As Japan flags off $10,000-a-ride train, here are five most luxurious rail journeys

Japan’s Train Suite Shiki-shima set off on its maiden voyage on May 1.

A Japanese railway company has launched a new luxury sleeper train with sky views, bathtubs and dark wood interiors, joining the race for well-heeled tourists.

The top suite on the 10-car “Train Suite Shiki-shima” sells for $10,000, or Rs 6 lakh-plus, per person for a four-day trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido, East Japan Railway Co said.

A Rs 6,41,425 for a one-way ticket is unfathomable for most people in India, who take trains for a few hundred rupees. It set forth on its maiden voyage on May 1, and is booked out until March 2018. With this new craze, let’s take a look at five of other expensive and luxurious trains.

1. The Palace on Wheels: With tickets at a mindboggling Rs 3,60,647 each, this train that takes you on a week-long tour through places such as Jaipur and Agra, is one of the most expensive trains in the world, operating right here in India.

The Palace on Wheels

The Mayur Mahal restaurant on the Maharaja Express.

3. The Royal Scotsman: The next train on the list operates in Scotland, with the start and end at Edinburgh. The train carries only 36 passengers at a time and it costs Rs 1,48,273 to enjoy the services.

A cabin on The Royal Scotsman.

4. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express: Starting its operation in 2007, a ride on this train will provide you with the opportunity to see the largest freshwater in the world freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. With a price of Rs 1,43,322, it is the most expensive train in Russia. The train starts at Moscow and finishes at Vladivostok.

The Golden eagle Trans-Siberian Express

5. Pride of Africa: Nine days, 2,000 miles, 72 passengers and exquisite wildlife. The offerings of this South African luxury train are quite enticing. With a price of Rs 1,38,839 it offers wild life lovers, who are willing to shell out the cash, a once in a lifetime experience.

A room on the Pride of Africa.

It’s commonly thought trains are the cheapest way to travel. Well we guess it’s time to rethink that one.