[Saphir Odoriko] Luxury Train Ride Along Japan’s Coast （Tokyo→Izu）
Hello!
I’m Koromi, bringing you the hidden gems of Japan from all across the country.
Today, I’ll take you on a journey aboard the Saphir Odoriko, one of Japan’s most luxurious sightseeing trains. This premium train features spacious first-class seating and offers stunning views of Japan’s beautiful coastline.
In this blog, I’ll not only share my experience riding the Saphir Odoriko but also provide all the essential information you need—how to book tickets, the train’s route, schedule, and more.
Let’s get started!
What is the Saphir Odoriko?
The Saphir Odoriko is a luxury sightseeing train operated by JR East, connecting Tokyo and Izukyu-Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula.
Since it runs only once or twice a day, it’s not a train you can easily book at the last minute. Securing a reservation requires some effort (more on that later).
The Tokyo departures operate daily, but the Shinjuku departures run only on weekends and holidays.
The journey from the first to the final station takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the departure time. If you want to maximize your time onboard, I recommend checking the schedule in advance and selecting the train with the longest duration.
For this trip, my destination was Izu-Kogen, but I decided to ride all the way to Izukyu-Shimoda to fully enjoy the onboard experience, then take a local train back to Izu-Kogen!
✔ Runs once or twice a day
✔ Shinjuku departures operate only on weekends and holidays
✔ Travel time varies depending on the departure time
✔ To extend your time onboard, book a ticket to the final station
Where Can You See the Coastal Scenery?
As the train passes Odawara, breathtaking coastal views begin to unfold.
After passing Odawara, the train begins to run alongside stunning coastal scenery.
Beyond Izu-Atagawa, the tracks hug the coastline even more closely, offering breathtaking ocean views. In this section, the train slows down, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the spectacular landscape.
This is true for regular limited express trains as well, but if you’re traveling from Tokyo toward Izu, the ocean views will be on the left side of the train. This is why left-side seats tend to be booked first. Keep this in mind when making your reservation!
✔ The best scenic views begin after passing Izu-Atagawa (when traveling toward Izu)
✔ Book a seat on the left side for the best ocean views (when traveling toward Izu)
How to Reserve Tickets
The reservation process differs between private compartments and Premium Green/Green Seats, so I will explain them separately.
Reserving Premium Green & Green Seats
Reservations for Premium Green and Green Seats can be made online.
Bookings open one month before the travel date at 10:00 AM (JST).
The official Saphir Odoriko website has an English page, which includes a link to the “JR-EAST Train Reservation” site. You can book your seat directly through this link, so be sure to use it when making your reservation.
Premium Green Seats are extremely popular, especially among international travelers. If you are determined to secure a seat, it’s best to access the reservation system as soon as booking opens.
Green Seats are also in high demand, though not as much as Premium Green Seats.
However, since Saphir Odoriko offers only spacious first-class seating, even a standard Green Seat provides a more luxurious experience compared to regular limited express trains.
Reserving a Private Compartment
Reserving a private compartment on the Saphir Odoriko is extremely challenging for international travelers.
This is because online reservations are not available.
To book a private compartment, you must visit a JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine in Japan.
If you happen to be in Japan one month before your travel date, you can try making a reservation. However, this is not a common scenario for most travelers.
Even if you are in Japan at the time, keep in mind that private compartments sell out within minutes of becoming available.
If there are tour packages in your country that include a private compartment on the Saphir Odoriko, I highly recommend booking through them.
Additionally, last-minute cancellations may create availability closer to the travel date.
Although it requires some effort, checking a reserved seat ticket vending machine just before your trip might be worth a try.
✔ Reservations open one month in advance at 10:00 AM (JST) for all seat types.
(Premium Green Seats & Green Seats)
✔ Available for online booking via the JR-EAST Train Reservation website.
(Green Private Compartment)
✔ Cannot be reserved online—must book at a JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine in Japan.
