Chugoku and Shikoku offer some of Japan’s most rewarding sightseeing trains, with routes along the Seto Inland Sea, through rural mountain valleys and across parts of western Japan that many international visitors never explore.
These trains range from elegant coastal sightseeing services and art-inspired trains to a historic steam locomotive and premium dining journeys through Shikoku.
5 Spectacular Sightseeing Trains in Chugoku & Shikoku
etSETOra → La Malle de Bois → SL Yamaguchi → Iyonada Monogatari → Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari
Some fit easily into an existing Hiroshima or Okayama itinerary, while the Shikoku trains are better treated as memorable rail experiences worth planning part of a day around.
Chugoku & Shikoku Sightseeing Trains at a Glance
| Train | Region | Main Route | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| etSETOra | Chugoku | Hiroshima ↔ Fukuyama via Kure & Onomichi | Seto Inland Sea scenery |
| La Malle de Bois | Chugoku / Setouchi | Okayama ↔ various destinations | Art, cycling and Setouchi travel |
| SL Yamaguchi | Chugoku | Shin-Yamaguchi ↔ Tsuwano | Historic steam-train experience |
| Iyonada Monogatari | Shikoku | Matsuyama ↔ Iyo-Ozu / Yawatahama | Coastal views, food and premium travel |
| Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari | Shikoku | Tadotsu / Kotohira ↔ Oboke | Mountain scenery, food and luxury |
Which One Should First-Time Visitors Choose?
If your trip already includes Hiroshima, choose etSETOra.
Travelers based around Okayama should consider La Malle de Bois, while railway enthusiasts will probably enjoy SL Yamaguchi most.
In Shikoku, choose Iyonada Monogatari for coastal scenery or Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari for mountains, valleys and regional cuisine.
Before You Plan These Trains
Operating Days Vary Considerably
Most of the trains in this guide do not operate every day. Weekend, holiday and seasonal schedules are common, so confirm the current operating calendar before arranging accommodation around a particular train.
Chugoku Trains Are Easier to Add to a Larger Itinerary
etSETOra, La Malle de Bois and SL Yamaguchi can fit naturally into itineraries already passing through Hiroshima, Okayama or Yamaguchi.
Shikoku’s Monogatari Trains Are More Premium
Iyonada Monogatari and Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari combine sightseeing with premium reserved seating, regional hospitality and optional meals.
They are better treated as experiences rather than simply transportation between two cities.
Important October 2026 Pricing Change
JR Shikoku is revising Green Car charges for its Monogatari sightseeing trains from October 2, 2026.
We will show both the current and new pricing where relevant below so travelers planning late-2026 trips are not caught by outdated fares.
1. etSETOra — Scenic Seto Inland Sea Journey from Hiroshima
etSETOra is one of western Japan’s best coastal sightseeing trains, traveling between Hiroshima and Fukuyama via the scenic Kure Line.
The route follows sections of the Seto Inland Sea and passes attractive destinations including Kure, Takehara, Mihara and Onomichi, making the train easy to combine with a wider Hiroshima or Setouchi itinerary.
Why Ride etSETOra?
- Beautiful Seto Inland Sea scenery
- Direct sightseeing train from Hiroshima
- Stops at Kure, Takehara, Mihara and Onomichi
- Comfortable Green Car reserved seating
- Regional sweets and drinks available onboard
- Easy to use as real transportation rather than a separate excursion
Best Way to Use It
etSETOra works especially well if your itinerary already includes Hiroshima, Onomichi or another destination along the Setouchi coast.
Instead of making an immediate round trip, consider riding the train in one direction and continuing your western Japan journey from there.
etSETOra Route and Onboard Experience
Hiroshima ↔ Fukuyama
The current route runs between Hiroshima and Fukuyama via the Kure Line, with sightseeing-friendly stops including Kure, Akitsu, Takehara, Tadanoumi, Mihara and Onomichi.
The full journey takes a little over three hours in each direction, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the coastal scenery.
Regional Food and Sweets
JR West offers special regional sweets for etSETOra passengers through the tabiwa booking service.
Current examples include several “Seto no Kobako” sweet boxes featuring products inspired by the Setouchi region. These are optional and are purchased separately from the train ticket.
