WEST EXPRESS GINGA

The sightseeing train
for west japan

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Logo Exterior Design Interior Design Other Facilities Designer

The perfect train
for fulfilling
the longing
for far-away journeys

Train Overview

Logo

The attractive regions of Western Japan are imagined as stars, and flowing curves depict the train traveling between them, expressing how the WEST EXPRESS GINGA connects these captivating destinations with its passengers.

Exterior Design

The train's body color-deep indigo-represents the beautiful seas and skies that Western Japan is proud of.
The long lines along the sides evoke the image of long-distance travel, expressing the WEST EXPRESS GINGA as a train that fulfills the longing to journey far away.

Interior Design

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Other Facilities

Free Wi-Fi (all cars)

Click here for
connection instructions
    • - Power outlets (all seats)
    • - USB ports (all seats/rooms in Green Car)
    • - Women's changing room (Car No. 2)
    • - AED (Car No. 4)

    • - Wheelchair-accessible seats (Car No. 5)
    • - Wheelchair-accessible toilet (Car No. 5)
    • - Storage area for large baggage (Car No. 2, 3, and 5)

Designer

Mr. Yasuyuki Kawanishi

President of ICHIBANSEN/nextstations co.,ltd.
Profile
1976 Born in Nara Prefecture
2014 Established ICHIBANSEN/nextstations co.,ltd.

Representative Works

  • Limited Express YAKUMO

    The 23rd Japan Railway Grand Prize, the 2024 Good Design Award (Best 100), the Japan Railfan Club Blue Ribbon Prize

  • New Long-Distance Train WEST EXPRESS GINGA

    The 2021 Good Design Award (Best 100), the Good Focus Award (Design of Community Development), the Brunel Award

  • High-Speed Sightseeing Cruiser SEA SPICA

    The 2020 Good Design Award (Best 100), the Good Focus Award (Design of Community Development), the Ship of the Year 2020 (Small Passenger Ship Sector)

  • Renovation of Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway

    The Brunel Award, the Civil Engineering Design Prize (Top Prize), and more

  • Logo Design of Hisatsu Orange Railway

    The Logo Type Design Award (Top Prize)

  • Echigo TOKImeki Resort SETSUGEKKA for the Echigo TOKImeki Railway

    The SBID International Design Awards (Public Space Design Category, Top Prize), the Japan Railfan Club Laurel Prize

"First" seats - Reserved seating on Green Car

Each box features two facing seats with a large foldable table and table lamp in the center. Each box accommodates one passenger.
During overnight services, the adjustable backrest can be reclined to convert the seat into a bed.
An exclusive lounge for Green Car No. 1 passengers, stocked with travel-themed books, is available on the deck of Car No. 1.

Capacity:

8 passengers (8 boxes)
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Reclining seats (A portion of the seats is reserved for women.)
- Reserved seating on ordinary car

Compared to typical limited express trains, these seats offer greater legroom and a deeper reclining angle, ensuring comfort even on long journeys. Car No. 2 also features bright coloring and staggered seat arrangements.

Capacity:

14 passengers
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Couchette - Reserved seating on ordinary car
(Bed seats)

These seats allow passengers to lie down and relax, similar to traditional simple sleeping berths.
Each box contains four seats arranged in two upper and two lower berths, making them ideal for groups.
Each seat includes individual lighting and small storage pouches made of Kurashiki Hampu canvas for added comfort.

Capacity:

12 passengers
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"Myojo" free space

This calm free space, illuminated by table lamps, is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet, relaxing time such as reading.

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Reclining seats - Reserved seating on ordinary car

Compared to typical limited express trains, these seats offer greater legroom and a deeper reclining angle, ensuring comfort even on long journeys. The seats in Car No. 3 feature a blue-based color scheme.

Capacity:

20 passengers
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Family cabins - Reserved seating on ordinary car (Compartments)

These semi-private compartments (two rooms available) are approximately 5 square meters and are equipped with a large bench seat. The bench seat can be extended like a mattress, allowing passengers to sit or lie down comfortably. With a spacious layout offering privacy from others, the cabins are especially recommended for families.

Capacity:

3 to 4 passengers per room

  • * Not available for groups of 2 or fewer passengers.
  • * During overnight services, only one room is available to reserve. The other room is available for use by passengers booked in the Family Cabin.
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"Yusei" free space

Car No. 4 is entirely designated as the "Yusei" free space. The interior is always bright, allowing you to enjoy the space day or night. The tables in the four box seats are engraved with boards for games such as shogi and chess. Passengers are welcome to bring their own pieces and enjoy a game.
In addition, events are planned to showcase the attractions along the route, including regional product sales and tourism promotions.

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Couchette - Reserved seating on ordinary car (Bed seats)

These seats allow passengers to lie down and relax, similar to traditional simple sleeping berths.
Each box contains four seats arranged in two upper and two lower berths, making them ideal for groups.
Each seat includes individual lighting and small storage pouches made of Kurashiki Hampu canvas for added comfort.
Wheelchair-accessible seating, a restroom, and a washbasin are also available.

Capacity:

18 passengers

  • * Wheelchair-accessible seats: 2
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Premium rooms - Private rooms on Green Car

These private rooms provide a fully private space, with a total of five rooms: four multi-occupancy rooms and one single-occupancy room.
The bench-style seats are positioned at an angle to the windows, offering wide, dynamic views.
When resting, the adjustable backrest can be reclined to convert the seat into a bed.
The rooms can be locked with a numeric key system when you leave.

Capacity:

[Daytime service]
(Multi-occupancy room) 2 to 3 passengers per room;
(Single room) 1 passenger
[Overnight service]
(Multi-occupancy room) 2 passengers per room;
(Single room) 1 passenger

  • * Multi-occupancy rooms are not available for single-passenger use.
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"Suisei" free space

Located next to the crew room, this free space offers unique flowing views that cannot be experienced from standard seating.

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