The Luxury Izu Craile Train Ride

The Luxury Izu Craile Train Ride

While we normally see a train ride as a way of getting from one place to the next, the Izu Craile train is an activity in itself as it takes a leisurely ride down (and back up) the beautiful coastline of Izu Peninsula from Odawara to Izukyu-Shimoda Station. The Izu Craile only runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays making just one trip a day. Setting off from Odawara Station in Atami at 11.40am the train runs at a slow pace through the scenic stretches stopping at viewpoints along the way. The Izu Craile arrives at Izukyu-Shimoda Station 2.5 hours later and makes the 2-hour journey back up at 3.20pm.

The Luxury Izu Craile Train Ride

Divided into four carriages, the Izu Craile has three different types of seating. The standard seating in car number 4 can be booked for a one-way or return journey, which is from 3,000 to 4,000 yen each way. Carriages 1 and 3 are reserved for passengers who buy a package ticket, which you can get your hands on for 11,600 yen for the trip down or 10,200 yen for the ride back up. The numerous benefits that come with the package ticket make it well worth the jump up in price starting with a choice between seats: double seats face out the windows at either side of the carriage for views of the mountains or the ocean, while four-person booths are sectioned off with a noren curtain for a bit of extra privacy.

The Luxury Izu Craile Train Ride

The Luxury Izu Craile Train Ride

The biggest advantage to traveling in carriages 1 and 3 is the free lunch provided en route. Renowned chef and owner of the Tokyo restaurant Morceau Sakura Akimoto cooks up delicious gourmet cuisine in a traditional train bento box created with fresh, local ingredients from the Izu region. In true Japanese style, the menu changes with the season complemented by a transformation of the train’s theme throughout the year; the decor always fits perfectly with the passing scenery of cherry blossom, autumn leaves, or snow-capped mountains.

The Luxury Izu Craile Train Ride

All passengers have access to the second carriage which comprises the lounge and bar counter where you can get your hands on drinks and snacks, including Izu themed cocktails, Izu craft beers, and the popular Odawara Frozen Mandarin Sour. You can also experience some in-train musical entertainment in the lounge.

The Luxury Izu Craile Train Ride

Any visitors to Japan in possession of a JR Pass will be happy to hear that several passes include the Izu Craile within your unlimited journeys. These include the JR East Pass Tohoku Area, the JR East Pass Nagano/Niigata Area, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, and the JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. Unlike the bullet trains, it’s necessary to reserve seats in advance for the Izu Craile whether you have a JR Pass or not so be sure to do so as far in advance as possible.

The Luxury Izu Craile Train Ride

Izu Peninsula

Shizuoka Izu-shi Osawa

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ボルダリング&SPA-安吏樹リゾート修善寺ANNEX-

熊坂1256-9 Izu

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Izukyushimoda

Shizuoka Pref

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