Food Reservations Are Separate
Preordered sweets do not include your train fare or Green Car ticket. Purchase the required etSETOra train ticket separately before ordering any optional food package.
etSETOra Tickets and Reservations
| Journey | Current Price |
|---|---|
| Hiroshima ↔ Fukuyama | ¥3,680 adult / ¥2,690 child one way |
All Seats Are Reserved Green Car Seats
etSETOra requires both the applicable basic fare and a reserved Green Car ticket.
Reserve before boarding rather than relying on same-day availability.
2026 Operating Pattern
JR West currently operates etSETOra mainly on Mondays, Fridays, weekends and public holidays, with exceptions for maintenance and seasonal scheduling.
Always check the current calendar for your travel date.
2. La Malle de Bois — Art, Cycling & Setouchi Journeys from Okayama
La Malle de Bois is an art-inspired sightseeing train based at Okayama Station and designed around the idea of travel itself.
Its white exterior is decorated to resemble a large suitcase, while the interior combines contemporary art, Green Car seating and practical features for travelers exploring the Setouchi region.
Why Ride La Malle de Bois?
- Four different sightseeing routes from Okayama
- Contemporary art displayed onboard
- All-reserved Green Car seating
- Special bicycle storage space
- Regional food and sweets available by reservation
- Easy to combine with Okayama, Setouchi and Shikoku itineraries
One Train, Several Destinations
La Malle de Bois does not run to the same destination every day. The route depends on the operating calendar.
Check which version is running on your date before deciding how to incorporate the train into your itinerary.
Where Does La Malle de Bois Go?
| Service | Route | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| La Malle Setouchi | Okayama ↔ Uno | Naoshima and Setouchi island travel |
| La Malle Shimanami | Okayama ↔ Mihara via Onomichi | Onomichi and Shimanami Kaido |
| La Malle Bizen-Osafune | Okayama ↔ Hinase | Bizen, coastal Okayama and quieter travel |
| La Malle Kotohira | Okayama ↔ Kotohira | Entering Shikoku by sightseeing train |
Our Pick: La Malle Shimanami
For most international visitors, the Shimanami version is particularly useful because it passes through Onomichi, one of the best bases for exploring the Shimanami Kaido.
The Kotohira route is another strong option if your itinerary continues into Shikoku.
La Malle de Bois Seats, Art and Bicycle Space
All Green Car Reserved Seating
La Malle de Bois has 51 seats and operates entirely as reserved Green Car accommodation.
Seating includes conventional reclining seats as well as window-facing counter seats.
Contemporary Art
The train includes contemporary artworks themed around travel, including pieces inspired by luggage, railway journeys and the former Uno–Takamatsu railway ferry connection.
Bicycle Space
A dedicated space can accommodate up to four bicycles on eligible journeys.
The bicycle space is free for passengers who already hold the required train reservation, but it must be reserved separately in advance.
Useful for the Shimanami Kaido
The bicycle feature makes La Malle de Bois especially interesting for travelers combining rail travel with cycling around the Setouchi region.
Bicycle-carrying rules vary by route and boarding station, so check the current conditions before bringing your bike.
La Malle de Bois Tickets and Reservations
Advance Reservation Required
All seats are reserved Green Car seats.
Tickets currently go on sale from 10:00 a.m. Japan time one month before travel.
How to Book
Reservations can currently be made through JR West’s e5489 online reservation service, major JR stations and participating travel agencies.
Fare Depends on the Route
Because La Malle de Bois operates to several different destinations, the total fare varies according to the route.
For example, the current adult one-way fare from Okayama to Kotohira is ¥2,450, including the applicable fare and Green Car charge.
Check Your Rail Pass Carefully
Because La Malle de Bois uses Green Car seating throughout, a standard ordinary-class rail pass does not automatically cover every required charge.
Check the current conditions of your specific JR pass before assuming the train is fully included.
3. SL Yamaguchi — Historic Steam Train to Tsuwano
SL Yamaguchi is one of Japan’s best-known steam-train experiences, traveling through rural Yamaguchi Prefecture between Shin-Yamaguchi and the historic town of Tsuwano.
