If you are searching for the ultimate train journey which combines adventure, thrill and stunning landscapes, Japan could be the answer. One ride here could glide you past snow-capped peaks of grand mountains, take you through towers of rice tanadas, or hug the dramatic coastline of the Pacific. I’d go as far as to say that some of the best rail journeys in the world are in Japan, and I want this post to celebrate the most beautiful rail journeys here.
Tourists focus on the efficiency and precision of the world-renowned bullet train (Shinkansen) when thinking about Japan. Granted, this experience is amazing and incredibly enjoyable. However, what stays with you is the poetic landscape of this historic country. In my post on the most beautiful train journeys in Japan I’m going to take you off of the main lines and delve you into the more local and sightseeing paths.
By the end of it, I hope you’ll agree that Japan is amazing and is best seen by rail.
The Most Beautiful Train Journeys in Japan | Your Ultimate Guide
Getting Started
Before we go into my top rail journeys, there are a few things to know about Japan railways. Whilst you likely know that they are super-efficient and clean, there are a few things that you probably won’t be aware of.
JR Pass
Firstly, you have the JR Pass. A few years back this used to be fairly good value for money. Think of it like an Interrail Ticket, only for Japan. However, as tourism boomed the price for this has gone up and now isn’t particularly cheap. If you’re coming to Japan and are planning on lots of long journeys then it makes sense to buy but, if you only have a few planned, I would personally just buy the regular tickets at the station. A lot of the local lines in particular are pretty cheap!
I/C Cards
As a futuristic country, it won’t surprise you that Japan has a technology-based method of getting around on trains. Whilst usual payment methods are accepted, most people simply download an I/C Card onto their phones (we would recommend Suica) and use them to tap on and off the majority of transport (see below for specifics).
We found this to be a real game changer and topping up was incredibly easy. We simply downloaded the Suica App, loaded it up with Yen, and we were good to go. To do this, I’d 100% recommend using an eSIM. We used Sim Local for this and were quickly on Japan’s high-speed network, meaning that we could navigate the busy Metro in Tokyo and use our Suica on demand. To get a whopping 5% off your next purchase, use our discount code GIRLONTHEMOVE. Or, follow this link to Sim Local for it to applied automatically at checkout.
The Different Lines
There are 5 different lines to be aware of in Japan. You have the Shinkansen, limited express, local lines, the Metro, and private lines. The Shinkansen and limited-express lines both require a seat reservation and the travel fare. For this you can do this at any major station or simply online, however limited express lines also allow you to use your Suica for the travel fare only. Local lines are probably the easiest as you can just use your Suica as you would in any Metro.
I’ve written quite extensively about this on my quick guide to traveling by train in Japan. Check it out for all of my top tips.
The Most Beautiful Rail Journeys
Now we get to the list you’ve been waiting for. I’ve done them in no particular order (it isn’t tiered), but each of them has their own particular charm. Give them a read and let me know which one is your favourite.
Tokaido Shinkansen
If this was a list based upon popularity, this one would have to be right at the top. The Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka is one which most tourists ride. The speed and efficiency for starters are enough to thrill any visitor, and are sure to excite even the most veteran train travellers.
What I love about this particular journey is just how unforgettable the first Shinkansen experience is. Leaving Tokyo feels like the start of an adventure into a land which is completely unknown.
However, the main reason for this journey being on the list is because of Mount Fuji. Whilst this volcano is famously elusive, sitting on the right-hand side of the Shinkansen from Tokyo gives you the best chance of seeing it. In fact, I’d argue that the views from the train are just as good as any tour. Another reason for featuring this journey is the sudden shift from the bustling metropolis into quiet, Japanese countryside.
The Hakone Tozan Railway
If you’re on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, might I recommend a stop at Hakone? It is a part of the famous Golden Route which is taken by (pretty much all) tourists each year. The region itself is famous for mountain views, hot springs and colourful countryside.
The real magic of Hakone though is the journey there. From Odawara Station (where the Shinkansen will drop you off), you can take the Hakone Tozan Railway. This is Japan’s oldest mountain railway and it is – without a doubt – a scenic masterpiece.
Your journey on the Hakone Tozan Railway is a gentle climb up to Gora, which is where the majority of tourists stay. Along the route you’ll pass over old bridges and through ancient woodland. Through the windows you’ll also see the mountainous landscape evolving as you climb higher and higher. If you’re lucky enough to be here in June, you’ll also see hydrangeas bloom along the track, earring it the nickname “the Hydrangea Train”.
To read more about this and the Hakone region, check out my post on 2 nights in Hakone.
The Limited Express Kurobe Gorge Railway
The next train on our list is far lesser known than the previous two. In fact, it is not really on the tourist trail at all. It is hidden in the Japanese Alps and has to be one of the most beautiful, scenic trains in Japan… If not the world.
This is the Kurobe Gorge Railway. It is a Limited Express train which was orginially built to aid dam construction, but now carries travellers along a 20 kilometre track filled with breathtaking views.
To ride this train, you’ll depart from Unazuki Onsen. which is by itself pretty remote and is found North of Tokyo. Whilst getting here is a bit of a pain, the views which follow are worth it. The open-sided carriages give you uninterrupted views of the surrounding land, which in my opinion comes alive in autumn (November).
