On November 2, JR Tokai and Tokyu held a test-ride event for the media of “THE ROYAL EXPRESS – TOKAIDO FUJI CRUISE TRAIN”.
About THE ROYAL EXPRESS “THE ROYAL EXPRESS” is a sightseeing train created by converting Izu Kyuko’s 2100 Series train, which began service in July 2017. So far, it has operated in Hokkaido and Shikoku, as well as in Shizuoka Prefecture in the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. From November 7 to December 22, the “THE ROYAL EXPRESS – TOKAIDO FUJI CRUISE TRAIN” will travel from Yokohama to Shizuoka, Aichi, and Gifu prefectures on a 4-day/3-night itinerary. Fuji, Lake Hamana, the section near the sea near Gamagori, the crossing of the Kiso, Nagara, and Ibigawa Rivers, and Gifu Castle are just a few of the highlights from the train windows. You can also experience regional differences, such as the different colors of tile roofs in different areas. The first night will be in Shizuoka (Izumigaya Kogei-no-Yado Waraku or Hotel Associa Shizuoka), and the third night will be in Hamanako (KIARA Resort & Spa Hamanako), both in Shizuoka Prefecture; the second night will vary depending on the course, with the Tokai/Inuyama Course (departures on November 28, December 12, and December 19) in Inuyama (Touya Geihanro or The Mino/Gifu course (departing November 28) will be either Mino (NIPPONIA Mino Shokke Machi) or Gifu (Miyako Hotel Gifu Nagaragawa).
Interior view THE ROYAL EXPRESS is an eight-car train with a capacity of approximately 50 passengers. However, for this tour, the number of applicants is limited to 13 groups, or approximately 26 people. Of the eight-car train, four cars are equipped with cabins, and the remaining four cars are allocated for dining, kitchen, and multi-purpose cars (multi-car). There are Gold Class and Platinum Class cabins, both of which are seat cars. The train does not operate overnight, and passengers can stay overnight at facilities along the route. THE ROYAL EXPRESS train configuration (↑Shizuoka/Gifu direction)
Car 1: Gold Class, Observation Deck
Car 2: Gold Class
Car 3: Multi-car
Car 4: Kitchen Car
Car 5: Dining car
Car 6: Dining car
Car 7: Platinum Class
Car 8: Platinum Class, Library, Observation Deck
(↓ Yokohama direction) The multi-car is used as a venue for events such as concerts, weddings, and exhibitions, as well as a free space. THE ROYAL EXPRESS features live piano and violin music during meals. For this reason, there is a musician in charge and some music is composed exclusively for this purpose. For some reason, only Car 7 has an electronic piano.
In this tour, breakfast and dinner will be served in the accommodations. Therefore, meals on the train will be lunch, which will change each day as follows. Day 1 (Yokohama to Shizuoka): “El Mayon
Day 2 (Shizuoka to Gifu): “Eel Restaurant Unamasa
Day 3 (Gifu to Washizu): “BOTTEGON
Day 4 (Hamamatsu to Yokohama): “Chinese Cuisine Muramatsu” Italian cuisine from “BOTTEGON” was served for tasting during this test drive. This was the first time that Chinese cuisine was served on board THE ROYAL EXPRESS. Due to restrictions such as not being able to use open flames on board, steam convection ovens and induction heaters are used. By taking this into consideration and devising a cooking method, they were able to realize their first Chinese cuisine. We then spoke with Mr. Yamaguchi of “BOTTEGON,” and he said, “Since the kitchen is well equipped, there is nothing that would cause any inconvenience. However, if we were in a restaurant, we could use charcoal or firewood to add aroma to the food, but that is not feasible on board the train. By actually cooking on the train, we can check operations and time allocation, and identify areas for improvement. I thought it might be difficult to cook pasta in a shaky train, but from the way things went today, I thought it might be possible,” said Yamaguchi. If it turns out to be less bumpy than anticipated in advance, the range of cooking possibilities will expand. The company received information on the age groups of the passengers in advance, which was also used as a reference for the menu and seasonings. They also made an effort to reduce the amount of salt because passengers tend to get sick to their stomachs while in the train.
Cooperation with the train lines THE ROYAL EXPRESS is currently asking chefs from restaurants along the routes it operates to provide in-train meals. In addition to using local restaurants, the train also makes use of ingredients that are available along the route. This is because the train is meant to feature the train route through its operation. For example, the steamed grilled lobster served as a sample uses paprika, which originates from Palermo, Italy. This is grown in Gifu Prefecture. The availability and seasonality of the ingredients are also taken into consideration when creating the menu.
© Source travel watch