The service has operated on the Yamaguchi Line since 1979 and combines a working steam locomotive with five retro-style passenger cars designed to recreate the atmosphere of Japan’s railway golden age.
Why Ride SL Yamaguchi?
- Authentic steam-locomotive journey
- Beautiful rural scenery through western Honshu
- Retro Series 35 passenger cars
- Observation areas and railway-themed interiors
- Easy access from the Sanyo Shinkansen at Shin-Yamaguchi
- Excellent combination with sightseeing in Tsuwano
- A standout experience for railway enthusiasts and families
Make Tsuwano Part of the Experience
Rather than riding the train purely as a railway excursion, allow time to explore Tsuwano at the end of the journey.
This small historic town is known for traditional streets, canals, shrines and its attractive mountain setting, making it a natural destination for the steam-train journey.
SL Yamaguchi Route and Train Experience
Shin-Yamaguchi ↔ Tsuwano
The train travels along the Yamaguchi Line between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano, crossing a largely rural landscape of mountains, rivers, farmland and small communities.
Stops include Yuda-Onsen and Yamaguchi, so travelers staying in Yamaguchi City can also incorporate the train into their itinerary.
Five Retro Passenger Cars
SL Yamaguchi uses five Series 35 passenger cars inspired by different eras of historic Japanese railway travel.
Although the cars were built for the modern service, the wood-style interiors, seating and railway details are designed to recreate the atmosphere of older steam-hauled trains.
Ordinary and Green Car Seating
The train includes both ordinary reserved seats and Green Car reserved seating, together with observation spaces that allow passengers to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of the steam journey.
Check Which Locomotive Is Operating
JR West can occasionally operate the retro passenger cars with a diesel locomotive instead of steam.
If riding behind the steam locomotive is essential to you, check the latest SL Yamaguchi operating information shortly before your journey.
SL Yamaguchi Tickets and Reservations
| Shin-Yamaguchi → Tsuwano | Current Adult Price |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Reserved Seat | ¥2,850 total one way |
| Green Car | ¥3,670 total one way |
All Seats Are Reserved
SL Yamaguchi has no non-reserved seating. Obtain a reserved-seat or Green Car ticket before boarding.
Seats can be popular on weekends, Japanese holidays and during attractive spring and autumn travel periods.
How to Reserve
JR West provides online reservations through its e5489 booking system, and tickets can also be purchased through eligible JR ticket offices and ticket machines.
Reservations generally become available one month before the travel date.
2026 Operating Days
SL Yamaguchi operates on selected dates rather than every day. The 2026 schedule is concentrated mainly on weekends and public holidays.
JR West has already announced additional operation from October through December 2026, generally with one round trip per operating day.
Connect Easily from the Shinkansen
Shin-Yamaguchi is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen, making SL Yamaguchi relatively easy to add to a trip between Hiroshima and northern Kyushu.
This makes the train particularly attractive if your wider itinerary is already taking you through western Japan.
4. Iyonada Monogatari — Premium Coastal Journey from Matsuyama
Iyonada Monogatari is one of JR Shikoku’s signature sightseeing trains, traveling from Matsuyama along the scenic Yosan Line toward Iyo-Ozu and Yawatahama.
The journey combines views of the calm Iyo Sea with elegant Green Car seating, regional hospitality and optional meals designed around the different services.
Why Ride Iyonada Monogatari?
- Beautiful views along the Iyo Sea
- Easy departure from Matsuyama
- Premium all-reserved Green Car seating
- Optional regional meals served at your seat
- Local hospitality along the railway
- Stops and slow running designed for sightseeing
- Private Fiore Suite available for groups
Our Pick for Coastal Scenery in Shikoku
If your Shikoku itinerary includes Matsuyama, Iyonada Monogatari is one of the easiest premium sightseeing trains to incorporate.
It works particularly well alongside a stay in Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen or the historic castle town of Ozu.
Four Iyonada Monogatari Journeys
| Service | Route | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Ozu Chapter | Matsuyama → Iyo-Ozu | Morning |
| Futami Chapter | Iyo-Ozu → Matsuyama | Late morning |
| Yawatahama Chapter | Matsuyama → Yawatahama | Afternoon |
| Dogo Chapter | Yawatahama → Matsuyama | Late afternoon |
Famous Iyo Sea Views
Much of the appeal comes from the older coastal section of the Yosan Line, where the railway runs close to the Iyo Sea.
