Published 3rd Mar. 2025
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There’s no better way to witness Japan’s postcard-perfect landscapes than through the frame of a train window. Zip through Tokyo’s neon lights on a Shinkansen (bullet train), journey to the foot of Mount Koya or admire cherry blossoms from the Sagano Scenic Railway (don’t forget your camera). In Japan, spotless stations, timely trains and quiet carriages aren’t exceptions – they’re the norm (practically unheard of in the UK, we know). Eager to learn more about this trusty transport system? Read on for our roundup of the best train trips in Japan…
We’re kicking off our guide to the best train trips in Japan with a bucket list-worthy bullet train departing from Tokyo. Hop on board the Tokaido Shinkansen Line bound for Kyoto and notice how the station staff pause to bow when the train pulls out – a traditional gesture of respect in Japan. Keep to the right-hand side on your way to Nagoya – particularly as you pass Mishima and Shizuoka – for top-tier views of Mount Fuji (Japan’s highest mountain). The Nozomi Shinkansen is the fastest train service on both the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, travelling up to 186 miles per hour. Talk about speedy sightseeing.
Image by Chanwei / Unsplash.com
Let’s slow things down with a coastal train ride along the Gono Line. Expect rural villages, rugged shorelines and rocky terrain on this 91.5-mile trip from Higashi-Noshiro train station in Akita to Kawabe station in Aomori. For a quick taste of salty sea air, jump off and stretch your legs during the 15-minute stop at Senjojiki station. Translating to ‘one thousand tatami mats,’ Senjojiki is renowned for its vast rock plateau that stretches out to sea and resembles – you guessed it – woven tatami mats.
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Since mountains cover 71% of the country, a guide to the best train trips in Japan wouldn’t be complete without a journey to one: enter the mighty Mount Koya. Catch the Nankai Koya Line from Osaka’s Nankai Namba station to Gokurakubashi station, then hop in a funicular for a leafy ride to the mountain’s summit. The private railroad is perfect for some wistful window gazing – watch as cityscapes give way to traditional villages and lush forests fade into charming train stations. Once you arrive, reward yourself with a visit to one of the 100 ornate temples dotted around Mount Koya.
Image by Michael Effendy / Unsplash
Chug along from Arashiyama to Kameoka on the Sagano Scenic Railway. This train lives up to its name – as you cross over the Hozugawa River, the views couldn’t be more scenic. Grab a seat on a cosy wooden bench in one of the four enclosed carriages, or for a more immersive experience, nab car number five. This open-air carriage is the best spot to capture clear photos without the pesky glare from the window. The 25-minute trip makes for a great day out, especially in autumn when the leaves burst into colour.
Image by torsakarin/stock.adobe.com
Next up on our list of the best train trips in Japan is a countryside ride from Nagoya to Toyama. The four-hour winding route embraces slow travel and is all about appreciating your surroundings. After passing Unuma station, the aptly named Hida Limited Express crosses over the Hida River, weaving past rice paddies, rural landscapes and towering mountains on its way to Takayama. From there, the train traces the Jinzu River through the Hida mountain range towards the coast, with scenic stretches between the tunnels.
Image by Toshi Sasaki / Getty Images
Travel from Kagoshima to Miyazaki for curved coastlines and muscular mountains. The two-hour journey on the Kirishima Limited Express snakes through Kyushu’s southern landscapes and promises picturesque panoramas. The best seat in the house? Any spot by the window. Sit on the right for views of Kagoshima Bay or on the left to see Mount Kirishima. Once you arrive, delve straight into the city’s history with a visit to Miyazaki Shrine, just a three-minute walk from the station.
Image by Harada Tatsunari / Getty Images
Written by Amy Larsen | Header Image by William - stock.adobe.com
Whether you’re a family seeking Tokyo’s futuristic museums or a couple wishing to relax in Hokkaido’s onsens, we’ve got you covered. Our consultants have first-hand experience of living in Japan, so we know the secret spots off the beaten track (and how to reach them). Train travel is the best and most efficient way to explore the country, and wherever you visit, getting to grips with Japan’s diverse culture is a must. We work with guides who provide in-depth experiences on the history of Samurai or Geisha culture, and we have hand-picked traditional ryokan properties to rest your head in.
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