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JAPAN is famed for its fast and functional bullet trains - but a new service has been introduced that moves at a more leisurely pace.

The Seven Stars is the country’s first luxury sleeper train and is more akin to the ocean liners of yesteryear than the no-nonsense high speed rail of today.

Room with a view... that is constantly changing
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Room with a view... that is constantly changingCredit: cruisetrain-sevenstars.com

But don’t expect to be able to buy a ticket in the station for this regal hotel on rails.

For demand is so high that passengers often have to enter a lottery for a berth on Japan’s very own Oriental Express.

The “cruise train” operates on the island of Hakata in the southern tip of country.

You board it at the busy Hakata Station in the city of Fukuoka and enter an opulent world which is far cry from the modern Japan.

The launching of the Seven Stars... more of a cruise train than an express service
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The launching of the Seven Stars... more of a cruise train than an express serviceCredit: Getty - Contributor

It cost £20 million to make and it’s no surprise given everything is bespoke made by artisans.

They employed traditional Japanese crafts to create a world befitting of an emperor.

The train has 12 en-suite rooms and two luxury suites which cost about £2,400 a night.

Room service is available at all hours
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Room service is available at all hours even in standard classCredit: Getty - Contributor
The more luxurious en-suite berth is a like a palace
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The more luxurious en-suite berth is a like a palaceCredit: cruisetrain-sevenstars.com
Everything is handmade and totally unique, with porcelain rather than polystyrene
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Everything is handmade and totally unique, with porcelain rather than polystyreneCredit: cruisetrain-sevenstars.com
A picture of the train from the brochure
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A picture of the train from the brochureCredit: cruisetrain-sevenstars.com
The back of the train where passengers can sit back and admire the stunning views of Japan's third largest island
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The back of the train where passengers can sit back and admire the stunning views of Japan's third largest islandCredit: Getty - Contributor
And while you sit back and let it all flow before you, a stewardess is there to tend to your every needs
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And while you let it all flow before you, a stewardess is there to tend to your every needsCredit: Getty - Contributor

The Seven Stars boasts a bar in the lounge carriage, as well as couches and rotating chairs for passengers to sit in while enjoying live musical performances.

Meanwhile the restaurant offers the very best in cuisine, with ten course meals an option for the hungry diner.

The car at the rear also features a large bay window to enjoy the scenery.

Star treatment... The train attracts huge attention where ever it passes
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Star treatment... The train attracts huge attention where ever it passesCredit: Getty - Contributor


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