Story Enjoy Winter Spectacles with a Snow-filled Train Trip! by JNTO on 23 January 2020
However, another great experience is the viewing of winter scene through the windows of a sightseeing train!
While travelling in such a train, there is a variety of unique experiences to try, from enjoying Japanese cuisine and Japanese sake to relaxing with a traditional Japanese-style heater or kotatsu table. In this article, we will introduce two very popular snow viewing train rides!
The Best Seasons to Appreciate Snow are January to February!
Multiple Snow Viewing Trains to Choose From!
In many parts of Japan, serious snowfall only happens from January to the end of February. As such, many snow-related events including various festivals usually end before March rolls around. Bearing all these in mind, our recommendation is to try the charming sightseeing trains that allow you to marvel at the snowy scenery through train windows.
The amazing designs of the interiors of these trains will make you forget that you are even riding a train, with even observation decks available to thoroughly enjoy the winters of Japan to the fullest!
Echigo Tokimeki Railway: Echigo Tokimeki Resort Setsugekka (Niigata Prefecture)
In Niigata Prefecture, Joetsu City there is a resort train service that runs between Joetsu-Myoko Station and Itoigawa Station.
From windows of its trains, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan and the mountain ranges of the Myoko area which is also known as the “Mount Fuji of Echigo,” so passengers can enjoy both sea and mountain simultaneously.
The train's colour design is made to harmonize with the landscapes, using the colour of “Ginshu” (“Silver Vermillion”). The first car houses an observation deck (accessible to all passengers), and the second car also has an observation deck that spans over the conductor's seat for a monopoly of the front seat view of the snowy scenery (capacity is up to 4 passengers)!
The train departing from Joetsu-Myoko Station in the morning serves French cuisine made with local gourmet ingredients like fresh shrimp and crab.
Trains departing from Itoigawa Station in the afternoon serves Japanese cuisine of Tsurugiya, the traditional cuisine established since Edo period. Please note that reservations are only available by phone.
Tsugaru Railway: Stove Winter Train (Aomori Prefecture)
Aomori Prefecture's Tsugaru area is an area of heavy snowfall, and a local train of the Tsugaru Railway runs across fromTsugaru-Goshogawara Station to Tsugaru-Nakasato Station, covering 20 kilometres.
Every year for the limited time between 1st December to 31st March, this train has a coal-burning “Daruma Stove” within it known as the Stove Train.
This train service has quite a long history since its operation began in 1930.
Its trains do a round-trip 3 times daily, with just 2 passenger cars. Around the hot burning stove, passengers would gather to warm themselves, and the conversation naturally begins.
After departing, you will be amazed by the expansive snow scene around you while being kept warm by the stove!
Enjoy the sight of the wintery landscape while savouring tasty bento orsnacks.
There are special stove bento available, with rice balls and side dishes neatly packed into individual bamboo weaved basket (reservation only). During the train ride, there is also a wagon that sells Japanese sake and dried squid snacks, or juices and pastries are available as well. Take that dried squid you bought and get it toasted with the stove!
