Japan by Rail: 10 Scenic Train Routes for Every Season
Japan is a country where the journey is just as breathtaking as the destination. With its diverse landscapes, from snow-covered mountains to serene coastal views, traveling by train offers a unique way to experience the country’s natural beauty, culture, and seasonal charm. Whether you are chasing cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant greenery in summer, fiery autumn leaves, or winter snow wonderlands, these 10 scenic train routes promise unforgettable journeys throughout the year.
(1) Kurobe Gorge Railway (Toyama)
(2) Sagano Scenic Railway (Kyoto)
(3) Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Toyama)
(4) Hakone Tozan Railway (Kanagawa)
(5) Furano & Biei Line (Hokkaido)
(6) Sanriku Railway (Tohoku Coastline)
(7) "etSETora" (Hiroshima)
(8) Oigawa Railway (Shizuoka)
(9) Hida Limited Express (Gifu to Takayama)
(10) Gono Line (Akita & Aomori)
(1) Kurobe Gorge Railway (Toyama)
Source: Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Tourism Bureau
The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a trolley train that winds through deep gorges, dense forests, and over rivers, offering stunning views at every turn. Originally built for construction and logging, the line now attracts tourists seeking dramatic landscapes. The train passes through multiple tunnels and bridges, providing varying perspectives of the gorge.
Best Season: Autumn for vibrant foliage and spring for fresh greenery.
Tip: Sit on the side facing the gorge and plan your ride for midday to catch the best light.
(2) Sagano Scenic Railway (Kyoto)
Source: Sagano Scenic Railway
Also known as the Sagano Romantic Train, this slow-moving train follows the Hozu River and passes through bamboo forests, hills, and riverside villages. The journey is especially picturesque during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season.
Best Season: Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for maple leaves.
Tip: Early reservations are recommended during peak seasons to secure window seats.
(3) Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Toyama)
Source: Tateyama Kurobe Tourism Promotion Association
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route takes travellers through the Northern Japan Alps, offering dramatic vistas of snow-capped peaks, alpine valleys, and the famous snow corridor, which can reach 20 metres high in spring. It combines multiple modes of transport including Toyama Chihou Railway, cable cars and buses, making the journey a complete alpine adventure.
Best Season: April to June for the snow corridor.
Tip: Book tickets in advance during peak season and layer clothing, as temperatures can be chilly at high altitudes.
(4) Hakone Tozan Railway (Kanagawa)
Source: Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan’s oldest mountain railway, the Hakone Tozan Railway, climbs steep tracks through mountains, waterfalls, and villages. In summer, lush greenery fills the scenery, and during the rainy season, hydrangeas along the tracks add vibrant pops of color.
Best Season: Summer and early autumn.
Tip: Combine the train ride with a visit to Hakone’s hot springs or the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
(5) Furano & Biei Line (Hokkaido)
Source: HOKKAIDO LOVE! (Hokkaido Tourism Organization)
The Furano & Biei Line in central Hokkaido region passes through rolling hills, flower fields, and small towns, creating a painterly landscape. The charming countryside escape is accessible by the Furano Biei Norokko Train which connects between Asahikawa and Furano. Summer is particularly popular for the vast lavender fields in Furano, as well as sunflowers and seasonal blooms that stretch across the countryside.
Best Season: Summer (June-August) for flower fields.
Tip: Early morning rides provide soft lighting ideal for photography.
(6) Sanriku Railway (Tohoku Coastline)
Running along the Pacific coastline, the Sanriku Railway offers panoramic ocean views, cliffs, and charming fishing villages. The scenic route allows travelers to enjoy the harmony of nature and local culture, with stations often offering fresh seafood and local specialties.
Best Season: Summer and autumn for clear coastal views.
Tip: Consider stopping at local stations to experience regional cuisine and craft shops.
(7) "etSETora" (Hiroshima)
Source: KKday
The sightseeing train “etSETOra” runs from Hiroshima Station to Onomichi Station and back via the JR Kure Line on limited days of the week, offering scenic views of various islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
The name “etSETOra” was taken from the Latin term “et cetera,” which means “and other similar things,” from the Japanese “etto” which means “many” in the Hiroshima dialect, and “Seto” from the area’s name. The name embodies the desire to express the many charms of Setouchi to the passengers.
You can get on and off at Kure, Akitsu, Takehara, Tadanoumi, and Mihara stations along the way.
Best Season: Spring and autumn for cherry blossoms and fall foliage
Tip: Rent a bicycle at local stations to explore the islands at your own pace.
(8) Oigawa Railway (Shizuoka)
Source: OISHII
The Oigawa Railway is famous for its retro steam locomotives that traverse lush tea plantations, river valleys, and mountainous terrain. This route combines nostalgic charm with dramatic landscapes and is perfect for travelers who enjoy photography and historical trains. "Thomas the Tank Engine" train operates seasonally in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, typically from late April to late December.
Best Season: Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for foliage.
Tip: Choose a seat on the left side for optimal views of the Oi River and surrounding valleys.
(9) Hida Limited Express (Gifu to Takayama)
Source: Japan Rail Pass
The Hida Limited Express travels through mountains, rivers, and traditional villages, connecting Nagoya to the historic city of Takayama. The scenic journey provides glimpses of Japan’s rural landscapes alongside modern infrastructure.
Best Season: Autumn and winter for foliage and snowy mountain scenery.
Tip: Reserve window seats in advance and consider a stopover in Takayama to explore local markets and historic streets.
(10) Gono Line (Akita & Aomori)
Source: STAY AKITA
The Gono Line is one of Japan’s most underrated scenic train routes, running along the rugged Sea of Japan coastline between Noshiro Station in Akita and Kawabe Station in Aomori. The local line offers sweeping ocean views, dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, and glimpses of rural fishing villages, with certain services featuring large panoramic windows that enhance the coastal scenery.
Its appeal changes with the seasons, presenting calm blue seascapes in summer and striking scenes of crashing waves and snow-dusted shores in winter. With its slow pace and scenic charm, the Gono Line is ideal for travelers who appreciate a relaxed, contemplative journey through Japan’s lesser-seen landscapes.
Seasonal Travel Tips
Spring: Look for cherry blossoms along local lines like the JR Nakasendo Line.
Summer: Coastal and mountainous routes are lush and vibrant, particularly in Hokkaido and the Seto Inland Sea region.
Autumn: Momiji, or maple leaves, transform Japan’s landscapes into fiery colours. The Sagano Scenic Railway and Kurobe Gorge Railway are especially beautiful.
Winter: Snow trains in Hokkaido, Niigata, and the Japanese Alps offer magical, snowy sceneries.
Tips for Scenic Train Travel in Japan
Ticketing: Consider a Japan Rail Pass for multi-route travel—it’s economical and convenient.
Seat Selection: Book window seats in advance for the best views.
Photography: Plan trips during golden hours, such as early morning or late afternoon.
Local Experiences: Combine train rides with ryokan stays, onsen visits, or local markets.
Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known lines like the Akechi Line in Gifu or the Noto Railway in Ishikawa for quieter, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Japan’s scenic trains offer more than just transportation—they provide a way to experience the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and seasonal transformations. From dramatic gorges and rolling flower fields to bamboo forests and ocean vistas, these 10 routes promise unforgettable journeys for every traveler. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, traveling Japan by rail is a uniquely immersive way to explore the country.
Start planning your rail adventures in 2026 and discover Japan from a perspective only the rails can offer.
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