JR Central will operate the “Tokaido Lumière Express,” a special train on the Tokaido Shinkansen that departs on the same day and arrives the following morning, for the first time.
Only those who have booked and purchased a special travel package are eligible to ride, and there is only one southbound trip departing on August 8 and arriving on August 9. Departing from the Greater Tokyo Area (Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama) around 10:00 p.m., it arrives in the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka) earlier than the arrival time of the first train of the day, allowing travelers to spend more time at their destination.
One of the highlights is the chance to enjoy a unique experience: the train stops at Gifu-Hashima Station for about six hours—from midnight to around 6:00 a.m. the next day—allowing passengers to spend the night on board until the following morning. For about 30 minutes after arrival and before departure, the Shinkansen doors open, allowing passengers to use the vending machines and smoking areas inside the ticket gates; however, other station facilities are not available, and passengers cannot exit the ticket gate area.
The travel fare is 15,000 yen (tentative) for one adult in a reserved seat in standard class on the Tokyo to Shin-Osaka route. Reservations will be accepted starting at 2:00 p.m. on July 3 via the dedicated booking site of JR Tokai Tours. Green Car seats and children’s tickets are also scheduled to go on sale. Please check the dedicated website for other important information.
© Source travel watch