5 Spectacular Sightseeing Trains to Ride in Kansai, Japan

Here is your ultimate guide to the five must-ride sightseeing trains in Kansai, including routes, highlights, and booking tips including validity of Japan Rail Pass and JR Regional Passes.

1. Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Torokko) — Kyoto

• Route: Torokko Saga Station ↔ Torokko Kameoka Station (via Torokko Arashiyama and Torokko Hozukyo)

• Distance: 7.3 km

• Journey time: Approx. 25 minutes one-way

• Season: March 1 – December 29 (closed January–February; usually closed Wednesdays)

• Operator: Sagano Scenic Railway (private — not JR)

• JR Pass Validity: ❌ Not valid. The Sagano Scenic Railway is a private operator entirely separate from JR. Tickets (¥880 adult / ¥440 child, one-way) must be purchased independently at Torokko Saga or Torokko Kameoka stations, or online. Note: the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (the access route) is covered by the JR Pass.

There is no better introduction to Kansai's sightseeing trains than the Sagano Romantic Train. What began as an old freight line along the abandoned portion of the original JR Sanin Line — replaced in 1989 by a faster, straighter route — was lovingly preserved and reborn as one of Kyoto's most beloved attractions. The vintage red-and-yellow trains wind 7.3 kilometres through the Hozugawa Gorge, a narrow, steep-sided ravine draped in dense forest, where the emerald waters of the Hozu River rush below the tracks. The pace is deliberately slow, giving passengers the chance to absorb scenery that changes with every season.

The five-car train is charmingly old-fashioned. Four enclosed cars have wooden benches and windows that open wide. The fifth car — Car 5, known as "The Rich" — is an open-sided carriage with bare light bulbs strung above and an unobstructed view that brings the gorge air directly to passengers. Sitting in Car 5 with the wind in your hair as the train rounds a bend above the river is one of those purely Japanese travel memories that photographs simply cannot capture. Note that Car 5 passengers may get wet in light rain.

Four stations punctuate the route. Torokko Arashiyama Station, three minutes from the start, sits conveniently near the Sagano Bamboo Forest and Jojakkoji Temple. Torokko Hozukyo Station, deep in the gorge within Kyoto Prefectural Hozukyo Natural Park, is popular for day-hikers who disembark to explore the riverside trails — though tickets remain the same price regardless of where you board or alight. The terminus, Torokko Kameoka Station, opens the door to several popular onward options: a JR train back to Kyoto, a horse-and-carriage ride (kyō-basha), or most spectacularly, the Hozugawa River Cruise — a two-hour traditional wooden boat ride navigating the rapids back to Arashiyama, the perfect complement to the train journey.

The scenery transforms dramatically with the seasons. Cherry blossoms frame the gorge in late March and April. Midsummer brings a cool green canopy and the sound of cicadas. Autumn — particularly mid-November to early December — is the peak season, when the maple and zelkova trees turn the canyon walls to fire, and the train becomes one of Kyoto's most sought-after experiences. A rare winter service runs with dramatically bare trees and occasional snow on the gorge floor.

Getting there: From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (17 minutes, ¥240). Torokko Saga Station is a short walk away. Alternatively, board at Torokko Arashiyama Station near the bamboo forest.

Tips: Book as early as possible — same-day tickets sell out, especially during autumn foliage. Tickets are no longer sold at JR stations; buy them at the Torokko station counters or online. For the best river views, sit on the right side when travelling from Saga to Kameoka. A new train design is planned for spring 2027, so the current iconic red-and-yellow livery may be in its final years.

2. Shimakaze — Kintetsu Railway (Osaka / Kyoto / Nagoya to Ise-Shima)

• Osaka-Namba ↔ Kashikojima (does not operate Tuesdays)

• Kyoto ↔ Kashikojima (does not operate Wednesdays)

• Kintetsu Nagoya ↔ Kashikojima (does not operate Tuesdays)

• Journey time: Approx. 2 hours (Osaka), 2 hours 45 minutes (Kyoto), 2 hours (Nagoya)

• Operator: Kintetsu Railway (private — not JR)

• JR Pass Validity: ❌ Not valid. Shimakaze is operated by Kintetsu Railway, Japan's largest private railway company. The JR Pass is not valid on any Kintetsu line. However, the

• Kintetsu Rail Pass (5-day from ¥4,900, available to foreign visitors only) covers the base fare on all Kintetsu lines — though a separate limited express ticket and a Shimakaze surcharge (approx. ¥2,690–¥3,090 from Osaka, depending on route) must still be purchased on top. Private room bookings require an additional ¥1,050 per room.

