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The futuristic champagne-gold Train Suite Shiki-shima, operated by East Japan Railway, has five-star lounge, dining and observatory cars and features a menu devised by a Michelin-starred chef. The 10-car train accommodates just 34 passengers in 17 suites, and the most expensive room, the Shiki-shima, costs ¥950,000 (£6,600) per person for two sharing. The train embarked on its maiden journey on 1 May and seats have already been booked up until March 2018
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Train enthusiasts snap photos of the sleeper as it makes its debut at Ueno station in Tokyo before a four-day trip to north-eastern Japan
Photograph: Kyodo News/Getty Images

Train Suite Shiki-shima departs
Photograph: AFP/Getty

Trainspotters watch the 10-car vehicle cross a field in Nikko, north-east of Tokyo
Photograph: Yoshitaka Sugawara/AP

A peek inside the futuristic observatory car
Photograph: AFP/Getty

All aboard: the train’s main door
Photograph: AFP/Getty

The dining car, where guests can select from a menu devised by a Michelin-starred chef
Photograph: AFP/Getty

The suite room, one of 17 on the Train Suite Shiki-shima
Photograph: AFP/Getty

Introducing the five-star Shiki-shima suite …
Photograph: AFP/Getty

... with twin beds below the dining area
Photograph: AFP/Getty

A minimalist meal served in the dining car
Photograph: The Asahi Shimbun/Getty

A pianist entertains passengers in the lounge
Photograph: The Asahi Shimbun/Getty

The train passes through Date, Hokkaido, with Mount Yotei in the background
Photograph: Kyodo News/Getty
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The journey to north-east Japan offers spectacular views
Photograph: AFP/GettySTILL LIFE
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ARTE TINGATINGA
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