Japan’s struggling regional economies could receive a much-needed boost via the recent introduction of high-end train tours that offer travelers a chance to sample less-visited locations in luxury.
The development comes as local train lines and communities in graying Japan are under pressure from declining passenger numbers and a shrinking population, with governments and private companies searching for ways to encourage overseas tourists to find destinations off the beaten path.
Supplied photo shows the interior of a carriage on the Royal Express train. (Photo courtesy of Tokyu Corp.)(Kyodo)
Among such tours are the ones on Tokyu Corp.’s luxury Royal Express train, operated across various parts of Japan.
On tours conducted in Shizuoka Prefecture in November and December, jointly operated by Tokyu and Central Japan Railway Co., passengers spend three days and four nights in the central Japan prefecture enjoying views of Mt. Fuji and sampling local eel dishes among other treats.
Although tickets were pricey at 750,000 yen ($4,800) to 820,000 yen per person, all six tours sold out.
In western Japan, the West Japan Railway Co.’s Twilight Express Mizukaze is bringing passengers to less-populated lines and helping to preserve local traditions.
At the unmanned Higashihama Station in Tottori Prefecture, locals voluntarily showed off a folk singing tradition from the area to welcome passengers.
Supplied photo shows the Royal Express train. (Photo courtesy of Tokyu Corp.)(Kyodo)
Masuo Hamaguchi, one of the troupe’s dancers, said the trains had “brought more tourists and made the town lively.”
Takeshi Sakimoto, a sociology professor at Edogawa University specializing in tourism studies, said there is “considerable growth potential” from the country’s underexposed regional tourism spots.
“Luxury train tours have the scope to become a powerful catalyst for struggling local railway lines,” he said, pointing to their potential to draw foreign tourists away from city destinations, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, that are struggling under the weight of tourists.
Related coverage:
Japan sake-brewing added to UNESCO intangible heritage
Utsunomiya tram’s rejuvenation achievements a model for other cities
Japan drops subsidy plan to draw women to rural areas upon marriage
AloJapan.com