What happens when you ask a super-car designer to create a super luxurious train?
Magic, judging by the above images released by Japanese rail company JR East.
Yamagata-born Ken Okuyama, well known in automobile design circles, was brought in to style the company's super slick new Cruise Train, due to start chugging down the tracks in spring 2017.
Holding a maximum of 34 passengers, the Cruise Train will have 10 carriages made up of five suites, one deluxe suite, two glass-walled observation cars, a dining car and lounge.
Okuyama has worked as a chief designer for General Motors, a senior designer for Porsche AG and design director for Pininfarina, the company behind the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte.
According to his company, Ken Okuyama Design, he wanted to create a train that would allow passengers "to appreciate the flow of the time and space," while enjoying Japan's landscapes and culture throughout the journey.
One of the more unique features is the observation carriage at the front of the train, which allows passengers to see onto the tracks ahead.
The other observation car is at the end of the train.
JR Rail says the train will be fitted with furniture that conveys the nobility of traditional Japanese culture.
The Lounge, for instance, is wrapped in graceful curves and features decor inspired by trees.
All suites will have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, but the top sleeping space is the split level deluxe suite, which sleeps four.
On the bottom are two double beds, on the top a traditional Japanese dining area, with seats on the floor.
The train will be able to run on both electric and non-electric rails.
Here's one of the suites.
https://www.google.com/search?q=jr+%E6%9...CBoQwg4oAA
http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/07/travel/jap...hpt=wo_mid images of other suites and glass carriage.
