Hotel New Otani Tokyo is offering a 2-night, 3-day tour combining a stay at "Executive House ZEN" with a journey on JR East's luxury cruise train, Train Suite Shiki-shima. The tour is available exclusively to members of the New Otani Club, with applications accepted through a lottery system.
Lottery applications are open from March 2, 2026 (Monday) 1:00 PM through April 23, 2026 (Thursday) 11:59 PM (phone applications accepted until 5:30 PM).
What Is Train Suite Shiki-shima?
Train Suite Shiki-shima is a 10-car cruise train operated by JR East, departing from and returning to Ueno Station. It travels through the eastern Japan region, offering scenic landscapes and cultural experiences throughout the four seasons.
On board, guests can enjoy a French cuisine course prepared by Head Chef Saito, as well as dishes crafted by chefs from well-known local restaurants who board the train at each stop, showcasing the ingredients and flavors unique to each region. Special cultural, culinary, and sightseeing experiences tied to each destination are also woven into the journey. Rather than serving simply as transportation, Train Suite Shiki-shima is designed so that the act of riding is itself the purpose — an exquisite space where hospitality is elevated to its finest form.
Day 1: The Flavors of Hotel New Otani Before Boarding
The evening before boarding Train Suite Shiki-shima, guests stay at "Executive House ZEN," a hotel-within-a-hotel at Hotel New Otani Tokyo. Exclusively available to Executive House ZEN guests, the "ZEN LOUNGE" serves a food presentation six times daily at different times throughout the day. Guests can enjoy hotel-crafted cuisine amid expansive garden views and the striking Tokyo skyline beyond the windows.
On the evening of the hotel stay, a welcome dinner party is held to mark the start of the tour. The dinner takes place in "PALAZZO OTANI," a banquet hall overlooking the Japanese garden, featuring a specially devised menu by Hotel New Otani's Deputy Executive Chef, Takahiro Ota.
Day 2 Onward: The Train Suite Shiki-shima Journey Begins
From day 2, guests embark on the 1-night, 2-day Train Suite Shiki-shima itinerary: "A Journey Savoring the Merchant Culture Nurtured by Port Towns, and the Bounty of Verdant Countryside." The route travels through Niigata and Nagano prefectures before returning to Ueno Station.
Guests can relax in refined lounge spaces while savoring meals prepared with carefully selected seasonal ingredients from each region, all while watching the ever-changing scenery outside the windows.
The final chapter of the 1-night, 2-day journey concludes with a farewell party held at the dedicated lounge "Prologue Shiki-shima" at Ueno Station, where guests share the last moments of the trip with the train crew and fellow travelers.
Participation Is Limited to New Otani Club Members
Participation in this tour is limited to members of the New Otani Club, Hotel New Otani's membership organization. Eligibility requires a valid membership as of the lottery application deadline, April 23, 2026 (Thursday). Those who are not yet members may wish to consider joining ahead of the deadline.
The New Otani Club was established as Japan's first hotel membership organization. From May 2026 onward, a premium version of the affiliated New Otani Club Diners Card — the "New Otani Club Diners Premium Card" — is also scheduled to be launched.
Tour Overview
Travel Dates: July 17 (Friday) to July 19 (Sunday), 2026 — 2 nights, 3 days (1 night on board)
- Capacity: 32 guests (based on 2 guests per room) / Minimum: 28 guests
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Night 1: Hotel New Otani Tokyo / Night 2: On board Train Suite Shiki-shima
Itinerary Includes:
- 1-night stay at Executive House ZEN, Hotel New Otani Tokyo
- Welcome dinner in the "PALAZZO OTANI" banquet hall
- Hire car from the hotel to Ueno Station
- Train Suite Shiki-shima 1-night, 2-day course: "A Journey Savoring the Merchant Culture Nurtured by Port Towns, and the Bounty of Verdant Countryside" (Nagano)
Lottery Application Period: March 2, 2026 (Monday) 1:00 PM – April 23, 2026 (Thursday) 11:59 PM (phone applications until 5:30 PM)
Lottery results will be announced in mid-May 2026 by post. A New Otani Club membership number is required at the time of application.
Tour Organized and Operated By: JR-East View Tourism & Sales Co., Ltd.
For more details, visit the Hotel New Otani official page or the Train Suite Shiki-shima course page.
