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Seven Stars in Kyushu

Japan's most beautiful train — 20 guests, two timeless courses through Kyushu

About the Train

Often described as the world's most beautiful train, Seven Stars in Kyushu blends Japanese artistry, traditional hospitality, and intimate scale. With just 20 passengers per departure, the atmosphere is refined yet deeply personal.

There are eight elegant Suites and two Deluxe Suites, each with private bathrooms. The most coveted cabin, Deluxe Suite A, features a panoramic rear window spanning the carriage's full width, while Deluxe Suite B offers a generous 17m² layout with flexible twin or double bed configuration. The Suites provide around 10m² of refined comfort, with foldable beds that transform into sofas by day — each a showcase of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Luxury Train Club has secured an exclusive allocation of cabins bookable directly on a first-come, first-served basis — entirely bypassing Japan's public lottery system.

Gallery

Accommodation

Deluxe Suite A — The train's most sought-after cabin, featuring a panoramic rear window across the carriage's full width. Currently sold out across all departures.

Deluxe Suite B — An elegant 17m² suite with flexible twin or double bed configuration, combining comfort and privacy in a richly detailed carriage setting. Currently sold out across all departures.

Suite — Approximately 10m² of refined comfort with a private bathroom and foldable beds that transform into sofas by day, blending practicality with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Limited availability remains.

Itineraries

Choose the journey that calls to you. Each itinerary may be reserved through our concierge.

The Unzen Course
3 nights · 4 days · Hakata → Unzen → Hakata
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A four-day journey through Kyushu's craft heritage, volcanic highlands, and hot-spring culture, including an exclusive overnight at the renowned Ryotei Hanzuiryo ryokan and a private stargazing experience at Nita Pass.

Day 1 – Craft & Culture

Depart Hakata and visit Ransei-an, a Kurume Kasuri workshop preserving centuries of hand-weaving and indigo dyeing traditions. Savour a multi-course dinner crafted from Kyushu's finest ingredients, then unwind in the lounge with live music and elegant evening entertainment.

Day 2 – Nature & Night Skies

Travel through the sweeping grasslands of Aso with 360-degree views from the Ogidani Observatory. Overnight at Ryotei Hanzuiryo ryokan, with the option of a private stargazing experience at Nita Pass — opened exclusively for Seven Stars guests.

Day 3 – Hot Springs & Leisure

Discover Unzen's heritage as a refined summer retreat with a lakeside walk at Lake Shirakumo, or relax at the nostalgic Unzen Kanko Hotel.

Day 4 – Temples & Farewell

Visit Futago-ji Temple and Sojiin on the Rikugo Manzan grounds, where Shinto and Buddhist traditions intertwine. Return to Hakata for a farewell lunch and closing ceremony.

from £14,990 per cabin (single) / £15,990 per cabin (double)

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The Takachiho Course
3 nights · 4 days · Hakata → Takachiho → Hakata
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An immersive four-day journey through Kyushu's sacred landscapes and ancient mythology, with an overnight at the acclaimed Shinsen ryokan in Takachiho, a Night Kagura ritual performance, and a rare guided tour of Usa Jingu Shrine.

Day 1 – Heritage & Craftsmanship

Depart Hakata and travel south into Kyushu's cultural heartlands. Visit the historic Koda Ware (Yatsushiro Ware) pottery district, renowned for over 400 years of refined inlay craftsmanship. Guests may take part in a hands-on artisan experience before enjoying a refined dinner onboard, accompanied by live music.

Day 2 – Myth & Sacred Traditions

Arrive in Takachiho, a region steeped in Japanese mythology. Visit Amano Iwato Shrine — where the sun goddess Amaterasu is said to have hidden — with a guided explanation of its spiritual significance. Settle into Shinsen ryokan for an overnight stay, with the opportunity to witness an authentic Night Kagura performance: a sacred dance and music ritual passed down through generations.

Day 3 – Nature & Volcanic Landscapes

Begin with an early-morning visit to Takachiho Gorge, timed to avoid the crowds. Stroll along dramatic basalt cliffs and past waterfalls while learning how this landscape connects to Kyushu's volcanic history. Continue by private coach through the Aso region, enjoying expansive views of grasslands and caldera scenery before rejoining the train.

Day 4 – Shrines & Farewell

Visit Usa Jingu Shrine — the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines in Japan — with a rare guided tour of this nationally treasured site. Return to Hakata for a farewell lunch onboard, concluding the journey with a closing ceremony.

from £16,990 per cabin (single) / £17,990 per cabin (double)

Detailed itinerary & questions →

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Departure Dates

DateFromStatus
Tue, 20 Oct 2026 £15,990 per cabin Available Reserve →

Cabins & Prices

Cabin / SuiteBasisPrice
Suite – Unzen Courseper cabin, double occupancy£ 15,990
Suite – Unzen Courseper cabin, single occupancy£ 14,990
Suite – Takachiho Courseper cabin, double occupancy£ 17,990
Suite – Takachiho Courseper cabin, single occupancy£ 16,990

Prices are indicative and subject to change and availability. Contact us for the latest rates and offers.

Destinations on This Journey

In-depth guides to the places you'll visit — what to see and where to eat at each stop.

Questions About the Seven Stars in Kyushu

Why is Seven Stars in Kyushu so hard to book, and how does Palace Trains get around the lottery?+
JR Kyushu allocates most cabins through a public lottery open only to applicants with a Japanese postal address, and demand regularly outstrips supply many times over. Palace Trains holds an exclusive allocation released on a first-come, first-served basis, so international guests can secure a cabin directly without ever entering the draw. Because only 20 guests travel per departure, even our allocation is limited, so we recommend enquiring as early as possible. Call us toll-free at 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com to check current availability.

More in the journal →

Is Seven Stars in Kyushu suitable for solo travellers?+
Yes — the train's intimate 20-guest capacity and communal dining and lounge cars make it a comfortable choice for solo travellers who want company without needing to organize it themselves. Cabins are generally priced per person with a single supplement rather than requiring a paired booking, though availability for solo travel is limited given the small number of cabins overall. Speak with Palace Trains about current single occupancy options and pricing for your preferred course.

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How far in advance should I book Seven Stars in Kyushu?+
Given the train carries only 20 guests per departure and Palace Trains' allocation outside the Japanese lottery is limited, popular dates — especially spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season — can sell out many months ahead. We generally recommend enquiring six to twelve months before your intended travel window, particularly if you have a specific course or cabin type in mind. Contact Palace Trains at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com to check live availability for your dates.

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Read the full Seven Stars in Kyushu Journal — 24 questions answered →

From the Journal