Hitachi Rail to Build Luxury Dining Train for Seibu Railway

A new luxury dining experience on rails is set to take shape in Japan, with Hitachi Rail confirming it will build the rolling stock for an upcoming restaurant train developed in partnership with Seibu Railway.

The train, named Fine Dining Train “vies,” is scheduled to enter service in March 2028, with its branding and logo now finalised. The project represents a new chapter in premium rail travel, combining advanced engineering with a focus on high-end hospitality.

The concept builds on Seibu Railway’s existing restaurant service, Fifty Two Seats of Happiness, which has offered full-course dining experiences since 2016. The new train aims to elevate that model further, delivering a more refined and exclusive onboard environment.

Design and construction will be based on the operator’s flagship limited express, Laview, also manufactured by Hitachi and introduced in 2019. The Laview is known for its distinctive large windows and open interior layout, features that will be adapted to enhance the dining experience.

Hitachi Rail will apply its expertise in rolling stock design to create spacious interiors that maximise natural light and connect passengers with the surrounding landscape. The company will also incorporate technologies aimed at ensuring smooth operation, passenger comfort and overall journey quality.

Beyond the physical design, the project integrates control and system technologies to support safe and stable operations while enabling a seamless blend of travel and fine dining. The goal is to create a premium environment where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.

The development reflects a broader trend in rail innovation, where operators are increasingly exploring niche, experience-led services to attract passengers and redefine the role of rail travel.

Image: Hitachi Rail