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IT’S GOT MICHELIN-starred chefs, solid cypress bathtubs and a cosy snug complete with roaring fire: the Shiki-Shima could hold its own against any five-star hotel. Not bad for a train.
In a country best known for its super-fast Shinkansen bullet trains, the emphasis in Japan’s latest extravaganza on rails is on savouring the moment, with no expense spared to create a very luxurious travelling experience.
Source: East Japan Railway" title="">
Source: East Japan Railway" title="">
Source: East Japan Railway" title="">The 10-car train has huge viewing windows through which customers can see the northern Japanese countryside used to grow the ingredients in seasonal delicacies prepared by the onboard chefs.
Tokyo to Hokkaido
After dinner they can gather for a drink around the piano or sit and soak up the atmosphere next to the fireplace — actually a trick created by steam and coloured light — on a journey that takes them from Tokyo to the northernmost island of Hokkaido and back again.
The light-gold ‘Train Suite Shiki-Shima’ sleeper — meaning ‘Four Seasons Island’ — departed Ueno Station in Tokyo for its maiden journey on Monday, carrying 33 passengers, according to operator East Japan Railway.
Despite the hefty price tag, there is no shortage of customers — tickets are booked out until March next year.
The Shiki-Shima is not the first uber-luxurious train to hit the tracks in Japan.
In 2013, Kyushu Railway unveiled its Seven Stars service with a piano and a bar, top-end dining and luxury suites, while West Japan Railway will launch the Twilight Express Mizukaze sleeper in June.
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The sickness the day after 18 pints would worse I think!
Just keep going so, you only have a hang over when you are sober.
At last an alternative medicine I can believe in
Might just give it a shot purely for scientific research of course.
Guinness is good for you.
BS!
have to admit, I have had pints before to stop a runny nose. it’s does work but no need for 18!
I feel a cold coming on
You certainly wouldn’t notice a cold after 18 pints.
Seeing that it’s hops based, could I justify 6 pints of IPA? Probably not :-(
no wondet I never have a cold :-)
Challenge accepted.
People don’t need to ‘fight off colds’ ,that’s simply an illusion . The idea of sickness only starts in the mind, If you think you are going to get the sick, you will get. You drink beer to get pisseyed.
Have to agree with you on principal. The human body is amazing with the right attitude.
Wait, so you’re saying that if I think a virus exists, then it will just spontaneously exist? I’m going to think really hard about a 50 euro note in front of me right now. Thinking… thinking… thinking… Damn, no 50 euro.
You will need more than 50? for 18 pints
Sure…
Research ‘Placebo Effect’ .
True Knowledge, is power.
I think you are the one who needs to research the placebo effect because you obviously don’t understand the term.
You know it all Barry. Ha ha!
People who research Placebo effect will be simply amazed at the findings associated with its effects on the human body & health.
Placebo effect is real… but let me know if anyone takes a placebo for cancer or AIDS and is cured please.
18? I’ll never get there anyway.
Maddest binge was somewhere around the 14 area. Even if I could remember what was going on at the end of that session, I don’t think I’d want to.
lightweight
Craft beers where its at, wouldnt drink the mass produced pish by u know who in Ireland anymore.
I think I’ve a cold coming on and its Friday. kill two birds with one stone. Gonna have to pay ?1.80 extra though, damm budget
No wonder alcohol still does so much damage when you have such articles
Kevin, cheer up.
I’m happy as ever Damien I don’t drink. However many people I know do and the culture around drink in Ireland is having them pissed every week. Some had been in A&E before, some went to clinics to rid their addiction. It’s sad seen this happen to our nation. All the time you have people commenting on this saying Guiness is good for you?
So you really think alcohol does so much damage because of articles like this?
Being a miserable sod is not good for you either Kevin
No Damien but it fuels the culture and its a culture in decline thank god. Dave I said last comment I’m happy, I’m not asking how you feel to be honest I don’t care. I am concerned about the amount people in Ireland are drinking. I’m only 18 but seen enough devastating incidents in this area whether its a Gaf, pub or night out
Anyway I didn’t actually mean cheer up. It was just a polite way of saying cop on and don’t be so dry.
Why didn’t you say cop on then and stop been so dry? Besides what kind of argument stance is cop on?
I’m trying to make a point on the damaging drink culture this nation has and I’m getting told to cop on?
Guessing the guy who didn want to go church years ago was probly told to “cop on” and look where religion is now. There’s stacks more pleasures in life than getting pissed and until this nation realises that well always have a drinking problem.
Look at the social stigma about Ireland across the world, “drunkin leprechauns” is what most countries think about us. I know I’m not a drunken leprechaun and never will be, what a waste of life.
Kevin, there is no argument.
I think the article is taking the medical advice with a bucket of salt, Kevin.
I think you should read my comments first before commenting yourselves
That’s amazing. I’m currently down with pneumonia in my left lung, has to be one of the worst experiences I’ve had on the illness front yet. It’s kinda funny that the doctor told me to stay away from alcohol as it weakens your immune system. I must give him a ring and tell him that the brewery says its OK and send the mother around the corner to fine wines to pick me up a 6 pack.
I have it at the moment and have been off the beer for weeks!! should have read this first :P
DRINK FEIC GIRLS..what doesn’t kill us will cure us…!
have your say