The cruise train "Train Suite Shiki-shima," which allows passengers to experience Japan's rich nature and regional culture through the changing time and space that only a train can offer, will begin operation on May 1, 2017.

In May and June 2017, the train will operate in two itineraries: a 3-night, 4-day course and a 1-night, 2-day course. The 3-night, 4-day course departs from Ueno and includes sightseeing in Nikko. Passengers will enjoy a dinner prepared by the Train Suite Shiki-shima's in-house chef on board, arrive in Hakodate on the morning of the second day, and enjoy sightseeing. The train will then stay overnight at a carefully selected inn in Date-Monbetsu or Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. On the third day, passengers can choose between the "Jomon Course," which visits the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins and other sites, or the "Gono Line Course," which allows passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Gono Line. On Day 4, the tour will visit Kamo Aquarium, Yamagata Prefecture's only aquarium overlooking the Sea of Japan; Atsumi Onsen in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture; and a workshop in Niigata Prefecture where hammered copperware is made, before returning to Ueno Station. Departure dates are May 1, 15, 29, June 5, 12, and 19.
The two-day, one-night tour departs from Ueno Station and offers tastings of wine made from grapes grown in Yamanashi Prefecture, taking advantage of the ideal terrain and climate with excellent drainage, sunlight, and ventilation. After touring Obasute in Nagano Prefecture, where you can enjoy picturesque scenery, the tour will head to Aizu. On Day 2, the tour will include a breakfast on board that gives a sense of Aizu's history and culture, followed by sightseeing in Aizu before returning to Ueno Station. Departure dates are May 6, 20, June 3, 10, and 24.

Tickets for this train journey will be sold by JR East Group's View Travel Service Co., Ltd., and are also scheduled to be sold at major travel agencies. Prices are as follows: a 3-night, 4-day course for two people sharing a room: 750,000 to 770,000 yen for a suite, 900,000 yen for a deluxe suite, and 950,000 yen for a Shiki-shima suite; and for a 1-night, 2-day course: 320,000 yen for a suite, 400,000 yen for a deluxe suite, and 450,000 yen for a Shiki-shima suite. There is a 10,000 yen discount on the 3-night, 4-day Jomon course. Suites can also be used by one person, and all prices are for one person.