The A Train

"Take the A Train" is a popular jazz tune from the 1940s, originally played by the Duke Ellington orchestra, referring to the A subway in New York.

But today, you can take a very special "A-Train" in Kyushu, Japan, to travel between Kumamoto and Hondoko Port - it's a special train, with a beautiful wooden interior adorned with stained glass, designed by Eiji Mitooka to reflect the Southern European culture that influenced the Amakusa islands in 16th century. And of course, the famous jazz tune plays throughout the journey.

Although it looks like a luxurious experience, the "A-Train" runs as a regular service (and it is covered by the JR Pass) but only on some days. Photographed here is the attractive bar arranged in the car number one.