Izu Peninsula Part 1: Luxury Train Travel in Japan
- The Anonymous Hungry Hippopotamus
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
The next destination in my Japan adventure is the Izu Peninsula, but the adventure started before I set foot in the Shizuoka prefecture. Instead, it began in Tokyo when I boarded the Saphir Odoriko, one of Japan's high speed, luxury trains.
If you are traveling in Japan, a ride on one of these premium trains is a must. For between $35 - $60, about the same as many sub par Uber rides, you will sit in an extremely comfortable seat, enjoying the scenery as you whiz through gorgeous landscapes.
From the moment you board, you realize the Saphir Odoriko is distinctly different than standard transportation.
Its sleek, dark-blue exterior hints at the elegance inside. The interiors are designed with spacious seating, soft lighting, and high-end finishes.
Should you grow lonely or antsy in your individual seat, the train offers common areas to gather with friends or strangers, on soft, leather upholstered sofas.
One of the highlights of the train is its onboard, dining experience.
The Saphir Odoriko includes a dedicated café and dining car, where passengers can enjoy delicious meals prepared by the skilled chefs onboard.
Karaage Ramen
I chose a bowl of karaage ramen featuring crispy, fried chicken pieces drizzled in chili sauce and placed on top of ramen noodles and broth.
I enjoyed the meal whist watching the scenery change from the dense urban landscape of Tokyo to remote coastal vistas.
The train's large windows maximize these views, turning the journey into a moving panorama of beauty.
The train is aptly named "saphir," which is French for sapphire, the train’s color. It also reflects the destination, the Izu Peninsula, known for its sapphire-blue ocean and sky.
Atami Train Station
The comfort, scenery and service aboard the Saphir Odoriko were remarkable. So much so, that though I was very excited about my time in Atami, I was a little disappointed when it came time to disembark the train.
Up next, I'll share about my time in Atami, a premier, retro, seaside, onsen (hot springs), resort town where I stayed at a traditional ryokan.
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