Japan's most beautiful landscapes by train
Himi line train along the Ameharu coast
© DD51612, wikimedias (CC 3.0)
Many train lines cross some of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. Here are some of the most beautiful train journeys to see!
In this selection, you'll find both small, local lines that specialize in discovering the region's landscapes over short distances, and major lines that unveil splendid panoramas over dozens of kilometres. In addition to the magnificent views of all kinds to be discovered on these routes, there's often an enormous amount to do when you stop at certain stations. Do not hesitate to make a whole day of it by stopping off at the places that interest you!
Kanto
- Tokaido Shinkansen (Between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka)
The Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka is the most popular with travelers, not least for its breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. You need a bit of luck, though, because when the sky is cloudy, it's impossible to make out the mountain!
Where? Between Shinagawa and Shin-Fuji (on the Tokyo - Nagoya, Tokyo - Kyoto, Tokyo - Osaka, Hakone - Kyoto)
Don't miss out on Japan's most beautiful mountain on your trip and book your train tickets to Mount Fuji with Japan Experience! We offer the possibility of selecting your exclusive seat on the Mount Fuji side of the train. Simply select the option when you place your order!
Tokaido Shinkansen passing Mount Fuji
© megawheel360, wikimedias (CC 2.0)
- Fuji Line Excursion (Between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko)
This panoramic train from Shinjuku not only allows you to see Mount Fuji on board, but also to get closer to it, as it stops at Kawaguchiko, the lake at the foot of Mount Fuji.
Where? Between Mount Fuji Station and Kawaguchiko Station.
- The Hakone Tozan Line (Between Odawara and Gora)
This route, located in the heart of Hakone's natural environment, takes you in around 20 minutes to Gora, where you can take the cable car to Lake Ashi! Here too, aboard a locomotive, you'll pass through mountainous countryside that turns orange in autumn and blossoms hydrangeas in summer!
Where? Between Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station.
Kansai - Chugoku
- The Sagano Scenic Railway (Between Kyoto-Arashiyama and Kameoka)
The Sagano Scenic Railway is easily accessible from Kyoto and follows the Hozu River through the surrounding gorges. The vegetation can be enjoyed at any time of year, but is particularly sublime in autumn.
Where: Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station
- The Sanyo Main Line (between Hiroshima and Kitakyushu)
This long train line offers magnificent panoramic views along the Seto Sea coast between Hiroshima and Kita-Kyushu. The azure color of the Seto Sea can be admired from this train for several minutes, up close and personal: on several stretches, the train tracks are literally at the water's edge.
Where? JR Yū Station ↔ JR Ōbatake Station.
Sanyo Line train near the Seto Inland Sea
© Maeda Akihiko, wikimedias (CC 4.0)
View from a Sagano Line train on the Hozu River
© Pang Yu Liu, wikimedias, (CC 2.0)
San'in train crossing the Amarube viaduct
© Rsa, wikimedias (CC 3.0)
San'in Main Line (Between Kyoto and Shimonoseki)
The San'in railroads, which cover northern Kansai and Chugoku, follow the coastline of the Sea of Japan. It offers magnificent views of the water, as the tracks are also very close to the sea in places. On these railroads, the Twilight Express Mizukaze luxury train is available, operating a three-day journey along the entire line, with meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and top-of-the-range accommodation.
Where: Between JR Orii Station and JR Miho-Misumi Station
Tips: Some trains fill up very quickly, especially during the high season, so don't hesitate to book a seat if you can!
Hokkaido
- Furano Line (Between Asahikawa and Furano)
Furano and Biei are towns known for their many flower farms and surrounding fields. The Furano Biei Norokko scenic train runs during the summer (June to September) from Asahikawa, Hokkaido's second-largest city. It stops at the Lavender Farm station, which provides easy access to the flower farms. You can also admire the mountains of the Daisetsuzan crater in the distance, in addition to the multicolored Japanese fields.
Where? Between Furano Station and Biei Station.
Norokko Biei Furano train in the countryside
© Maeda Akihiko, wikimedias, own work, (CC 4.0)
- Senmo Line (Between Abashiri and Kushiro)
The special Ryuhyo Monogatari Train, available in January and February, offers a memorable view of the ice-covered Sea of Okhotsk and surrounding mountains! Regular trains are also available all year round if you want to travel along the Sea of Okhotsk via the JR Senmo Line.
Where? Between Abashiri Station and Shiretoko-Shari Station.
