OSAKA –
Japan’s first in a single day Shinkansen service departed Shin-Osaka Station at round 10 p.m. on September 22, taking passengers on a particular journey to Tokyo that included a six-hour cease at Shin-Fuji Station, the place vacationers spent the evening aboard the prepare earlier than having fun with views of Mount Fuji at daybreak.
The Tokaido Lumiere Express marked the primary in a single day Shinkansen service working within the Tokyo-bound course, providing passengers a uncommon alternative to expertise Japan’s high-speed rail community after darkish.
Passengers gathering at Shin-Osaka Station expressed pleasure concerning the uncommon journey. “I’m happy to have such a rare experience,” one youngster mentioned, whereas one other passenger described the in a single day service as one thing particular, including, “It’s an honor to be able to ride it.”
A younger passenger was significantly excited concerning the alternative to see Mount Fuji early the subsequent morning. “We can see Mount Fuji from 6 a.m., and I’m really looking forward to that too,” the kid mentioned.
The prepare departed Shin-Osaka at roughly 10 p.m. and arrived at Shin-Fuji Station round midnight, the place it remained stationary for about six hours.
Passengers spent the evening aboard the prepare earlier than waking to take pleasure in views of Mount Fuji within the early morning. The service then resumed its journey, arriving at its closing vacation spot, Tokyo Station, at round 7 a.m. on September 23.
The particular operation has raised expectations that in a single day Shinkansen companies could possibly be launched once more sooner or later.
Meanwhile, one other growth in Japan’s high-speed rail community is attracting consideration, with a brand new luxurious seating class scheduled to debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1.
A preview occasion showcasing the brand new Supreme Class started at Hiroshima Station on September 22, giving guests a possibility to expertise the premium lodging forward of their introduction.
The new service will mark the return of personal compartments to the Shinkansen for the primary time in 23 years, providing a degree of consolation and privateness above that of the prevailing Green Car.
Supreme Class compartments characteristic absolutely enclosed personal areas with lockable doorways, bigger tables than these present in Green Cars, and generously cushioned reclining chairs designed to supply a extra luxurious journey expertise.
Visitors to the preview occasion had been capable of examine the compartments and check out the seats for themselves, with many expressing shock on the degree of consolation.
“Wow, it’s completely different,” one customer mentioned after attempting the reclining mechanism. Another described the seat as exceptionally delicate and comfy, including, “I’d like to actually travel in one next time.”
The premium lodging additionally attracted consideration from guests contemplating their potential use for enterprise journey.
“It almost feels like a waste to use it for business,” one customer mentioned. “It’s the perfect environment for working, but you wouldn’t want to work. You’d want to enjoy yourself.”
Ken Hatada, a supervisor in JR West’s railway advertising and marketing division, mentioned the corporate hoped the preview would introduce the brand new service to a large viewers in Hiroshima.
“We want as many people in Hiroshima as possible to experience our highest-class seats, services and private spaces, and hope to provide journeys they will remember for the rest of their lives,” Hatada mentioned.
A one-way Supreme Class ticket between Tokyo and Hiroshima prices roughly 60,000 yen. Tickets went on sale on September 15, forward of the service’s October 1 launch.
Source: Hiroshima News TSS