JR West will launch a new luxury sightseeing train this fall called the Hana Akari. The new train will run along a variety of routes in Western Japan for limited periods, with its first route being along the coast between Tsuruga City in Fukui Prefecture and the hot spring report town of Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture.
The Hana Akari sightseeing train
The exterior of the train is a dark chocolate brown with an ornate gold pattern of flowers, while the interior is decorated with the arts and crafts of Western Japan.
Seating in Cars 2 and 3
This is a three-car train with two first class Green Cars and one Superior Green Car. A reserved seat on a Green Car will cost 10,640 yen and in the Superior Green Car will cost 12,840 yen.
Seating in Car 1
Cars 2 and 3 are spacious with single rows of independent seats that rotate 360 degrees, and box seats suitable for groups of 2 or 4 people. All seats have large tables. Car 2 also has a Salon area that can be used to sell local specialties or hold special events.
Car 1 is the Superior Green Car which has leather seats with large tables and power outlets.
Throughout the train there are special arts and crafts such as Ojami cotton cushions and braided tassels from Kyoto, and special flower vases.
Cars 2 and 3 have copper vases from Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture, while Car 1 has iron vases from Izumo.
Ar iron vase from Izumo
Other artworks on display will change according to the regions that the train travels through.
A bento lunch box to be served on the Kinosaki Onsen to Tsuruga route
Special bento lunch boxes filled with local delicacies can be enjoyed on board the train and special novelty souvenirs can be purchased at stations along the route.
The Hana Akari will commence operations on Saturday, October 5th and continue running on Saturdays and Sundays between Tsuruga and Kinosaki Onsen until December 22nd. From January the Hana Akari will run along a different route, which is yet to be announced.
Tickets are now on sale and can be bought at railway station ticket offices or major travel agencies throughout Japan.
Article by Michael Lambe. Images courtesy of JR West. All rights reserved.
