Twilight Express Mizukaze

Running through the scenic landscapes of western Japan, the Twilight Express Mizukaze offers a slower, more intentional way to experience the country’s natural beauty and cultural depth. This luxury sleeper train takes its time, stopping at lesser-visited destinations along the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea. Inspired by the original Twilight Express, the Mizukaze continues the tradition of overnight rail travel in Japan.

Train Accommodations and Amenities

Photo by: PIXTA/ ARIAKE787 Travel in style.

A journey on the Twilight Express Mizukaze is an overnight stay in a luxury train designed like a boutique hotel. With only 34 passengers onboard, the experience is intimate, refined and unlike any other sleeper train in Japan.

Room types include:

• Single: A smaller room for solo travelers, with a large window and regionally crafted interior details.
• Twin: The standard room onboard, featuring two retractable beds, large windows and traditional design elements from across western Japan.
• Twin (Universal Design): A barrier-free room designed for wheelchair users, with wider spaces and accessible features.
• The Suite: The most exclusive option, a full train car that includes a private balcony, dining space, bedroom, and bathroom with a bathtub.

All rooms include ensuite toilets and most have private showers. For guests in Royal-class rooms, shared shower and lounge facilities are also available.

The Twilight Express Mizukaze’s facilities focus on comfort, relaxation and cultural immersion rather than convenience:

• Observation Cars (Car No. 1 and 10) – Located at both ends of the train, these cars have wide panoramic windows and open-air decks for viewing the coastline, countryside and mountains along the route.
• Lounge Car (Car No. 5) – A quiet space with a bar counter, traditional tea ceremony area and boutique corner featuring seasonal local crafts.
• Dining Car (Car No. 6) – Meals are prepared onboard using fresh, local ingredients sourced from the regions along the route. Guests can choose to dine in the formal setting of the dining car or in their private rooms.
• Live Performances and Cultural Events – Evening entertainment may include live music performed by local musicians or a traditional tea ceremony held with utensils made in Kyoto.
• Art and Craftwork – The train is decorated with regional designs and materials, including custom woodwork, metal fittings from Kyoto and pottery from Shimane.

Discover New Destinations

Photo by: PIXTA/ 一歩ずつ Unlike standard train travel, Mizukaze includes short off-train activities along the way.

The Twilight Express Mizukaze offers several curated routes through western Japan. There are five course options, including one-way trips on the Sanin Course and Sanyo Course and a round tour of the Sanyo and Sanin Areas.

The Sanin Course runs along the Sea of Japan coast, passing through Shimane, Tottori and northern Kyoto. Highlights include views of the Amarube Viaduct, the Orii Coast and stops in historic towns like Matsue and Hagi.

The Sanyo Course follows the Seto Inland Sea, taking in the island-dotted Setonaikai National Park, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and port towns like Onomichi, with optional off-train excursions to explore local temples, art museums, or fishing villages. The third option, the Sanyo–Sanin Round Trip, covers both coasts in a loop.

Unlike standard train travel, Mizukaze includes short off-train activities along the way. Some stops include private tours or visits to locations not usually open to the public. Passengers are accompanied by staff throughout and activities are planned to fit within the train’s timetable.

Dining

Dining on the Twilight Express Mizukaze is a central part of the journey. All meals are included in the fare and carefully planned to reflect the seasons and regional flavors of western Japan. Guests dine in the elegant Dining Car, where chefs prepare meals in an open kitchen. Menus vary by route and season, thoughtfully curated by expert chefs to showcase the best of the journey. Guests can enjoy multi-course dinners, light lunches, and a choice of Japanese or Western-style breakfast.