10 train lines to admire the cherry trees 電車から桜を見えるライン
On the Cherry Blossom Railroads
In Japan, spring rhymes with cherry blossoms! A true national event, the flowering of the cherry trees is a moment eagerly awaited by the Japanese who do not hesitate to travel all around the archipelago to admire the most beautiful nature has to offer. And especially by train, which remains the most used means of transport in the country! In order to take full advantage of this season, Japan Experience introduces you to 10 train lines that will allow you to admire the cherry blossoms on the island of Honshu.
In Tohoku
- The Tsugaru Line
Crossing Aomori Prefecture , the Tsugaru Line connects Tsugaru Goshogawara and Tsugaru Nakazato stations.
For more than 45 minutes, it offers a nice trip to the heart of Tohoku which allows you to discover the landscapes of the region under a background of cherry blossoms . Stopping at several small stations, it notably passes through the Ashino Park station, known for its 1,500 cherry trees! Note that the park is also open until 9 p.m. from April 29 to May 6 to allow you to admire the sakura under the moonlight.
Useful information :
Price : adult 950 yen (7€25), child 680 yen (5€20).
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station.
Times : frequent departures throughout the day.
In the Kantō
- Laligne Mooka
Over almost 42 kilometres , the locomotives of the Mooka line offer a real leap in time.
Blue velvet benches, old lamps from the 1950s, the interior of these little gems from the 1910s is retro and picturesque , like the circuit offered by the line.
For more than two hours , it allows you to discover the eastern Kanto countryside . Connecting Shimodate station in Ibaraki prefecture to Mogi station in Tochigi prefecture, this line runs along the surrounding rivers as well as the rapeseed fields whose yellow contrasts wonderfully with the pink of the cherry trees.
Very popular in the spring, we advise you to leave early to hope to get a ticket! Indeed, the locomotives only run on weekends and public holidays , once a day and it is impossible to book tickets in advance.
Useful information :
Price : adult 500 yen (3€80), child 250 yen (1€90).
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station.
Times : departure from Shimodate at 10:35 am, departure from Mogi at 2:26 pm.
- The Toden-Arakawa Line
Tokyo's last streetcar , the Toden-Arakawa Line has connected Waseda Station to Minowabashi Station in Arakawa Ward since the 1920s.
Nicknamed the “ cherry tree tram ”, this small wagon passes through 30 local stations, including Ojiekimae station which overlooks Asukayama Park , very popular with the Japanese in this season for its many cherry trees.
Useful information :
Price : adult 170 yen (1€30), child 90 yen (0€70).
Tickets : to be purchased on the tramway.
Times : frequent departures throughout the day.
- The Paleo Express
A 1970s steam locomotive, the Paleo Express connects Kumagaya and Mitsumieguchi stations in the Chichibu region.
Passing through the plains as well as the small surrounding mountains, it offers very beautiful views to all photo enthusiasts !
This small locomotive has only four wagons and only runs once a day , we advise you to book your tickets in advance.
Useful information :
Price : 950 yen (7€25)
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station or to be reserved at all JR East stations.
Times : 10:12 a.m. departure from Kumagaya, 2 p.m. departure from Mitsumieguchi
In Chubu
- Laligne Oigawa
Connecting Shin-Kanaya Station to Senzu Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, this 1930s steam locomotive is one of the most popular attractions in our selection .
Sweeping the region over more than 40 kilometers , it allows you to admire the cherry blossoms in spring, but also Mount Fuji and the many open-air onsen that mark out its circuit.
In this season, the banks of the Oi River and the cherry blossom tunnel at Ieyama Station are the pride of the Oigawa line.
Useful information :
Price : 48-hour adult pass 5,000 yen (€38), 48-hour child pass 2,500 yen (€19).
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station or to be reserved on the Oigawa line website .
Times : departure from Shin-Kanaya at 10:00 a.m., 10:38 a.m., 11:52 a.m.; departure from Senzu at 1:39 p.m., 2:10 p.m., 2:53 p.m.
- The HakoneTozan Line
Connecting Hakone-Yumoto station to Gora station in 40 minutes , the Hakone Tozan is one of the best served lines in the region. With a train approximately every ten minutes, the Hakone Tozan is not only a good way to get around Hakone City quickly , but also to do sightseeing at a lower cost.
Small mountains, valleys or even forests, it is a city with multiple facets that you will discover with this small railway line.
Useful information :
Price : 400 yen (3€)
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station.
Times : frequent departures throughout the day.
- Laligne Nanao
Located in Ishikawa Prefecture , the Nanao Line connects Tsubata Station to Anamizu Station in two and a half hours.
Very popular this season for its circuit which offers pretty views of the cherry blossoms, it notably passes through the "Noto Sakura Station", the Noto - kashima station which houses a cherry blossom tunnel .
Also note that a day pass is available for this line. Allowing free travel on Saturdays and public holidays throughout the Koto network, this pass also entitles you to discounts for museums and onsen in the surrounding area . It is therefore the bargain not to be missed!
Useful information :
Price : " Tsukote Kudashi Free Ticket" pass 1,000 yen (7€60)
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station or at all Ishikawa Railway terminals in the region.
Times : frequent departures throughout the day.
- The Nagaragawa Line
Along the Nagara River, the Nagaragawa Line connects Mino-Ota Station in Minokamo City to Hokuno Station in Gujo City.
Three times a week, this small line in the Gifu area still uses trains from the 1920s! From Friday to Sunday, it is therefore aboard an old steam locomotive that you can admire the cherry trees of the region .
Useful information :
Price : adult 2,700 yen (20€60), child 1,350 yen (10€30).
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station.
Times : three times a week, departure at 10.40 am from Mino-Ota station.
In Kansai
- Laligne Sagano
Nicknamed " Sagano Romantic Train ", the Sagano line locomotive offers a 25-minute trip along the banks of the Hozukyo ravine, from Saga Torroko station to Kameoka Torroko station.
See also: RomanceCar
A must for all flower lovers , this little train passes through the middle of the region's mountains and allows you to admire the cherry trees in spring as well as the momiji in autumn .
Useful information :
Price : adult 600 yen, child 300 yen.
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station or at any JR station in the region.
Hours : daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., once an hour.
- Lettram of Ikoma (Ikoma cable car)
Linking Toriimae station to Ikoma-sanjo station in Nara prefecture , this little tram has a rather special design : that of a children 's story!
The reason ? He ends up in Ikoma-sanjo's playground. Cute and cheap, its circuit is also populated by cherry trees. A perfect means of transport for the whole family !
Useful information :
Price : adult 360 yen (2€75), child 180 yen (1€40).
Tickets : to be purchased at the departure station.
Times : frequent departures throughout the day.