- Hakodate Main Line (Between Hakodate and Sapporo)
If you're travelling from Sapporo to Hakodate (or vice versa), you can't miss the trip through the quasi-national Onuma Park and the distinctive Komagatake mountain. What's more, much of the route runs alongside the sea, making it one of the most scenically diverse.
Where? Yakumo Station ↔ JR Ōnuma-Kōen Station.
Tohoku
- JR Hachinohe Line (Between Hachinohe and Kuji)
This JR train between Hachinohe and Kuji runs along the eastern and northern shores of the main island. You'll find splendid views of the dark blue Pacific Ocean. There's even a luxury panoramic train, the Tohoku Emotion to discover the Japanese countryside and sample the local cuisine.
Where? Between Hachinohe Station and Kuji Station.
- The Gono Line (between Akita and Aomori)
Between Akita and Aomori, the Gono railroads cover the coast of the Tohoku Sea of Japan. As well as being practical, linking two of Japan's major cities, the Gono train runs through waterside coves. As in many tourist destinations, you'll find a Joyful Train, the Resort Shirakami which includes a meal and panoramic carriages.
Where? Between Akita Station and Aomori Station.
Discover all Tohoku's best trains with our excursion, the trains of northern Tohoku !
Hachinohe line near the Pacific Ocean
© くさてんぐ, wikimedias, (CC 4.0)
Resort Shirakami on the Gono line near Yukiaizaki
© MaedaAkihiko, wikimedias (CC 4.0)
Tada line train crossing the Tadami river
© MaedaAkihiko, wikimedias (CC 4.0)
- JR Tadami Line (Between Fukushima and Niigata prefectures)
In central Tohoku, this train through the mountains runs alongside the Tadami River, allowing you to admire the gorges that surround it.
Where? Between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and Tadami Station.
Chubu
- Kurobe Railway (near Toyama)
If you're passing through the Japanese Alps, the Kurobe Railway is a must! Whatever the season, the forest landscape through the mountains is enchanting aboard the old orange locomotives.
Where? Between Unazuki Station and Keyakidaira Station.
- The Ikawa Line (Near Shizuoka)
The Oigawa company's Ikawa line is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful we offer here. Perched in the mountains above Shizuoka, the locomotive follows the Oi River through the tea fields. The little Okuōikojō station, on a tiny island in the middle of the river, is not to be missed!
Where: Between Sessokyō-Onsen Station and Nagashima Dam Station.
- Himi Line (near Toyama)
As you ride along Toyama Bay, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps in the distance. Amaharashi Station is prized by photographers for this diversity of panoramas in one place.
Where? Between Amaharashi Station and Himi Station.
Shikoku
- The Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari line (near Takamatsu)
Near Takamatsu, this luxury panoramic train travels through the Oboke Gorge and the picturesque countryside of Shikoku Island. You can even enjoy an on-board meal based on local, seasonal ingredients.
Where: Between Tsubojiri Station and Ochiai Station.
- Seto-Ohashi Line (Between Okayama and Takamatsu)
This train crosses one of the famous bridges that link the island of Shikoku with the rest of Honshu. It links Takamatsu to Okayama via the Seto Ohashi bridge. You'll fly over dozens of small islands in the Seto Sea.
Where? Between Kojima Station and Utazu Station.
Oboko Valley on the line of the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari
© misijp, wikimedias (CC 4.0)
Seto Ohashi Bridge
© Johan Eneland, wikimedias (CC 4.0)
Iyonada monogatari train to Shimonada station
© sunport1216, wikimedias (CC 4.0)
- The Iyonada Monogatari line (Near Matsuyama)
In the Ehime region, discover the breathtaking, typically Japanese seaside landscape on this rail route. You can even pass Ozu Castle, built in the middle of nature. It serves Shimonada station, which inspired Hayao Miyazaki for a train scene in Chihiro's Journey.
Where? Between JR Matsuyama Station and JR Goro Station.
Kyushu
- JR Hisatsu line (between Kumamoto and Kagoshima)
Located between Kumamoto and Kagoshima, from this train you can admire the Kirishima Mountains and pass over the Kuma River on a beautiful red bridge.
Where: Between Okoba Station and JR Masaki Station.
- Minami Aso Line (Near Kumamoto)
Established not far from Kumamoto, this line passes the magnificent Aso volcano and its surrounding green countryside, as well as the Tateno Bridge, one of the most beautiful in Japan.
Where? Between Tateno Station and Takamori Station.
- JR Omura Line (Near Nagasaki)
Near Nagasaki, this JR train runs along the west coast of Omura Bay, offering a magnificent spectacle at sunset.
Where? Between JR Sonogi Station and JR Matsubara Station.