✔ Check for last-minute cancellations at a reserved seat ticket vending machine close to the travel date.
✔ Consider tour packages that include a private compartment if available in your country.
Price for a Green Private Compartment (6 seats)
For reference, the compartment I reserved is the Green Private Compartment (6 seats). Here are the prices (for travel in April 2024):
- Private Compartment Fee: ¥22,200
- Fare (2 adults, 1 child): ¥5,900
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Total: ¥28,100
Ride Review
After much effort, I finally managed to secure the private compartment.
The kids were in good health, and we were able to board without any issues on the day!
Finally, it’s time to board!
As soon as we stepped into the train, a bright, glass-walled space greeted us.
The private compartments are lined up on the left side.
And then, we enter the private compartment!
“My gosh, it feels like a hotel!” my son exclaimed.
There are windows both above and below, which creates a real sense of openness.
The interior is designed with a sense of weight and elegance, creating a luxurious and beautiful atmosphere.
It’s decorated with motifs inspired by the sea.
I’m mesmerized by the hotel-like ambiance.
The lavishness of the room is hard to capture in photos—it’s even more luxurious in person.
By the way, if you need assistance, there’s a system where you can hang a sign on the door, and the staff will come and check on you.
It’s so luxurious!
Exploring the Train
I decided to explore the train.
Car 1 is the Premium Green Seat car. Access is restricted to those with reservations.
From the outside, Car 1 has a completely glass-walled design, creating a very open and spacious atmosphere. Once the kids are a bit older and can sit quietly, I plan to ride in this car.
Next, Car 2 and Car 3 are the Green Private Compartments.
Car 4 is the cafeteria.
Cars 5 to 8 are the Green Seat cars.
I decided to check out the cafeteria in Car 4.
The cafeteria has an industrial vibe, creating another beautiful space onboard
By the way, when I asked if passengers in the private compartments could use the cafeteria, I was told that for private compartment reservations, food must be ordered via a special app or by placing an order card on the door knob, and it will be served inside the compartment.
This means that if you’re in a private compartment, you can’t eat in the cafeteria car. Quite a shame.
Next time, when I use the Premium Green Seat or Green Seat, I’ll make sure to use this space.
I returned to my seat and placed an order through the app.
What should I choose?
I decided on the specialty meat miso “Jaja-men”!
It came with a bottle of mineral water, and the price was ¥2,000.
Yes, it’s quite pricey.
But it was delicious, with a genuine taste that clearly showed it was freshly prepared onboard!
By the way, it might be a little expensive for kids, so if you’re traveling with children, I recommend preparing a bento or meal for them in advance!
Changing Scenic Views
The scenery between Atami and Ito.
The section between Izu-Atagawa and Izu-Inatori runs right along the edge of the coastline.
The views here are incredibly dramatic and breathtaking!
By the way, at first, I had only booked a ticket to Izu-Kogen.
But when I requested to change my destination while on board, they kindly allowed me to do so.
Since the 6-person private compartments typically don’t have changes in passengers,
I was told that it was fine to stay in the compartment as is.
However, they mentioned that if someone else boards,
I may need to move to a 4-person compartment if available.
If you’re set on riding all the way to the end of the line,
it might be worth trying to negotiate with the staff on the day of your ride!
Recommended for Families
You can get a close-up view of Shinkansen and local trains!
At certain points along the journey, the train runs parallel to Shinkansen and local trains.
You can see the trains up close through the large windows.
This is sure to thrill kids who love trains.
Right from the start, we were running alongside a Shinkansen.
Later, we encountered another sightseeing train at Atami Station.
Summary
The Saphir Odoriko is a luxurious choice that combines comfort and thrilling landscapes.
I was able to fully enjoy a relaxing journey while taking in stunning views.
Although making a reservation can be a bit tricky, securing a seat guarantees an unforgettable experience.
It’s especially recommended for families and group trips!