The journey also passes Shimonada Station, one of Japan’s best-known seaside railway stations.
Choose the Direction to Match Your Itinerary
You do not need to ride the train out and back. Consider using Iyonada Monogatari as real transportation between Matsuyama and Ozu or Yawatahama, then continue your Shikoku journey from there.
Inside Iyonada Monogatari
Green Car Seating
The train is entirely reserved Green Car accommodation, with seating arranged to make the surrounding landscape part of the experience.
Some seats are especially suitable for couples, while group seating is also available.
Regional Meals
Each journey can offer a different meal experience featuring ingredients and dishes associated with Ehime.
Meals are optional and require a separate advance reservation. They are not automatically included with the train ticket.
Fiore Suite
Car 3 contains the private Fiore Suite, an eight-person Green Car private compartment available for groups of at least two passengers.
The suite uses a separate private-room fare and is not booked through the normal e5489 reservation process.
Book Meals Separately
Buying a train ticket does not reserve a meal. If dining onboard is an important part of your experience, arrange the meal separately within JR Shikoku’s reservation deadline.
Iyonada Monogatari Tickets and 2026 Fares
| Journey | Through Sep. 30, 2026 | From Oct. 2, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Matsuyama ↔ Iyo-Ozu | ¥3,980 adult one way | ¥4,780 adult one way |
| Matsuyama ↔ Yawatahama | ¥4,330 adult one way | ¥5,130 adult one way |
Green Car Fare Changes October 2, 2026
JR Shikoku is increasing the standard Green Car charge for its Monogatari sightseeing trains from ¥1,700 to ¥2,500 from October 2, 2026.
The basic fare and limited express charge shown above are unchanged.
New Group Seats from October 2026
From October 2, selected four-person box seats become designated group seats for groups of three or four passengers.
These cost the applicable basic fare and limited express charge for each passenger plus ¥9,000 per table.
How to Reserve
Standard Iyonada Monogatari seats can currently be booked through JR West’s e5489 reservation service.
Reservations open from 10:00 a.m. Japan time one month before travel.
All Seats Are Reserved
Iyonada Monogatari has no non-reserved seating. Popular dates can sell out, so reserve early if the train is a priority in your Shikoku itinerary.
5. Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari — Mountain Luxury in Central Shikoku
Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari travels deep into central Shikoku, linking the Kagawa side of the island with the dramatic mountain scenery around Oboke in Tokushima Prefecture.
The journey combines valleys, rivers and mountain villages with elegant Green Car seating, regional cuisine and the warm local hospitality for which JR Shikoku’s Monogatari trains are known.
Why Ride Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari?
- Dramatic mountain and valley scenery
- Journey through the heart of rural Shikoku
- All-reserved Green Car accommodation
- Optional regional meals served onboard
- Local hospitality along the route
- Easy access from Kotohira
- Excellent combination with Oboke and the Iya Valley
Our Pick for Mountain Scenery
Among the trains in this guide, Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari is our strongest choice for travelers who want mountains, river valleys and rural scenery.
It is particularly attractive if your itinerary already includes Kotohira, Oboke or the Iya Valley.
Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari Routes
Sora no Sato Journey — Toward Oboke
The outbound service travels from Tadotsu toward Oboke, with passengers also able to board at Zentsuji and Kotohira.
After leaving the plains of Kagawa, the railway climbs into increasingly dramatic mountain scenery before reaching the Yoshino River and Oboke.
Shiawase no Sato Journey — Toward Kagawa
The return service travels from Oboke toward Kotohira, Zentsuji and Tadotsu.
This direction works particularly well for travelers who have already spent time around Oboke or the Iya Valley and are continuing toward northern Shikoku.
Not a Hop-On, Hop-Off Train
The sightseeing-train ticket is sold for specific boarding and alighting patterns rather than functioning like an ordinary local train.
Choose the service that matches the direction of your itinerary.
