Culture Travel Guide

8 Incredible Scenic Train Journeys in Japan

Few train systems are as magnificent as those of Japan. They are famous for their efficiency and amazing use of advanced technology to create some of the fastest trains in the world. However, Japanese trains aren’t all about just getting from point A to point B. Some Japanese trains offer a great opportunity to see the beauty and wonder of the legendary Japanese scenery.

Because so many of the sights of Japan are rugged and far away from urban centers, this is a great opportunity to see them in comfort and without having to navigate the roads of another country on your own. Here are the best scenic train journeys in Japan:

1. Kurobe Gorge Railway

Kurobe gorge is beautiful in autumn. Photo Credit: 黒部峡谷鉄道

Kurobe Gorge is a treasure of the Northern Japanese Alps. It is one of the deepest gorges in Japan. Rather than just rigged rock cut by the Kurobe River, it is heavily forested.

It is nearly untouched, so any visit here feels like visiting another world. Driving or hiking can be difficult, but the Kurobe Gorge Railway is a great alternative. It is an 80-minute ride over more than 20 bridges and through more than 40 tunnels.

You can see some of the best panoramic views of the gorge while on the train. The train also makes a few stops that offer passengers the chance to explore.

The trains operate seasonally from the middle of April to November. Most cars are open with 4-person bench seats, but many also offer a few enclosed cars with more comfortable seating. 

Their most crowded time is in autumn when the gorge is ablaze with brilliant fall colors. Tickets are bought with assigned car numbers, but seats are not assigned.

The train departs from Unazuki Station, located in Unazuki Onsen, which is a small hot spring town near the entrance to Kurobe Gorge.

This is a good place to stay before and after your train ride. Tickets cost 1980 yen one way, though upgrades to more comfortable seats can be purchased for 350 to 530 yen. For timetable and fares, click here.

2. Sagano Scenic Railway

Cherry blossoms (Sakura) and Sagano Romantic Train. Photo Credit: Sagano Scenic Railway Co.,Ltd.

This charming railway runs along the Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and Kameoka. The trains are old-fashioned and romantic, while the forested mountain scenery rolls away at a fairly slow pace. It’s a very romantic journey, especially in fall, when the trees change color.

Every train consists of four enclosed cars with windows that can be opened. You should buy tickets early to be sure you get a seat.

According to many expert travelers, this scenic rail ride is at its best in spring and autumn season.  

The lien starts at Torokko Saga Station and terminates at Torokko Kameoka Station, where visitors can opt to ride back on the train or take another more modern train to their final destination.

Tickets cost 630 yen one way. Read these important FAQ before planning a trip to enjoy a ride.

3. Hakone Tozan Railway

Hakone Tozan Railway and Hydrangeas during rainy season. Photo Credit: HAKONE TOZAN RAILWAY Co., Ltd.

This is Japan’s oldest mountain railway. The small trains go through many tunnels and over many bridges, making their way along switchbacks, with a few stops along the way.

There are two sections, the lower section from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto, which is less scenic, and the incredible upper section from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora.

The upper section is a 35-minute ride. It is considered to be at its best from June to July (rainy season) when thousands of hydrangea flowers are in bloom, but it is lovely at any time of year as well. For example, you can see beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors in the fall

The train starts at Odawara. The fee from Odawara to Gora is 410 yen one way and the entire line is covered by the Hakone Free Pass. Many visitors take a cable car from Gora to Lake Ashi for another scenic experience.

4. Oigawa Railway

Okuoi Kojo Station and Oi River. Photo Credit: Oigawa Railway Co., Ltd.

These classic steam locomotives run all through Shizuoka Prefecture. Some of the trains on the Ikawa Line are so small that you may risk hitting your head on their ceiling. This is a chance to see how people traveled in years gone by as well as some amazing scenery.

The trains travel along the Oi River, offering views of lovely gorges and forested mountainsides. The covered cars all have windows that can be opened.

If you’re traveling with small children, one of the locomotives on the line is a reproduction of Thomas and another is a reproduction of his friend James the Red Engine the Tank Engine, which is sure to be a hit.

This railway starts at JR Kanaya Station. Tickets are 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. All seats are reserved in advance, so be sure to get your tickets early. Visit Oigawa Railway official website to get more info about the ride.

5. Tadami Line

A view of the bridge and river from No. 1 Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint in winter.

For a look at rustic Japan, the JR Tadami Line is a great choice. It runs from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and through the mountains of Fukushima Prefecture to Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture, offering some of the most famous views in the area.

These include the No. 1 Tadami River Bridge. The alpine scenery is especially excellent in winter when the mountains are covered in snow and the houses of the charming local towns have snow on their roofs. 

Tadami River is one of the beautiful rivers in Japan, offering amazing views throughout the year in each season. When the train would pass through the bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings from the train window. 

In February, many of the towns that the train stops at host amazing snow festivals. Please note The Tadami Line is operated by East Japan Railway Company

6. Tokaido Shinkansen

Shinkansen and Mt. Fuji in the distance. Photo Credit: tansaisuketti at Wikimedia Commons.

There are many ways to get excellent views of Mt. Fuji, but the Tokaido Shinkansen is one of the best. If you want to enjoy a shinkansen ride in Japan, then take this train line into your consideration. 

While many think you can only see the mountain from the right side of the train bound for Osaka, but the truth is that you can also get some views from the left side of the train.

You will be able to see Mt. Fuji at the part of the route between Shinagawa and Lake Hamana just beyond Hamamatsu. With good weather, you may be able to catch a glimpse near Kanagawa Prefecture’s Hiratsuka. 

Hiratsuka city has some very good Mt. Fuji viewing spots and travelers can get a majestic view of the mountain from the train window while the train passes through Hiratsuka’s Tokaido Shinkansen line.

When the train departs Mishima Station, you will see the highlight of the trip as Mt. Fuji appears shortly after.

7. Hisatsu Line

Train on the Kuma River Bridge in Kumamoto. Photo Credit: Kyushu Railway Company.

This steam engine line runs between Yatsushiro City and JR Hayato Station. It runs along the Yatake-koe and Kuma River, offering some excellent views.

Many of the stations and facilities are in the style of the Meiji era, giving you a window back in time. It’s an excellent, leisurely ride that offers you a great chance to see a lot of the Kumamoto Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture in comfort.

Experiencing a rail ride along this line is a must-do thing when you plan on visiting either Kumamoto or Kagoshima Prefecture.  

8. Sekihoku Main Line

Hokkaido is one of the most visited destinations in Japan, especially for foodies and nature fanatics who like to hike, hit the ski slopes, and enjoy the outdoors. 

Operated by Hokkaido Railway Company, Sekihoku Main Line runs between Shin-Asahikawa Station in Asahikawa, the second largest city in Hokkaido and Abashiri Station in Abashiri. The entire train route is blessed by nature and you can enjoy stunning landscapes until the last stop in Abashiri. 

The route from Kamikawa Station to Maruseppu Station is one of the top autumn leaves viewing spots by a train ride in northern Japan. This is possibly the best scenic rail ride that reveals Hokkaido’s unspoiled autumn nature. Mountains, rivers, deciduous trees and beautiful countryside will make your journey a great adventure.  

The best time to take a ride along this line is between early-October and mid-October. Watch this video and decide if you should try this fun ride or not.

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