Saphir Odoriko: Japan's Premium Train to Izu with Private Cabins & Fine Dining

What Is the Saphir Odoriko

The Saphir Odoriko (サフィール踊子) is JR East's premium limited express train running from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula. The name combines "Saphir" — French for sapphire, referencing Izu's blue coastal waters — with "Odoriko," the long-running express brand serving this route. The train was designed by Ken Okuyama, known for his work on Ferrari, and it shows: every detail, from the panoramic ceiling windows to the private compartments, is built around making the journey itself a destination.

Unlike the standard Odoriko express, every seat on the Saphir Odoriko is Green class or above. There are no ordinary reserved seats. The train features private compartments, a dedicated lounge car serving food and drinks, and floor-to-ceiling windows designed to frame the Izu coastline. This is one of several train experiences covered in our Shizuoka train guide, but it stands apart as the most premium option on the route.

The Saphir Odoriko runs 1-3 round trips daily depending on season, departing from Tokyo Station (and occasionally Shinjuku on weekends). The full journey to Izukyu-Shimoda (伊豆急下田) takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Seat Classes: Premium Green, Private Compartments, and Green Car

The Saphir Odoriko offers three distinct seating tiers, each occupying specific cars. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right experience for your budget and travel style.

Premium Green Car (Car 1): Top-Tier Comfort

Car 1 is the Premium Green Car (プレミアムグリーン車), the highest tier on the train. Seats are arranged in a 1-1 configuration — one seat on each side of the aisle — giving every passenger both a window view and maximum personal space. The ceiling features panoramic glass panels that let natural light flood in and provide upward views of the sky and passing mountains.

The fare from Tokyo to Izukyu-Shimoda is approximately ¥12,460 (~$83). From Tokyo to Ito, it is roughly ¥8,740 (~$58). This is the choice for travelers who want the most spacious, quiet ride and are willing to pay a premium over Green class.

Green Private Compartments (Cars 2-3): Hotel on Rails

Cars 2 and 3 house Green Private Compartments (グリーン個室) — enclosed rooms with sofas, a table, and a door that closes for full privacy. Shoes come off at the entrance, and the interior feels more like a small hotel lounge than a train car. Compartments seat 1-4 people (some configurations up to 6).

Pricing is per compartment, not per person. According to the JR East official site, a compartment from Tokyo to Izukyu-Shimoda runs approximately ¥33,880 (~$226) for 3 passengers or ¥40,240 (~$268) for 4. This makes compartments surprisingly good value for families or small groups — split four ways, the per-person cost approaches Green car pricing with far more comfort and privacy.

These sell out quickly during peak seasons (Golden Week, summer holidays, year-end). Book as early as possible.

Green Car (Cars 4-8): The Standard Saphir Experience

Green Car (グリーン車) occupies the majority of the train across cars 4-8. Seats are arranged in a 2-2 configuration with generous legroom and reclining capability. While this is the "standard" class on the Saphir Odoriko, it is still a full Green car — comparable to business class on other trains.

The fare from Tokyo to Izukyu-Shimoda is approximately ¥10,060 (~$67), and from Tokyo to Ito about ¥6,970 (~$46). For most travelers, Green car offers the best balance of comfort and value on this train.

The Lounge Car: Dining on Board

Car 10 is the Lounge Car (ラウンジカー), a dedicated cafeteria car serving drinks, light meals, and snacks during the journey. The menu features Izu-sourced items — local seafood bentos, craft beverages, and seasonal specials. Drinks start from approximately ¥500 (~$3) and light meals from around ¥1,000 (~$7).

Many visitors on Reddit note that the lounge car is part of the Saphir experience, not just a convenience. The space has large windows and table seating designed for lingering over a meal while watching the coast pass by.

A practical tip: reserve your lounge car meals in advance through the SAPHIR ODORIKO app. Walk-in availability can be limited, especially on busy runs. Cashless payment is preferred on board.

Route, Scenery, and Schedule

The Saphir Odoriko departs Tokyo Station at approximately 11:00, reaching Atami around 12:17 and Izukyu-Shimoda around 13:40. The return typically departs Shimoda in the afternoon. During peak periods, additional services run, but in winter the schedule may drop to a single daily round trip. Check the JR East timetable for current schedules.

Shinjuku Station serves as an alternate departure point on some weekend and holiday services.

The scenic highlight comes after Atami, where the train follows the eastern Izu coast. The track hugs cliffs above the Pacific, passing through tunnels that open suddenly to ocean panoramas. The panoramic windows and ceiling glass in Premium Green are specifically designed for this stretch. If you are choosing sides, the ocean-facing seats offer the best views.

For travelers headed to the Mt Fuji area instead, see our guide on getting from Tokyo to Mount Fuji by train.

How to Book and Pricing

Booking via Ekinet and Station Counters

All Saphir Odoriko seats require advance reservation. You cannot board without a reserved seat ticket. The two main booking methods are:

• Ekinet (JR East online reservation system): Available from one month before departure. This is the most reliable way to secure seats, especially for private compartments.
• JR ticket counters (midori no madoguchi): Available at major JR stations. Useful if you prefer in-person booking or need assistance in English at larger stations like Tokyo or Shinjuku.

During peak seasons — Golden Week, summer holidays, and year-end — private compartments can sell out within days of opening. Green car seats are easier to get but still benefit from early booking.

Fare Breakdown by Seat Class

Class	Tokyo to Ito	Tokyo to Izukyu-Shimoda
Green Car	~¥6,970 (~$46)	~¥10,060 (~$67)
Premium Green	~¥8,740 (~$58)	~¥12,460 (~$83)
Private Compartment (3 pax)	—	~¥33,880 (~$226)
Private Compartment (4 pax)	—	~¥40,240 (~$268)

Prices shown are from the JR East official site and include base fare plus seat surcharge. Confirm current pricing before booking, as fares may be adjusted.

JR Pass Coverage and Limitations

The JR Pass covers the base fare on JR East sections of the route. However, the Green car and Premium Green seat surcharges are not included — you must pay these separately. Additionally, the Izukyu Railway section from Ito to Izukyu-Shimoda is a private railway not covered by JR Pass at all. Factor in approximately ¥1,500-2,000 for this segment if using a JR Pass.

Saphir Odoriko vs Regular Odoriko

If you are deciding between the Saphir Odoriko and the standard Odoriko express to Izu, here is what separates them:

	Saphir Odoriko	Regular Odoriko
Seat classes	Green, Premium Green, Private Compartment	Ordinary reserved, some Green
Lounge car	Yes (car 10, food and drinks)	No
Windows	Panoramic with ceiling glass	Standard
Frequency	1-3 daily	Multiple daily
Tokyo-Shimoda fare	~¥10,060+ (Green)	~¥6,000-7,000 (reserved)
Vibe	Luxury experience, part of the trip	Practical transit

The regular Odoriko is the practical choice — more frequent, cheaper, and perfectly comfortable. The Saphir Odoriko is for travelers who want the train ride itself to be a highlight of the trip. For full details on the standard service, see our Odoriko express guide.