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Scenic Railway Journeys

Let’s Go on a Scenic Railway Journey

Japan’s regional railways stand out in every sense: the color, appearance, interior and exterior of the trains and those that are themed with promotional characters.

The many scenic railways throughout Japan are your ticket to the natural beauty and essence of each region. Hop on and journey into a haven of local highlights - take your pick from the wide choice of areas below!

Hokkaido

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train (JR Hokkaido)

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train (JR Hokkaido) As the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train meanders through the Kushiro Marsh, passengers may even catch sight of the odd wild animal. © Hokkaido Railway Company More Info

Furano Biei Norokko Train (JR Hokkaido)

Furano Biei Norokko Train (JR Hokkaido) Rural scenery is the backdrop as the Furano Biei Norokko Train runs between Asahikawa and Furano. Above all, the unforgettable shades of the Biei hills covered in lavender are a must-see. © Hokkaido Railway Company More Info

SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train (JR Hokkaido)

SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train (JR Hokkaido) The SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train is a steam locomotive operating in January and February only and taking passengers through the pure white Kushiro Marsh. Look out for the red-crowned cranes en route. © Hokkaido Railway Company More Info

Nagamare Kaikyo Train (South Hokkaido Railway)

Nagamare Kaikyo Train (South Hokkaido Railway) Gourmets among you can enjoy gazing at the scenery from the Nagamare Kaikyo sightseeing train while enjoying fine dining served on board along the way, including platform-barbecued seafood! More Info

Tohoku

POKÉMON with YOU Train (JR East)

POKÉMON with YOU Train (JR East) This train, in service since December 2012, is part of an initiative to cheer up children in Tohoku who were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and encourage children throughout Japan to enjoy traveling in Tohoku. © 2023 Pokémon. © 1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. More Info

Kotatsu/Western-Kotatsu Train (Sanriku Railway)

Kotatsu/Western-Kotatsu Train (Sanriku Railway) Get toasty under the table and experience unique Japanese hospitality on the Kotatsu/Western-Kotatsu Train. More Info

Hokuriku Shinetsu

Koshino Shu*Kura (JR East)

Koshino Shu*Kura (JR East) The train will feature a (chargeable) ‘sake-tasting corner’, offering a selection of the finest sake from Niigata Prefecture, alongside snacks made with local ingredients. Passengers can also sample local sake with free tasting on offer. Ⓒ JR-EAST NIIGATA Branch office More Info

The Kurobe Truck Train (Kurobe Railway)

The Kurobe Truck Train (Kurobe Railway) While wending its way through the valley, the "Kurobe Truck Train" allows passengers to enjoy the very best Toyama scenery, with a bird's eye view of the vast river and majestic mountains below. More Info

The Story of 13000 Feet (Ainokaze Toyama Railway)

The Story of 13000 Feet (Ainokaze Toyama Railway) Board this train for a unique experience from the peaks of Tateyama to Toyama Bay, unfolding throughout 4,000 meters change in elevation. Relax and enjoy sublime scenery and on-board dining, with the finest farmland and fish dishes from each of the seasons. More Info

Kanto

The Chiba Monorail (Chiba Urban Monorail)

The Chiba Monorail (Chiba Urban Monorail) At 15.2 kilometers, it is the world’s longest suspension monorail and listed in the Guinness Book of Records. © Chiba Urban Monorail Co.,Ltd. More Info

The Shonan Monorail (Shonan Monorail)

The Shonan Monorail (Shonan Monorail) Planning to visit Enoshima?! The Shonan Monorail is a must-try. The train whizzes along at speeds of up to 75 kilometers per hour and makes you feel like you are on a roller coaster. © SHONANMONORAIL More Info

Fujisan View Express (Fuji Electric Railway)

Fujisan View Express (Fuji Electric Railway) While admiring the sight of Mt. Fuji from the window, passengers on the Fujisan View Express can enjoy sweet creations made by a patissier. More Info

Fuji Excursion (JR East)

Fuji Excursion (JR East) This limited express train links Shinjuku and other stations in Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi area. As well as stopping at the gateway to Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Q Highland, the views of Mt. Fuji from the train window are unsurpassed. More Info

