10 Most Scenic Train Routes in Japan
- 1. The Hakone Tozan Railway (Hakone Area)
- 2. The Sagano Scenic Railway (Kyoto)
- 3. The Resort Shirakami (Akita to Aomori)
- 4. The Oigawa Railway (Shizuoka)
- 5. The Limited Express Seaside Liner (Hokkaido)
- 6. The Gono Line (Akita to Aomori)
- 7. The Alpine Route (Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route)
- 8. The JR Kusatsu Limited Express
- 9. The Aso Boy! Train (Kyushu)
- 10. The Hisatsu Orange Railway (Kyushu)
Japan is famous for its trains, and riding them is not just about getting from one place to another. The country offers some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, passing through mountains, coastlines, rice fields, and traditional villages.
If you're visiting Japan for the first time, these scenic train routes will give you unforgettable views and memories.
1. The Hakone Tozan Railway (Hakone Area)
Duration: About 40 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora
Best time to visit: June-July for hydrangeas, autumn for fall colors
Starting point: Hakone-Yumoto (accessible from Tokyo)
The Hakone Tozan Railway is perfect for first-time visitors because it's close to Tokyo and offers stunning mountain scenery. This charming train line runs from Hakone-Yumoto Station up into the mountains, climbing steep slopes and crossing over bridges with amazing views.
What You'll See
As the train climbs higher, you'll pass through forests, see waterfalls, and get glimpses of traditional Japanese buildings. During June and early July, hydrangea flowers bloom along the tracks, creating a colorful tunnel of purple, blue, and pink flowers.
In clear weather, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance. The train moves slowly around tight curves, giving you plenty of time to take photos and soak in the scenery.
Perfect Day Trip from Tokyo
The Hakone area is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Tokyo. Many visitors combine the train ride with a visit to hot springs, art museums, and Lake Ashi. Since it's so close to Tokyo, you can easily fit this into your itinerary without spending a whole day traveling.
If you're planning to explore this region, consider joining a Hakone day tour that combines the railway experience with other highlights like the Hakone Ropeway and a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. These tours take care of all the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the views.
2. The Sagano Scenic Railway (Kyoto)
Duration: About 25 minutes from Saga to Kameoka
Best time to visit: April for cherry blossoms, November for autumn leaves
Important note: The train doesn't run on Wednesdays (except during peak seasons) and has reduced service in winter
Also known as the Sagano Romantic Train or Torokko Train, this scenic railway runs along the Hozugawa River gorge near Kyoto. The route takes you through tunnels, across bridges, and alongside crystal-clear river waters.
What You'll See
The train follows the winding Hozugawa River, with steep forested mountains rising on both sides. In spring, cherry blossoms dot the hillsides. In autumn, the entire gorge transforms into a blaze of red, orange, and yellow leaves.
One special feature is the open-air car (car number 5), which has no windows. This gives you an unobstructed view and lets you feel the fresh mountain air. Just note that this car can be cold in winter and gets wet if it rains.
Easy to Add to Your Kyoto Itinerary
Kyoto is already on most first-time visitors' itineraries, and the Sagano Railway is an easy addition. The nearby Arashiyama area is famous for its bamboo grove, temples, and traditional streets. You can spend a full day exploring Arashiyama and include the train ride as part of your adventure.
Many Kyoto sightseeing tours include a stop in Arashiyama, where you can explore the area at your own pace. Some visitors also combine the train ride with a traditional boat ride down the Hozugawa River.
3. The Resort Shirakami (Akita to Aomori)
Duration: About 2.5 to 5 hours depending on which section you ride
Best time to visit: Summer for blue skies and ocean views, autumn for coastal and mountain colors
Reservation required: Yes, seats fill up quickly during peak seasons
The Resort Shirakami is a special sightseeing train that runs along the Sea of Japan coast in northern Honshu. This route is less crowded than others on this list, making it perfect for travelers who want to see a different side of Japan.
What You'll See
The train travels right along the coastline, so close to the water that you can see waves crashing against the rocks. You'll pass through small fishing villages, see dramatic cliffs, and enjoy endless ocean views.
