Have $10,000 and absolutely love fast trains?
Head to Japan.
The country has cornered the market on very specific opulence with a 10-car train called Train Suite Shiki-shima. Reuters paints a beautiful picture for those of us who can't get out to Japan or don't, you know, have mountains of cash at home.
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The train is bedecked in dark wood, which complements the observation cars that are devoid of much in the way of paneling.These two cars have glass walls and ceilings so you don't have to strain to see the gorgeous landscape that whizzes on by.
Only 33 people hopped on the maiden voyage that took place May 1. The more comfortable of the bunch got to ride in the executive suites, which are described as having, "traditional tatami rice straw mats and bathtubs made from hiroki cypress wood in its executive suites."
That is more than enough to keep you comfy as you tour the countryside for four days en route from Tokyo to Hokkaido.
Of course, this much comfort costs. Tinuku.com reports the most expensive cabin is a shade less expensive than other reports, claiming those riding in the executive car merely have to fork over $8,493 per person.
What the report does note is that many, many like-minded individuals do think it's worth it, because the train is sold out until March 2018.
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Tetsuro Tomita, President of East Japan Railway, proclaimed that no expense was spared: "With Shiki-Shima, we want to create a new level of service and history in train travel," he said via Tinuku.com.
As noted, this particular itinerary has passengers also riding by the Tohoku region, which endured a great deal of damage during the 2011 earthquake.
Reuters quotes Tomita on this very subject: "We also want to empower the disaster-hit northern Japan for their recovery effort through the operation of Shiki-shima."
Whether it's your first time to Japan or you're a regular who wants to travel in something new, East Japan Railway has an option for you. And it's not exactly roughing it.
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