Twilight Express Mizukaze
Luxurious cruise train, the Twilight Express Mizukaze is seen here shortly after departing from Kyoto
Jerome Laborde
West Japan's Luxury Night Train
The Twilight Express Mizukaze is a super luxury sleeper train in Japan. The JR Twilight Express Mizukaze operates between Kyoto and Shimonoseki at the western tip of Honshu in Yamaguchi for the one-night, two-day trip, or does a round-trip back to Kyoto for the two-nights, three-day option.
Since June 2017, a new luxury train has entered service in Japan. Operated by JR West, the Twilight Express Mizukaze is an overnight and excursion train that runs from Kyoto all the way to Yamaguchi. The train passes beautiful scenery and destinations along the way.
Mizukaze itineraries in Western Japan
Five different two-day itineraries are available, either along the Sea of Japan, on the Sanin Line. Or via the Sanyo line on the Pacific coast. The ultimate three-day version takes you on a grand tour of both lines and all their wonders.
The complete tour departs from Kyoto for a 3-day, 2-night journey, stopping at Okayama, Unna/Matsue and Tottori/Higashihama en route. It also slows down in front of renowned natural sites and landscapes such as Setonaikai National Park, the Orii Coast, Lake Shinji, Mount Daisen and the Amarube Viaduct. This itinerary will introduce you to the most beautiful hidden gems of western Japan, and give you the opportunity to admire the region's breathtaking panoramas and vistas, comfortably seated in plush sofas and armchairs facing the landscape behind large windows in panoramic "Observation cars" (cars 1 and 10). You even have access to an open-air observation deck at the rear of the train for a refreshing and exhilarating experience!
Onboard the Twilight Express Mizukaze
The train itself is a hybrid diesel, allowing it to run on the un-electrified San-in Line, and consists of ten cars carrying a maximum of only 30 passengers.
It was designed by industrial designer Tetsuo Fukuda whose other train works include the Sunrise Seto, Sunrise Izumo, and the N700 Series Shinkansen.
The interior was designed by Kazuya Ura whose experience is in designing luxury hotels, as the train really is a hotel on rails. The two end cars are observation cars, both with an exterior viewing platform.
Logo & Staff
Twin room on the Twilight Express Mizukaze
@JR West
Twin room on the Twilight Express Mizukaze by night
@JR West
JR West
JR West
The concept reflects both the famous Twilight Express night train, in service until 2015, that Japanese people used to enjoy taking to Hokkaido, and the new appeal of these pleasure trains that take the time to take you on a slow journey to discover the most beautiful places. The Art Deco style was chosen by designer Tetsuo Fukuda to symbolize this era of luxury and elegance, to savor every moment of an exceptional journey.
The interior was designed by Kazuya Ura, whose experience focuses on luxury hotel design, as the train is truly a hotel on rails. The most noble and attractive materials have been chosen: wood, fabrics, marble, and metal, to ensure an unforgettable experience at every moment of the journey. The "Salon de l'Ouest" (car 5) is the bar car, with comfortable seating for a chat over a glass of sake, chamber music, or tea!
Meals are shared in car 6, next to the open kitchen staffed by top chefs and their attentive staff, ensuring gourmet meals with delicate dishes and the flavors of the best produce from the regions where the train passes.
As far as bedrooms are concerned, for a solo trip, the "Royal Single" is all wood, with a retractable bed for more space during the day and a desk with a view through the large window.
For two, the "Royal Twin" is just what you need, with two beds that fold away during the day to ensure maximum space and a desk and table available. You have your own bathroom with a toilet and shower for these first two set ups.
But there's still the ultimate-in-luxury of the Mizukaze, "The Suite," with an entire car (N°7) reserved for you, with your own private entrance, twin-bedded room, large living-dining room, and even your own bathroom with a bathtub and marble basins. Of course, high class comes with a hefty price tag, but what we wouldn't do to forge the most beautiful memories!
During the day, the Twilight Express Mizukaze stops at prestigious locations, where you'll receive a personalized welcome on the platform, complete with musicians and dancers for a short welcome show. A special bus then takes you on a guided tour of a famous temple, art workshops to discover the manufacture of ceramics, goldsmith's and silversmith's work, precious woods like those adorning the train, a master glass maker, etc.
You'll be able to take home memorable souvenirs of an exceptional trip, as well as beautiful objects to (treat yourself to) from Japan's finest.