The route also takes you near the Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient beech forests. Some trains make stops where you can get off for short breaks to enjoy the scenery or visit local attractions.
Discover the Less-Traveled Side of Japan
If you're visiting Japan for the first time and want to go beyond the typical Tokyo-Kyoto route, this is an excellent choice. The northern Tohoku region offers a more authentic, less touristy experience. You'll see rural Japan and enjoy peaceful landscapes.
For those interested in exploring northern Japan, there are multi-day tours that cover the Tohoku region and include train journeys along scenic routes like this one.
4. The Oigawa Railway (Shizuoka)
Duration: Main line is about 1.5 hours; the mountain section adds another hour
Best time to visit: Late spring to early summer for green tea fields
Special note: Steam trains run on select days, so check the schedule in advance
The Oigawa Railway offers a truly nostalgic experience with its vintage steam locomotives. This train line runs through the Oigawa Valley in Shizuoka Prefecture, offering views of tea fields, rivers, and mountains.
What You'll See
Steam trains run on the main line, billowing smoke as they chug through the countryside. You'll see endless green tea plantations covering the hillsides, especially beautiful in late spring when the tea is bright green.
The railway also crosses over many bridges spanning the Oigawa River. The further you go into the mountains, the more dramatic the scenery becomes. On the Ikawa Line section, you'll ride alongside gorges with emerald green water.
Why First-Timers Love It
This route is perfect if you want to experience traditional Japan away from big cities. The area is famous for tea production, and you can visit tea farms and taste fresh green tea. On clear days, you might see Mount Fuji in the distance.
Since this area is less known to international tourists, it offers an authentic slice of rural Japanese life. Some Mount Fuji area tours include stops in tea-growing regions where you can experience the local culture.
5. The Limited Express Seaside Liner (Hokkaido)
Duration: Varies depending on which section you ride (2-4 hours for main sections)
Best time to visit: Summer (June-August) for the best weather and visibility
Starting points: Various coastal routes around Hokkaido
This train runs along Hokkaido's coast, offering spectacular sea views. The route takes you through some of Japan's most remote and beautiful coastal areas, where the landscape is wild and untouched.
What You'll See
Endless ocean stretches out on one side while mountains rise on the other. The coastline here is rugged, with rocky beaches and dramatic cliffs. In summer, wildflowers bloom in fields near the tracks.
You'll pass through small fishing towns where life moves slowly. The water changes from deep blue to turquoise, and on clear days, the views seem to go on forever.
Experience Wide-Open Spaces and Natural Beauty
Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island, known for its natural beauty and wide-open spaces. If you're visiting Hokkaido for the first time, train travel is one of the best ways to see the island's diverse landscapes.
The slower pace and peaceful scenery make this route perfect for relaxation. Many visitors combine this train journey with visits to Hokkaido's national parks and coastal towns. There are Hokkaido tours that include train travel and stops at scenic viewpoints along the coast.
6. The Gono Line (Akita to Aomori)
Duration: About 5 hours for the full route
Best time to visit: Late summer and autumn for the clearest sunset views
Tip: Check sunset times and plan accordingly to be on the train during golden hour
Sometimes called the "Sunset Line," this route is famous for its incredible sunset views. The train runs along the western coast of northern Honshu, right beside the Sea of Japan.
What You'll See
The highlight here is watching the sun set over the ocean from your train window. The timing works out perfectly on certain trains, where you can watch the sky turn orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon.
Besides the sunsets, you'll see long stretches of beach, fishing harbors, and coastal towns. The landscape is simple but beautiful, with the ocean providing a constantly changing backdrop.
Watch the Most Romantic Sunset in Japan
This is one of the most romantic train rides in Japan. Whether you're traveling with someone special or just want to enjoy a peaceful evening, the sunset views are unforgettable.
The route also gives you a chance to see rural Japan and small towns that don't see many foreign visitors. If you're including northern Japan in your itinerary, this is a must-do experience.
7. The Alpine Route (Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route)
Duration: A full day to complete the entire route
Best time to visit: April-May for snow walls, July-August for alpine flowers
Season: Only open from mid-April to late November
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route isn't just one train—it's a combination of different transportation methods, including cable cars, ropeways, and buses that take you through the Northern Japan Alps.
