The Twilight Express Mizukaze is a 10-car luxury sleeper train run by JR West in western Japan since 17 June 2017, with room for just 34 passengers. Fares reportedly run from about 415,000 to 1,490,000 yen per person for autumn 2026 departures.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | West Japan Railway Company (JR West) |
| In service since | 17 June 2017 |
| Capacity | 34 passengers |
| Cars | 10: six sleeping cars, lounge, dining car and observation cars at both ends |
| Builders | Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kinki Sharyo |
| Regions | Keihanshin, Sanin and Sanyo |
| Fares | At launch in 2017: about $2,400 for two for one night in a standard room, suites from $6,700. For October and November 2026, a booking guide reports about 415,000 to 1,490,000 yen per person |
What is the Twilight Express Mizukaze?
A hotel on rails. The ten-car hybrid diesel train has six sleeping cars, a lounge car, a dining car and observation cars with open balconies at each end. Five sleeping cars hold three private rooms each, while one car is a single suite with its own bathtub and private balcony. Styling was overseen by industrial designer Tetsuo Fukuda and architect Kazuya Ura.
The industrial-looking exterior hides interiors that feel like a five-star hotel, with beds, bathrooms and bathing facilities in private rooms, plus a restaurant, a lounge and a bar.
At the 2017 launch, JR West president Tatsuo Kijima framed it like this:
“The train realises the concept of a hotel running through beautiful Japan. We hope to offer a new standard of rail travel,” said West Japan Railway President Tatsuo Kijima as he introduced Mizukaze to the press.
“We hope that passengers of the Twilight Express Mizukaze will enjoy the beautiful nature, and historical and cultural heritage of the Sanyo and Sanin regions,” Kijima told a news conference.
Where does the train go?
Excursions start from Kyoto and Osaka and run to Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, then return along a different route. There are two-day Sanyo and Sanin trips in each direction, stopping at places such as Miyajimaguchi, Onomichi, Kurashiki, Kinosaki Onsen and Tottori, and a three-day circular tour combining both lines.
What do guests eat?
Catering is overseen by food columnist Takeshi Kadokami, with menus designed by chef Yoshihiro Murata of Kikunoi in Kyoto and Hajime Yoneda of Hajime. The train is not a regular service: reports describe a JR West lottery held months ahead, with popular departures heavily oversubscribed, so book as early as you can.
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FAQ
What is the Twilight Express Mizukaze?
A luxury sleeper excursion train run by JR West in western Japan since June 2017.
How many people does it carry?
34 passengers across 10 cars.
How much does the Mizukaze cost?
A booking guide reports about 415,000 to 1,490,000 yen per person for October and November 2026 departures. At launch in 2017 a one-night room for two cost about $2,400 and a suite started at $6,700.
Where does it travel?
From Kyoto and Osaka to Shimonoseki via the Sanyo and Sanin lines, plus a three-day circular route.
How do I book a ticket?
Through a JR West lottery held months before departures; agents may also have allocations.
Who designs the meals?
Menus are overseen by Takeshi Kadokami, with some designed by chefs Yoshihiro Murata and Hajime Yoneda.
Last updated: October 2026.
