The Train Journey That Comes with Luxury Footbaths

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This article is part of our series on the 17 most unique things to have come out of Japan. Check out the other 16.

It’s a well-known fact that Japan is home to the fastest trains in the world. In April this year, its Maglev train broke its own record, reaching a speed of more than 600 kilometres per hour and covering 1.8 kilometres in 11 seconds.

Its trains are also among the most comfortable on the planet. And last year, East Japan Railway Company decided to take luxury to the next level with the introduction of traditional-style footbaths into one of its Shinkansen (or bullet train) services. In Japanese, these baths are referred to as ‘ashiyu’.

Two baths have been installed on East Japan’s Toreiyu Tsubasa train, which travels in a stunning, mountainous area where hot springs abound. Each bath is 2.4 metres by 0.5 metres, so that up to four people can relax together at once. The train offers a 1 hour, 50 minute trip on weekends and public holidays, between Shinjo Station in Yamagata prefecture and Fukushima station in Fukushima prefecture.

After partaking in their bath, passengers are invited to sprawl out on tatami mats — traditional Japanese floor coverings made of rushes and straw. Plus there’s an on-board bar, serving sake created locally.

Via Japan Real Time.