<p class="ingestion featured-caption">For $12, I took a trip on a luxury Japanese train from Nara to Kyoto. Anna Staropoli</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>I paid $12 to take a luxurious <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/grand-canyon-railway-luxury-dome-to-national-park-worth-it-2023-12">sightseeing train</a> in Japan from Nara to Kyoto.</li><li>Because I was <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solo-travel-surprising-things-american-in-europe-2023-3">traveling solo</a>, I had to purchase two twin seats, sold as a pair.</li></ul><p>Japan may be known for its network of <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/riding-japans-bullet-trains-between-tokyo-kyoto-2023-7">high-speed bullet trains</a>, but one of the country's trendiest train trips takes around 35 minutes and screams luxury.</p><p>The Kintetsu Railway's Sightseeing Limited Express "Aoniyoshi" train connects Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto and makes train travel stylish and convenient.</p><p>While <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solo-traveler-over-100-countries-best-travel-tips-lessons-2024-1">solo traveling</a> in Kyoto this winter, I planned a day trip to Nara: a city known for its wild deer, Buddhist temples, and historic sake breweries.</p><p>Although I decided to take a basic train there, I decided to treat myself to a trip on the Sightseeing Limited Express Aoniyoshi train on the way back.</p><p>That decision came at a negligible cost — both in money and in time — and the ensuing ride encapsulated some of the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fun-things-to-do-in-japan-2019-3">best parts of Japan</a>.</p><p>Here's what my trip on Japan's Aoniyoshi train was like.</p>