Top Tip: This train only runs from April to November due to heavy snow. If you want to ride it, make sure to book as far ahead as possible- tickets sell out fast.
The Sagano Scenic Railway
If you’ve read more of my Japan series, you’ll know that Arashiyama is one of my favourite places in the country. It is on the outskirts of Kyoto and is well-known for its many sight-seeing opportunities.
One of the best things to do here is to catch the Sagano Scenic Railway, otherwise known as the “Romantic Train”. The journey is short and takes no more than 25 minutes. It is also very simple and uses a wooden carriage, transporting you back into the early days of industrial Japan.
What earns this train a spot on this list though is the scenery. If you’ve been to – or even seen pictures of – Arashiyama, you’ll know that it is an incredibly beautiful area. The Sagano Scenic Railway follows the peaceful Hozugawa River which changes according to the seasons. In the summer, you’ll see a lush, humid landscape, whereas in the spring you’ll be surrounded by cherry blossom.
At the end of your trip, you can then return to Arashiyama along a traditional river boat cruise. The valley here is spectacular and I couldn’t recommend this enough.
The Oigawa Railway
Steam trains were a big part of industrialisation in Japan and enabled people to easily navigate the country. They are what started the large railway line which now makes Japan perfect for train travel.
The Oigawa Railway is an example of these early steam trains. The fleet of restored steam trains here dates back to the 1930s, with some carriages even dating back to 1950! You’ll find them near Shizuoka, just slightly West of Tokyo. However, if you board at Shin-Kanaya Station you can also purchase a Bento Box for the journey, giving you a truly Japanese feel! What I love about this train is that it really brings that vintage feel to Japan. If you love Studio Ghibli and the feel of those films, this is as close to that as you can get.
The train journey itself takes you through the local green tea fields and along the nearby Oi River. Given the location too, you can easily spot Mount Fuji on a clear day and it is super accessible from Tokyo. It also stops along the way for hot springs and tea tastings.
The Resort Shirakami (Gono Line)
We’re now off to northern Japan and one of the most famous sightseeing trains. The Resort Shirakami (or Gono Line) follows a coastal journey alongside the Sea of Japan. The journey takes you along what you’d expect; rugged cliffs and ocean views. You can even stop at some traditional fishing villages. What I love the most though is that it also passes by Shirakami-Sanchi, one of the country’s last great wildernesses.
The train itself is designed to be the ultimate sightseeing train in Japan. In places, the train runs right by the ocean and you have wide windows to really take this in. On board you can also expect plenty of local snacks, as well as some traditional entertainment which runs regularly.
If you’re looking to see a part of Japan which is rarely seen by tourists and is completely different to Tokyo or Kyoto, this one could be for you.
The Hokkaido Limited Express
Hokkaido is the northern frontier of Japan. It is arguably one of the paths least trodden by tourists and is far wilder than the southern islands. Throughout the year, you can expect to see rugged, vast landscapes and dense forest. Whilst you can drive around here, it is not always easy during the winter months. To see this winter wonderland up close, you’re going to need to take the Hokkaido Limited Express.
I’m probably slightly biased as I’ve just recently returned from Iceland, but this wintery wilderness is what makes this one of the most beautiful train journeys in Japan. The journey connects Sapporo, Furano and Biei, allowing you to experience this region at its best in terms of culture and views.
Don’t let this put you off a summer journey though. These landscapes are just as beautiful in the warmer months. However, instead of icy rivers and white trees, expect luscious greenery and fields of lavender.
Yufin No Mori
We’re now heading to southern Japan; to Kyushu to be exact. This is the third largest island in Japan and is found on the South West of the islands. It is one of the least-travelled parts of the country, but I can never understand why. It is incredibly beautiful and brings rural life and history to the forefront of a visitors time here.
The Yufin No Mori is one of the best train journeys to take down here. It is incredibly famous and is known as a ‘resort train’ due to its lavish interiors. The trains feature large windows to take in the beautiful views out the windows. If you sit on the right side (if you are heading to Yufuin), you’ll be able to see the beautiful Jion-no-Taki Falls.
This train journey is also one of the most famous journeys in the country, so that quiet atmosphere I mentioned above may not be happening depending on when you go. However, it is a must do when in Kyushu and shows you the very best of this lesser-seen island.
Hokuriku Shinkansen
The final train journey on this post is another Shinkansen, this time taking you from Tokyo to the ancient city of Kanazawa. If you don’t know, the city is culturally significant for being the home of the samurai, the legendary warrior class of Japan.
The journey up here is just as magical as you would imagine. Your route weaves you through the Japanese Alps and the scenery changes with the seasons. What I love most though are the opportunities to break up the journey to see beautiful spots. One stop I’d recommend is Yudanaka Onsen. This is where you’ll see the famous ‘snow monkeys’ of Japan as they warm up in the colder months.
Final Thoughts | The Most Beautiful Train Journeys in Japan
I hope I’ve convinced you to stray off of the Golden Route and to head into lesser-seen rail journeys of Japan. The country is filled with scenic train rides and I’ve only scratched the surface with this post. If you brave them though, you’ll see a part of the country which few travellers ever get to see.
If you enjoyed this post, why not check out my post on two weeks in Japan to help get your adventure started?