Tokai

Heritage Steam Locomotive “Kawaneji” (Oigawa Railway)

Heritage Steam Locomotive “Kawaneji” (Oigawa Railway) This train stands out for its heritage carriages and steam locomotives from the 1940s. The “SL Kawaneji-go” is the train for you if you wish to indulge in the bygone days of Showa-era Japan while rolling through the Japanese countryside. Ⓒ Oigawa Railway Co., Ltd. More Info

Kansai

Hello Kitty Shinkansen (JR West)

Hello Kitty Shinkansen (JR West) In Car No. 1 of the “Hello Kitty Shinkansen” connecting Shin-Osaka and Hakata, you can find a range of original goods for sale and also experience various attractions of western Japan. © 1976, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L617212 More Info

Hello Kitty Haruka (JR West)

Hello Kitty Haruka (JR West) This Hello Kitty-themed express train connects Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji, and Kansai International Airport. Hello Kitty is also featured on the livery and inside the train. © 1976, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L617212 More Info

Tango KURO-MATSU Train (WILLER TRAINS)

Tango KURO-MATSU Train (WILLER TRAINS) Enjoy taking the train amid beautiful coastline scenery or tranquil countryside, while enjoying a course meal featuring a wealth of local ingredients. More Info

Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic Railway)

Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic Railway) The train runs along the Hozu River and offers spectacular scenery and a panoramic year-round view of the gorge. You can enjoy seasonal scenery from the train windows: cherry blossoms in spring, cicadas in summer, autumn leaves in fall as well as occasional illumination and lighting. More Info

Chugoku

The Marumaru no Hanashi (JR West)

The Marumaru no Hanashi (JR West) A sightseeing train that links up Hagi, Nagato, and Shimonoseki so that passengers can feel the history and culture that built bridges between Japan and the West. En route, passengers can enjoy spectacular views of the beautiful Sea of Japan. More Info

Shikoku

Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari (JR Shikoku)

Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari (JR Shikoku) Step onto this train and you’ll feel like you’re in an old Japanese home. And along the way, encounter the many Shikoku attractions, such as Oboke Station in the Iya district and its remnants of traditional Japanese scenery, as well as Kotohira and Zentsuji Stations. More Info

Botchan Train (Iyo Tetsudo)

Botchan Train (Iyo Tetsudo) In this streetcar that goes from one city to the next, the cars are designed to resemble the steam locomotives of yesteryear and run while emitting smoke. More Info

Kyushu

A-TRAIN (JR Kyushu)

A-TRAIN (JR Kyushu) The train is decked up like a classic retro hotel, harking back to the era when East met West in culture. The vista from the train windows includes the calm sea and Unzen Fugendake, a famous mountain in Kyushu. © Kyushu Railway Company More Info

YUFUIN NO MORI (JR Kyushu)

YUFUIN NO MORI (JR Kyushu) The train runs from Hakata to the scenic hot spring resorts of Yufuin. The interior of the train will make you feel like you’re at a resort in the middle of a forest. © Kyushu Railway Company More Info

Cruise Train

A ‘cruise train’ refers to a luxury sleeper train offering courses that allow passengers to enjoy multiple sightseeing spots, similar to a cruise liner, hence the term.

TRAIN SUITE SHIKI‐SHIMA (JR East)

TRAIN SUITE SHIKI‐SHIMA (JR East) The TRAIN SUITE SHIKI‐SHIMA is a cruise train that brings passengers from Ueno Station in Tokyo to Southern Hokkaido and Tohoku, on courses lasting from 2days/1night - 4days/3nights. Ⓒ JR-EAST More Info

TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE (JR West)

TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE (JR West) The TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE, a sleeper train leaving from Osaka, Shin-Osaka, and Shimonoseki, offers passengers five courses in total, including one-way (2-days/1-night) and round-trip (3-days/2-nights) options through the rich history, culture, and beautiful nature of the San’in and Sanyo regions. © WEST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY More Info

Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)

Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu) Seven Stars in Kyushu is a luxurious sightseeing sleeper train, which you can take on a 4-days/3-nights course and a 2-days/1-night course. Every journey leaves you with a special feeling filled with the charm of Kyushu. © Kyushu Railway Company More Info

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