“I want to enjoy this special time and space.”The Mizukaze, which means “fresh wind” in Japanese, is just the latest luxury offering in train-mad Japan, which has an extensive railway network covering most of the country. In 2013, Kyushu Railway unveiled its “Seven Stars” service with a piano and a bar, top-end dining and luxury suites. Japan’s train operators have some offerings a notch down too, including a carriage with a foot-soaker bath. As Tokyo gets set to host the 2020 Olympics, the record numbers of tourists visiting Japan could be another lucrative market for luxury train operators. “This trend comes when more and more travelers from abroad are visiting Japan so the timing is good,” Kurihara said.

Source: Manila Times June 17, 2017 14:26 UTC