Japan's most luxurious cruise train launched in Kyushu

The major railway operator on Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu launched the country's most "luxurious" cruise train on Friday, which will run on rail networks in seven prefectures, railway officials said.

The exclusive sleeper train "Seven Stars in Kyushu," named after the number of prefectures on the island, was officially unveiled at an inauguration ceremony held at the railway operator' s factory in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, according to the Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu).

"We have selected the finest woods and fabrics for the cruise train, combining traditional and modern styling, in Japanese and Western designs, to accommodate the many visitors who will enjoy sightseeing here through a new dimension of elegance and grace," Koji Karaike, the company's president, said at the ceremony attended by more than 100 guests.

JR Kyushu spokesperson Toru told Xinhua that the new train is composed of seven carriages pulled by a locomotive and there are five sleeping cars, one dining car and one lounge car with a bar and piano. He also said that four of the five sleeping cars contain only three "suite" rooms per car, with their interior gorgeously decorated with the island's traditional Arita porcelain.

"Each 20.5-meter carriage is colored a deep red to increase the vivid contrast of the train running along scenic routes by volcanic mountains and the island's ocean views," the spokesperson added.

The company starts its railway sightseeing tours with the sleeper train on Oct. 15. The Seven Stars in Kyushu is already fully booked until June next year by domestic and international visitors, including travelers from Hong Kong.