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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)

Enquire about this itinerary
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)

Enquire about this itinerary

Departure Dates

DateFromStatus
Tue, 21 Jul 2026 £15,990 per cabin Available Reserve →
Tue, 4 Aug 2026 £15,990 per cabin Available Reserve →
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seven Stars in Kyushu and where does it travel?+
Seven Stars in Kyushu is a world-renowned luxury sleeper train operated by JR Kyushu, often described as the world's most beautiful train. It travels across Kyushu — Japan's most storied southern island — pairing nights aboard an exquisitely crafted train with ryokan stays, volcanic highland scenery, sacred shrines, and centuries-old craft traditions.
What itineraries are available and how long are the journeys?+
There are two four-day, three-night itineraries, both departing from and returning to Hakata Station. The Unzen Course (Hakata → Unzen → Hakata) explores Kyushu's craft heritage, Aso's grasslands, hot-spring culture, and the Rikugo Manzan temple grounds. The Takachiho Course (Hakata → Takachiho → Hakata) immerses guests in Kyushu's ancient mythology, including a Night Kagura sacred ritual performance and a guided tour of Usa Jingu Shrine.
How much does Seven Stars in Kyushu cost?+
Suite fares start from £14,990 per cabin for single occupancy on the Unzen Course, and from £16,990 per cabin for single occupancy on the Takachiho Course; double-occupancy fares are £15,990 and £17,990 per cabin respectively. Final pricing varies by cabin type, course, season, and party size — contact Palace Trains to confirm the exact fare for your preferred departure.
What cabin types are available?+
The train has three cabin categories: Deluxe Suite A, featuring a panoramic rear window spanning the carriage's full width; Deluxe Suite B, an elegant 17 m² suite with flexible twin or double bed configuration; and Suites, approximately 10 m² of refined comfort with a private bathroom and foldable beds that convert to sofas by day. All cabins include private bathrooms and are finished in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. At present, only Suites remain available — both Deluxe Suite categories are sold out across all departures.
What is included in the fare?+
Most luxury train fares at this level include onboard dining, excursions, and key transfers — Seven Stars is no exception, with highlights such as multi-course dinners crafted from Kyushu's finest seasonal ingredients, ryokan overnight stays, private excursions, and complimentary transfers to and from Hakata Station all woven into the itinerary. Exact inclusions can vary by journey and departure; Palace Trains will confirm precisely what is covered for your chosen dates.
When does Seven Stars in Kyushu operate and when can I travel?+
There are currently 3 upcoming departures available through Palace Trains, running from July through October 2026 — with Suites on the Unzen Course in July, August, and October. Please see the train's departure table for specific dates, or contact Palace Trains for the latest availability.

All you want to know about Seven Stars in Kyushu →