an English-speaking Resident Tour Director® and local guides, private airport transfers, the Travelling Bell Boy® luggage service, the Traveller’s Valet® laundry service, most meals and all entrance fees.
It is priced from $62,345 per person double occupancy.
