traditional japanese tatami-style train suite wins japan GOOD DESIGN gold award

winners of the japan GOOD DESIGN award, east japan railway company offers visitors a chance to experience the country like never before. the state-of-the-art shiki shima train offers unparalleled views of japan’s rich and natural scenery all while cruising in a traditionally designed suite. the train features a ‘komorebi’ lounge, a fine cuisine dining area, tatami-style suites and a ‘kizashi’ and ‘ibuki’ observation terrace.  

the shiki-shima suite is a tatami-styled room with various amenities 
image © east japan railway company

‘komorebi’, a japanese word for the sunlight that peaks through the trees in a forest, is exemplified in the lounge area of the train evoke images of a forest with tree-patterned features. the shiki shima dining cart serves fine cuisine from the eastern coast of japan, where travelers get to enjoy the wonderful scenery while they dine. the deluxe tatami-styled suites seamlessly combine traditional japanese aesthetics with a futuristic spirit, all equipped with a shower and lavatory. lastly, the ‘kizashi/ibuki’ viewing terrace is furnished with seats along the panoramic windows so that visitors can relax and enjoy the views.

image © east japan railway company

shiki-shima deluxe suite
image © east japan railway company

suite
image © east japan railway company

the dining room
image © east japan railway company

wooden details found in the suites
image © east japan railway company

the ‘komorebi’ lounge with tree-like motifs
image © east japan railway company

the observatory carts offer unparalleled views of the surrounding nature
image © east japan railway company

the state-of-the-art shiki shima train offers unparalleled views of japan’s rich and natural scenery
image © east japan railway company

the train features a ‘komorebi’ lounge, a fine cuisine dining area, tatami-style suites and a ‘kizashi’ and ‘ibuki’ observation terrace
image © east japan railway company

the trains makes its way through the east coast
image © east japan railway company

train crew
image © east japan railway company

scale model
image © designboom

scale model
image © designboom

project info:

award-winning item: cruise train [train suite shiki-shima]
principal implementing business: east japan railway company
category: transportation equipment and facilities
company(nationality): east japan railway company (japan)
producer: east japan railway company
more information: https://www.jreast.co.jp/shiki-shima/
start of operation: 2017/5/1

the GOOD DESIGN award was founded in 1957 by the japanese ministry of international trade and industry and is hosted by the japan institute for design promotion. the ‘g mark’ emblem reflects comprehensive design values and principles that aim to enrich lives, industries and society.