SPACIA X Ride Review: A Luxurious Train Trip from Asakusa to Nikko

Hello! I’m Koromi, sharing travel information for visitors to Japan!

This time, I took a ride on what I personally consider to be the most cost-effective luxury train in Japan—Tobu Railway’s SPACIA X (Cockpit Lounge)—with my kids. In this post, I’ll share my review of the experience!

Spacia X Route

Spacia X is a limited express train that connects Asakusa Station with Nikko or Kinugawa!

There are two routes: one bound for Tobu-Nikko and the other for Kinugawa-Onsen. This time, I’ll be taking the Tobu-Nikko route.

The journey from Asakusa to Nikko takes just under two hours.

Traveling from the nostalgic, Edo-style streets of Asakusa to the nature-rich landscapes of Nikko on a luxury train makes for a truly high-quality trip!

Arriving at Asakusa Station Platform

I’ve arrived at the platform, and here it is—Spacia X!

Even the platform area features a warm, wooden interior design, creating an inviting atmosphere that builds excitement for the journey ahead.

The Cockpit Lounge, where I’ll be riding today, is located in Car No. 1, at the very front of the train. That means I have a long walk down the platform! 🚶‍♀️

Finally Boarding the Train!

I’ve made it to Car No. 1! As I step inside…

Wow! The luxurious interior immediately catches my eye!
Right in front, there’s a stylish café counter 🍸—such a nice touch!

As I move further inside, a truly luxurious space unfolds, almost like something you’d never expect to find inside a train! 😍✨

The seating arrangement features two single seats at the very front, and behind them, you’ll find four-seat and two-seat sections across the aisle.

Many people were using the two-seat section as single seating (as I’ll mention later, if you pay for two special seat tickets, you can have this section to yourself).

The interior design reflects the cultural heritage of the region, while offering a calm, sophisticated atmosphere that appeals to adults.

Once the train departs, it truly feels like a moving lounge, and there’s this surreal vibe about it 😳

On the way from Asakusa to Nikko (or Kinugawa), you’ll have a view of the driver’s cabin. (On the return trip, it’s at the last car.) This is a huge bonus for kids who love trains!

Once onboard, the crew brings the café menu to your seat.

Unfortunately, there were quite a few items sold out (though this wasn’t the case on the day I rode it again, so it might have been a one-off).

But enjoying an ice cream or drink in this space is amazing!

By the way, café usage is prioritized for passengers in Car No. 1 Cockpit Lounge, Car No. 6 Compartment Seats, and Cockpit Suite.

The café usage time is limited (downbound: until Shimoimaichi Station; upbound: until Kasukabe Station), so be sure to get your order in early!

Reasons to Recommend the Cockpit Lounge:

Things to Keep in Mind:

What Other Seats Are Available?

There are a total of six types of seats on the Spacia X!

Private and Exclusive Options: Box Seats, Compartment Seats, and Cockpit Suite

These three types are designed for groups and emphasize privacy and exclusivity.

• Box Seats: These seats offer a semi-private space with two seats facing each other, ideal for a trip with a child or for those who want a quieter, more focused experience like working remotely. The seats are separated by a panel.
• Compartment Seats: These are complete private rooms with four seats arranged in a sofa-style configuration. It’s a great option for those who want a more intimate space, especially when traveling with children or those who prefer a more private environment. The interior is also luxurious.
• Cockpit Suite: Likely the most luxurious seat, the Cockpit Suite occupies about one-third of the car as a private room. It’s designed for up to seven people, making it perfect for larger groups looking to enjoy a lively experience together. On the upbound trip (towards Asakusa), it’s located at the front car, and on the downbound trip (towards Nikko), it’s at the last car, offering an open, breathtaking view, similar to the Cockpit Lounge.

Single Seats: Premium and Standard Seats

• Premium Seats: These are arranged in a 2+1 layout, offering a more luxurious design and functionality compared to the standard seats. The seats are a vibrant mix of gold and orange, creating an upscale, elegant feel.
• Standard Seats: These seats are arranged in a 2+2 layout, with a more subdued, calm atmosphere, mainly in light gray tones.

Pricing

The pricing system is a bit complex, but here’s how it breaks down:

The total fare consists of the base fare, limited express fare, and the special seat fee.

The special seat fee applies to all seats except for the Standard and Premium seats, and the price varies depending on the type of seat.

For example, the fare for the Cockpit Lounge from Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (per person) is as follows:

Base Fare: ¥1,400
Limited Express Fare: ¥1,940
Special Seat Fee: ¥500
———————————
Total: ¥3,840

Isn’t that pretty reasonable for such an amazing space?

I honestly think the ¥500 special seat fee for the Cockpit Lounge is an absolute bargain. The price for other seats, especially when traveling in a group, doesn’t feel too out of reach either.

For reference:

• Compartment Seat Special Fee (for 4 people): ¥8,000
• Box Seat Special Fee (for 2 people): ¥400

If you want to use a Cockpit Seat for one person, you can pay for two seats’ special seat fees, and you can enjoy it on your own. Super affordable! 😳

It’s fun to choose a seat based on your travel needs and preferences!

How to Obtain Tickets

Tickets for the Spacia X can be reserved online.

Ticket sales begin at 9:00 AM, one month prior to your departure date.

Compared to other sightseeing trains, the Spacia X used to have more frequent departures and was relatively easy to book. However, due to its increasing popularity, tickets tend to sell out quickly once sales start.

It’s recommended to stand by at 9:00 AM on the day the tickets are released or try for last-minute cancellations for a chance to secure a seat.

Thoughts on Traveling with Kids

This time, I traveled with my 6-year-old and 3-year-old, and we had a fantastic experience with Spacia X. Compared to regular transportation, the kids didn’t get bored at all! 👍

With the beautiful scenery from the windows and the option to lie down on the sofa when they got tired, the journey was much more comfortable. If your kids are old enough to enjoy the view, there’s very little chance of them getting restless, which also makes it easier for parents to relax!

Spacia X Cockpit Lounge Window View

For those traveling with babies, though, there might be concerns about crying or nursing, so the compartment seats might be a better option in that case.

The passengers were a mix of solo travelers, train-loving families, and even visitors from California (I wonder how they found out about this train).

By the way, during the ride and after arriving at Nikko Station, the conductor came by, put hats on the kids, and took photos for us. The service was fantastic!

Arrival and Summary

We’ve arrived at Nikko Station!

If you look closely, you can see the “X” on the exterior of the train.

Spacia X is a special express train that combines comfort and design. And it’s surprisingly affordable! 💰

The interior is a sophisticated space, and the seats are incredibly comfortable. You can truly enjoy the travel time itself.

Not only does it provide comfortable access to Nikko and Kinugawa, but the train ride itself becomes part of the journey. It’s perfect for both sightseeing and a slightly luxurious day trip.

I hope this helps someone planning their trip!

koromi

YouTuber / Mother of two

YouTube

A native Japanese in his 40s who likes to travel domestically.
Mother of two.
Office worker for 17 years → Blogger, You Tuber.