JR Kyusyu released a operation plan of "Seven Stars"*1 ,which is going to run after the next October.
There are 2 courses. One is the course, by which we can enjoy hot springs and nature around Kyusyu for 3 nights.
The other is the course, by which we can visit Nagasaki , Kumamoto ,and Oita for 1 night.
Each course will be held once a week respectively. Reservation is acceptable from this October, and this train is going be the first cruiser train in Japan.
The train will depart and terminate at Hakata station in Fukuoka. In the train, Kyusyu's local foods and playing the piano are going to be available.
The 3 nights course includes staying at a luxurious hotel in Kirishima city, Kagoshima prefecture. The total fee of 3 nights course is ranging from 380000 to 550000 JPY. The other is from 150000 JPY to 220000 JPY.
The routes will be changed every half a year.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/atmoney/news/20120529-OYT1T00241.htm
First of all, the prices are too high for passengers to take this train. Though I guess maintenance cost of the train raises the prices up, who wants to pay for that?
Alternative trains along the same routes cost much lower than these courses.
How to lower the prices is the next problem.
*1:"Nanatsuboshi in Japanese"
