The train industry in Japan has made great strides recently, with the introduction of Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) that connects Tokyo, Toyama, and Kanazawa in March 2015. Likewise, having made its debut in March 2016, the Hokkaido Shinkansen now serves to transport travelers from Tokyo to Hokkaido in approximately four hours. Not only that, the range of trains has diversified as well, with what with gourmet trains, art trains, and even hotel trains beckoning people to try them out! So why not learn about these swanky new offerings so that you can plan to ride some of these trains in your travels in Japan?

The brainchild of Hisatsu Orange Railway, the Orange Restaurant Express was unveiled to great success as users relished the unique experience of savoring local delicacies while admiring the brilliant blue sea in the Kyushu area. This definitely served as a relaxing and carefree way to travel between Yatsushiro, Kumamoto prefecture, and Satsuma-Sendai, Kagoshima prefecture! Since then, other train operators have followed suit, albeit with some local adaptations. For example, Noto Railway in Ishikawa prefecture harnessed the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to introduce a gourmet train that featured Ishikawa's well-known confectionery. Another example would be the Mahoroba train that travels from Semboku to Kita-Akita in Akita prefecture. This train humanizes the experience by making available the names of ladies from farming communities that are associated with the menu items. This gives rise to cosy-sounding names like “Pickles from Yoshiko-san.” Not only that, the ladies actually wait for the train at various stations on the railway line to personally hand-deliver their homemade dishes to the customers onboard! Talk about getting up close and personal with local people.

Crave for a chance to get acquainted with contemporary art trends in Japan? Now, with the launch of the Genbi Shinkansen, you can! Harnessing the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale—a highly acclaimed arts festival in Niigata prefecture—JR East transformed a shinkansen train into an art train. It replaced normal shinkansen train seats with homely lounge chairs and set up a cafe corner that sold delectable food and drinks produced in Niigata. Even the train exterior is an artwork in itself as it showcases aesthetically pleasing photographs of Niigata's Nagaoka Fireworks Festival taken by photographer Mika Ninagawa! Buy a cup of Tsubame Coffee whose fragrance wafts through the air and tuck into biscuits made with Sado Island butter. Explore the carriages that feature compelling animations and installations. Catch forty winks on the comfy lounge chair. Arrive at your destination, rejuvenated and inspired. Indeed, memories are made of relaxing moments like this

Move aside, sleeper trains and let's herald the era of the luxurious hotel train. JR West, for instance, will introduce its Twilight Express Mizukaza in spring 2017. It's an event highly anticipated by avid travellers because its wood-panelled lounges and suites evoke an appeal that is nostalgic, yet contemporary. Passengers can even take a nice long dip at a bathtub, heedless of the passage of time! Another hotel train that is not to be outdone is the Train Suite Shiki-Shima launched by JR East. Not only does it offer cypress bathtubs, but it also showcases many exquisite works by artisans from the northeastern Tohoku region: washi wallpaper and lacquer-covered fixtures. What a great way to travel within the lap of luxury. Train Suite Shiki-Shima offers three- or four-day trips, so waking up each day to varied natural scenery will up the excitement level of your journey!

With the meteoric rise of PokemonGO, perhaps your mind is filled with all things Pokemon. Why not indulge in your latest craze by riding the Pokemon With You train that runs from Ichinoseki to Kesennuma, both in Iwate prefecture? Conceived to uplift the spirits of children affected by the tsunami in 2011, this train boasts lots of Pokemon decorations as well as a fun-filled play area for children. Not only that, the announcements themselves are done in character voices! You are bound to have a lot of fun reconnecting with the inner child in you.

Travelling by train in Japan does not have to be a mundane affair of going from Point A to Point B. With the multitude of possibilities available, you can choose the train that best caters to your budget and interest and have a jolly good time!