Food and Onboard Experience
Three-Car Premium Train
The train uses three individually themed cars with warm interiors inspired by Shikoku’s landscape, seasons and traditional Japanese design.
Seating is designed around enjoying the scenery rather than maximizing passenger capacity.
Regional Meals
Passengers can preorder a different meal depending on the direction of travel.
The outbound journey features cuisine using ingredients from Kagawa, while the return journey offers a meal inspired by food traditions of Tokushima.
Meal Price Change
The current advance-reservation meals cost ¥6,000 through September 30, 2026.
From October 2, 2026, the price increases to ¥6,300.
Meals Are Optional but Worth Considering
You can ride the train without purchasing a meal, but food and regional hospitality are major parts of the Monogatari concept.
If your budget allows, this is one train where adding the meal can make the experience substantially more memorable.
Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari Tickets and 2026 Fares
| Journey | Through Sep. 30, 2026 | From Oct. 2, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Kotohira / Zentsuji ↔ Oboke | ¥4,140 adult one way | ¥4,940 adult one way |
| Tadotsu ↔ Oboke | ¥4,330 adult one way | ¥5,130 adult one way |
October 2026 Fare Change
From October 2, 2026, the standard Monogatari Green Car charge increases from ¥1,700 to ¥2,500.
The table above already shows both the current and revised total fares.
New Group Seats
From October 2, 2026, selected four-person seating becomes dedicated group seating for groups of three or four.
The charge is the applicable fare and limited express charge for each passenger plus ¥9,000 per table.
Reservations
The train is entirely reserved Green Car seating. Tickets generally become available from 10:00 a.m. Japan time one month before travel.
Meals are reserved separately and should be arranged well before the departure date.
Plan Ahead
Current availability shows that some September services are already sold out or close to selling out.
If this train is an important part of your Shikoku itinerary, booking when reservations open is a sensible approach.
Which Chugoku & Shikoku Sightseeing Train Should You Choose?
| Train | Our Pick For | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| etSETOra | Hiroshima and coastal travel | Seto Inland Sea scenery |
| La Malle de Bois | Okayama and Setouchi | Art, cycling and multiple routes |
| SL Yamaguchi | Railway enthusiasts and families | Historic steam-locomotive journey |
| Iyonada Monogatari | Premium coastal travel | Iyo Sea scenery and regional dining |
| Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari | Mountains and rural Shikoku | Valleys, cuisine and premium hospitality |
Our Overall Picks
If your itinerary already includes Hiroshima, choose etSETOra. From Okayama, La Malle de Bois is the easiest sightseeing train to add.
For a historic railway experience, choose SL Yamaguchi. For coastal scenery in Shikoku, our pick is Iyonada Monogatari.
For mountains, valleys and rural scenery, choose Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari.
Can You Use a Rail Pass on These Sightseeing Trains?
Rail passes can reduce the cost of several journeys in this guide, but they do not necessarily cover every charge.
This is particularly important because etSETOra, La Malle de Bois, Iyonada Monogatari and Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari use Green Car accommodation.
| Train | Rail Pass Notes |
|---|---|
| etSETOra | JR-operated, but all seats are Green Car seats. Ordinary-class regional passes do not automatically cover the required Green Car charges. |
| La Malle de Bois | JR-operated and entirely Green Car reserved seating. Additional Green Car charges may be required depending on your pass. |
| SL Yamaguchi | Has ordinary reserved seating as well as Green Car seating. An eligible pass covering the route can be particularly useful if you reserve an ordinary seat. |
| Iyonada Monogatari | All seats are reserved Green Car accommodation. Regional pass holders must purchase the applicable additional limited express and Green Car tickets. |
| Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari | All seats are reserved Green Car accommodation. Additional limited express and Green Car tickets are required when using a regional pass. |
Japan Rail Pass
A nationwide Japan Rail Pass can cover the applicable basic JR journey, but the type of pass matters when you choose Green Car accommodation.
If you have an Ordinary Japan Rail Pass and use a Green Car on a limited express, you must separately pay the applicable limited express and Green Car charges.
A Green Japan Rail Pass offers broader access to standard Green Car seating, although private compartments, special premium accommodation, meals and other travel products can still require additional payment.