What You'll See
The most famous sight is the Yuki-no-Otani snow corridor, where snow walls can reach up to 20 meters high in April and May. Even in summer, you'll see snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows filled with flowers.
You'll ride through tunnels carved into mountains, cross over valleys on ropeways, and see Japan's highest dam. The landscape changes dramatically as you climb from forested valleys to high alpine zones above the tree line.
No Hiking Required for Mountain Views
This route offers a mountain experience unlike anywhere else in Japan. You don't need to be a hiker to enjoy spectacular alpine scenery—the various transport options do all the work for you.
The route connects Toyama and Nagano, two cities that are easy to reach from Tokyo or Kyoto. Many first-time visitors include this as part of their Japan itinerary to experience the Japanese Alps. There are Japanese Alps tours that guide you through this route and explain the natural and cultural significance of the area.
8. The JR Kusatsu Limited Express
Duration: About 2.5 hours from Tokyo
Best time to visit: Year-round (winter for snow scenery, summer for comfortable hiking)
Tip: The last leg often requires a bus connection
This limited express train takes you from Tokyo to Kusatsu, one of Japan's most famous hot spring towns. The route passes through mountains and offers views of active volcanic areas.
What You'll See
As you travel into the mountains, you'll see the landscape change from urban to rural, then to dramatic volcanic terrain. Steam rises from volcanic vents, and the mountains show different colors from mineral deposits. The final approach to Kusatsu offers views of Mount Asama, an active volcano. Depending on the season, you might see the mountains covered in snow or green with summer vegetation.
Gateway to Traditional Hot Spring Culture
Kusatsu Onsen is one of the best places to experience Japanese hot spring culture. The train journey there is part of the adventure, taking you deep into the mountains. Once you arrive, you can soak in healing hot spring waters and explore a traditional onsen town.
This makes a perfect two-day trip from Tokyo. Many hot spring tours include train travel and accommodation in traditional Japanese inns, where you can experience authentic onsen culture.
9. The Aso Boy! Train (Kyushu)
Duration: About 1-2 hours depending on the route
Best time to visit: Spring for green pastures, autumn for clear views
Reservation: Required and recommended well in advance
The Aso Boy! is a special sightseeing train in Kyushu featuring a cute mascot character named Kuro. This train is designed for families but is fun for everyone, with large panoramic windows perfect for viewing Mount Aso and the surrounding caldera.
What You'll See
The route takes you through and around the Aso caldera, one of the world's largest volcanic calderas. You'll see the active Mount Aso volcano, green pastures where cattle graze, and rural villages nestled in the volcanic landscape.
The train itself is part of the attraction, decorated with the friendly black dog character Kuro. There's even a playroom for children and a small library on board.
Fun for All Ages with Unique Character
If you're traveling with kids, this train keeps them entertained while you enjoy the views. But even adult travelers love the unique character of this train and the volcanic scenery that's unlike anything else in Japan.
Kyushu is becoming more popular with first-time visitors who want to see a different side of Japan. The island offers hot springs, volcanoes, and friendly local culture. Kyushu tours often include the Aso area and can incorporate this scenic train ride.
10. The Hisatsu Orange Railway (Kyushu)
Duration: About 1 hour for the scenic coastal section
Best time to visit: Late afternoon for sunset views
Tip: It's a local line, so no reservations needed
This small local railway runs along the western coast of Kyushu, offering beautiful ocean views. It's not as famous as some other routes, which means fewer tourists and a more authentic experience.
What You'll See
The train hugs the coastline, passing through small stations where locals go about their daily lives. You'll see fishing boats, sandy beaches, and islands dotting the horizon.
The sunsets here are spectacular, with the sun setting over the East China Sea. The golden light illuminates the water and creates a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.
Experience Authentic Local Life
This route shows you everyday Japan. You'll ride with local people, see small towns that rarely appear in guidebooks, and experience the slower pace of rural Japanese life. It's also very affordable compared to some special sightseeing trains. For first-time visitors who want authentic experiences without tourist crowds, this is perfect.
