Japan boasts numerous exceptional trains that offer more than just transportation—they provide unique travel experiences. Here are ten remarkable Japanese trains that both railway enthusiasts and tourists should consider
Seven Stars in Kyushu (Cruise Train)
Main Stations: Hakata Station – A journey around Kyushu, including Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, and Oita.
Route Highlights: This luxury train traverses Kyushu’s hot spring resorts, historic castle towns, and stunning mountain and coastal scenery. Passengers can engage in local cultural experiences such as pottery and traditional paper-making, and enjoy gourmet meals prepared by renowned regional chefs.
➡Cruise Train “Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu
TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima
Main Stations: Ueno Station – Routes covering Eastern Japan, including Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Shinshu regions.
Route Highlights: Experience the beauty of Japan’s four seasons through picturesque landscapes, including rural countryside, mountainous terrains, hot springs, and World Heritage sites. The train features all-suite rooms and offers refined fusion cuisine.
➡TRAIN SUITE Shikijima | East Japan Railway
Twilight Express Mizukaze
Main Stations: Kyoto Station, Osaka Station – Routes through the San’in and Sanyo regions.
Route Highlights: Travelers can enjoy views of the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea, explore historic towns like Hagi and Izumo, and visit castles and traditional houses. Onboard dining features creative dishes made from local ingredients by top chefs.
Saphir Odoriko
Main Stations: Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station – Destinations include Atami and Izukyu-Shimoda Station.
Route Highlights: Passengers can admire coastal views of Sagami Bay, visit hot spring towns and fishing ports, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Izu Peninsula. The Premium Green Car offers sweets and light meals for a luxurious journey.
➡Saphir Odoriko｜East Japan Railway
Kintetsu Sightseeing Limited Express Shimakaze
Main Stations: Osaka-Namba Station, Kyoto Station, Nagoya Station – Routes to Ise-Shima.
Route Highlights: This train provides access to Ise Grand Shrine, the ria coastline of Ago Bay, and the pearl cultivation town of Shima. Amenities include salon seating, a café car, and massage chairs.
Hanayome Noren (JR West)
Main Stations: Kanazawa Station – Wakura Onsen Station.
Route Highlights: Passengers can experience traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen and Wajima lacquerware while traveling from the historic castle town of Kanazawa to the natural beauty and hot springs of the Noto Peninsula.
➡Bride’s Goodwill│Tourist Train Travel Time: JR Oddekake Net
Kawasemi Yamasemi (JR Kyushu)
Main Stations: Kumamoto Station – Hitoyoshi Station (Hisatsu Line).
Route Highlights: This scenic route follows the clear waters of the Kuma River, featuring wooden station buildings, historic townscapes, and local cuisine in a retro atmosphere. The train’s wooden interior design adds to its charm.
➡KAESEMI & MAMASEMI Express Train Journeys
HIGH RAIL 1375 (JR East)
Main Stations: Kobuchizawa Station – Komoro Station (Koumi Line).
Route Highlights: Known as the “train in the sky,” it operates at Japan’s highest elevation. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and starry skies. The train features a planetarium and stargazing area for an extraordinary experience.
Fujisan View Express (Fujikyu Railway)
Main Stations: Otsuki Station – Kawaguchiko Station.
Route Highlights: Offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, connecting to the Fuji Five Lakes, Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, and nearby hot spring resorts. Onboard sweets are also popular among passengers.
➡Fuji View Express | The Closest Railway to Mt. Fuji, Fuji Kyuko Line
La Malle de Bois (JR West)
Main Stations: Okayama – Uno, Okayama – Mihara, Okayama – Hinase, Okayama – Kotohira.
Route Highlights: This train explores the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, visiting art destinations like Naoshima and charming port towns. Passengers can savor Setouchi cuisine, and the train accommodates bicycles, making it convenient for cycling enthusiasts.
➡La Malle de Bois│Tourist Train Travel Time: JR Oddekake Net
These trains offer more than just a journey; they provide immersive experiences combining scenic beauty, cultural encounters, and culinary delights. Given their popularity, securing reservations can be challenging, so it’s advisable to book early through the official websites provided.