JR West Regional Passes
JR West regional passes can be very useful around Hiroshima, Okayama and Yamaguchi, but most are designed primarily around ordinary-class travel.
If your sightseeing train uses Green Car seating, check whether separate Green Car and express tickets are required before boarding.
ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass
The ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass primarily covers ordinary non-reserved travel on JR Shikoku and participating railway lines.
Because Iyonada Monogatari and Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari are all-reserved Green Car limited expresses, the pass alone is not enough. Purchase the required limited express and Green Car tickets separately.
Meals Are Never Automatically Included
A rail pass or Green Car ticket does not automatically include the optional meals served on the Monogatari trains.
Reserve food separately if dining onboard is part of the experience you want.
How to Book Chugoku & Shikoku Sightseeing Trains
Check the Operating Calendar Before Building Your Itinerary
Most trains in this guide operate only on selected dates. Weekend, holiday and seasonal schedules are common.
Confirm the train first before making non-refundable accommodation arrangements around a particular departure.
Start Looking One Month Before Travel
Reserved train tickets generally go on sale from 10:00 a.m. Japan time one month before departure.
Popular dates can fill quickly, especially for the Monogatari trains and SL Yamaguchi during attractive spring and autumn weekends.
Use e5489 for Many Services
JR West’s e5489 online reservation system can currently be used for several trains in this guide, including La Malle de Bois and SL Yamaguchi.
JR Shikoku has also expanded e5489 booking for its Monogatari sightseeing trains.
Special Seats Can Have Different Booking Rules
Private compartments, group seats, bicycle spaces and other special seating arrangements may use different reservation procedures from normal seats.
Check the individual train if a specific seat or facility is an important part of your trip.
Reserve Meals Separately
On Iyonada Monogatari and Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari, purchasing the train ticket does not automatically reserve a meal.
Food reservations have their own deadlines, so arrange them in advance rather than waiting until the day of travel.
One-Way Journeys Often Work Best
You do not need to ride these trains as out-and-back excursions.
Using the sightseeing train as part of your actual journey — for example Hiroshima toward Onomichi, Matsuyama toward Ozu, or Kotohira toward Oboke — usually creates a more efficient itinerary.
Chugoku & Shikoku Sightseeing Train FAQ
What is the best sightseeing train from Hiroshima?
etSETOra is our first choice because it departs directly from Hiroshima and follows the Seto Inland Sea through destinations including Kure, Takehara, Mihara and Onomichi.
What is the best sightseeing train from Okayama?
La Malle de Bois is the most convenient option because its different operating patterns connect Okayama with destinations around the Setouchi region and Shikoku.
Which train is best for railway enthusiasts?
SL Yamaguchi is the standout choice, combining a steam locomotive with retro passenger cars and a scenic journey between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano.
What is the best sightseeing train in Shikoku?
It depends on the scenery you prefer. Iyonada Monogatari is our pick for coastal scenery, while Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari is better for mountains, rivers and rural landscapes.
Can I use a Japan Rail Pass on these trains?
The JR-operated routes can generally make use of a Japan Rail Pass, but Green Car and premium accommodation rules matter.
Ordinary Japan Rail Pass holders need additional tickets when using Green Car accommodation. Check the exact train and pass type before booking.
Does the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass cover the Monogatari trains?
The pass can cover the applicable basic travel on JR Shikoku, but it does not by itself provide the required all-reserved Green Car accommodation.
Purchase the necessary limited express and Green Car tickets separately.
Are meals included on Iyonada Monogatari?
No. Meals are optional and require a separate advance reservation. The same principle applies to Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari.
Do these sightseeing trains operate every day?
Usually not. Many operate mainly on weekends, holidays or selected seasonal dates.
Always check the official operating calendar before finalizing your itinerary.
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Check Current JR Pass PricesAbout Train Travel Japan
Train Travel Japan is written from firsthand experience traveling throughout Japan by rail. I am a Japanese native based in Canada and have traveled to all 47 prefectures of Japan over more than 30 years.
My goal is to make Japan train travel easier to understand, especially for international visitors planning JR Pass trips, regional rail journeys and independent itineraries.