4 DREAMIEST TRAIN TRIPS AROUND THE WORLD

There’s plenty of ink spilled over the “destination” versus the “journey.” At Onismo we reject the false binary that one is more important, or more meaningful and ripe for self-discovery. Good travel can—and should be—about both the there and the getting there. And traveling by rail is the one mode of transport that best encapsulates why we believe that.

Over the past five centuries, train travel has continuously transformed, both out of necessity and more recently in the name of luxury. The slower pace of a good train ride calls back to the past, with doses of nostalgic glamour, but it also points to the future: Opting for a train over a car or plane is simply better environmentally. So, in today’s age of the boutique train, we’ve gladly discovered the routes and rails that go heavy on the romance both inside and out. Read on to learn about the world’s dreamiest train trips—and don’t confuse the reduced carbon footprint as a sacrifice of comfort.

Seven Stars in Kyushu (Kyushu, Japan)

On the southwestern tip of Japan sits Kyushu, the country’s third-largest island. Famed for its many hot springs, radiant yet tranquil beaches, and rich artisanal heritage, Kyushu is Japan’s closest island to mainland Asia. While the island rarely ranks as a top go-to destination for tourism in Japan, Kyushu’s striking scenery makes it one of the region’s most unique places to visit.

With so much natural beauty and rich history to take in, we recommend circling Kyushu’s periphery on the Seven Stars railroad, which runs through all of the island’s seven prefectures over a three-day, four-night journey. This mega-luxe sleeper train ranks high among the world’s most celebrated luxury trains, offering an utterly unforgettable way to discover Kyushu’s quaint, distinct magic—and experience a chic opulence along the way. The first and last of the train’s impeccably designed seven cars feature bespoke panoramic windows, allowing for near-360-degree views of the island. Almost all the materials used in the train’s interior design—including fine Japanese oak, ceramics (like timeless blue-and-white Arita porcelain), and wine-red textiles with millennia of history—pay homage to Kyushu’s rich handicraft traditions. Utilizing the island’s 3,000 kilometers of rail lines, Seven Stars passengers can bop between a ryurei-style tea room to the Blue Moon lounge car, where cocktails flow as a professional pianist serenades guests. In the dining car passengers can enjoy on-train delicacies like wine-fed kuroge wagyu beef and Kagoshima caviar prepared personally by the train’s head chef. Stops along the route provide travelers the chance to relax into hot-spring soaks at many of Kyushu’s famed onsens, tour local pottery kilns and ancient shrines, and discover the many more abundant surprises that Kyushu has to offer.