Its name translates to "Island Wind," and the Shimakaze is widely considered one of Japan's finest sightseeing limited express trains. Operated by Kintetsu Railway since March 2013 — and winner of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award the following year — it connects three of central Japan's major cities with Kashikojima, the gateway to the Ise-Shima Peninsula and the sacred coast of Mie Prefecture. The journey is the point: this train was designed from the ground up so that travelling becomes an experience in itself, not merely a transit.

The exterior's striking blue-and-white livery deliberately evokes the sea and sky of Ise-Shima. Step inside and comfort levels rival business class on a long-haul flight. Premium seats — the standard seating option — are arranged in a 1+1 configuration, each made of genuine leather with 125 cm of personal space (more than a Shinkansen green car), electric reclining, adjustable lumbar support, and an integrated massage function. Large windows frame the passing countryside, and electric blinds can be adjusted to taste.

Beyond the premium seats, the Shimakaze offers an extraordinary range of spaces. The panoramic observation car (Car 1 from Osaka/Kyoto; Car 3 from Nagoya) places passengers directly behind the driver's cab, with unobstructed floor-to-ceiling windows looking ahead along the track. Group salon seats for three to six passengers create semi-private booths separated from the aisle by elegant partitions. Japanese-style and Western-style private rooms offer completely enclosed compartments for groups of three to four, with the Japanese room featuring a horigotatsu-style sunken floor table. The mikageishi granite flooring in the aisle adds a rare touch of material luxury to a train interior.

The two-storey café car is the social heart of the train. Upstairs, a counter table offers open, airy views; downstairs, soft sofas create a lounge atmosphere. The menu features regional specialties from along the Kintetsu network: seafood pilaf using fresh Ise-Shima catches, Matsuzaka beef curry (one of Japan's most celebrated beef varieties), local craft beer, sake from producers along the route, and a Shimakaze original bento box. The train also offers free Wi-Fi and an unlimited digital magazine reading service.

The destination is as spectacular as the journey. Kashikojima is the gateway to Ago Bay, famous as the birthplace of cultured pearls, where pearl oyster rafts dot the calm, island-scattered waters. Nearby, Ise Jingu — Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex — is among the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country, rebuilt in the same form every 20 years according to ancient tradition.

Getting there: Shimakaze departs from Kintetsu-Namba Station in Osaka (connected to JR Namba/Shinsaibashi), Kintetsu-Kyoto Station (inside JR Kyoto Station), or Kintetsu-Nagoya Station (adjacent to JR Nagoya Station). One service per day in each direction on each of the three routes.

Tips: Book as early as possible — one month in advance via Kintetsu's online reservation service or at any Kintetsu station (from 10:30 am on the equivalent date of the previous month). Premium seats and private rooms sell out first on weekends and peak seasons. Combining a one-way Shimakaze with a different return route (e.g. Nagoya outbound, Osaka return) makes for a memorable multi-city trip.

3. Aoniyoshi — Kintetsu Railway (Osaka / Kyoto ↔ Nara)

• Route: Osaka-Namba ↔ Kintetsu-Nara ↔ Kyoto (first and last trains of day only cover the full route; most services run Kyoto ↔ Kintetsu-Nara)

• Journey time: Approx. 45–50 minutes (Kyoto–Nara); approx. 40 minutes (Osaka–Nara)

• Frequency: Multiple daily departures (does not operate Thursdays)

• Operator: Kintetsu Railway (private — not JR)

• JR Pass Validity: ❌ Not valid. Aoniyoshi is operated by Kintetsu Railway; the JR Pass is not accepted. As with Shimakaze, a Kintetsu Rail Pass covers the base fare, but the limited express ticket and special car charge (¥210 per person) must be paid separately. Total fares from ¥1,410 (Osaka–Nara) to ¥1,490 (Kyoto–Nara) per adult. Solo travellers note: seating is designed for pairs or groups of two to four, so single riders must pay for two seats.

Launched in April 2022, the Aoniyoshi is Kintetsu's most culturally evocative sightseeing train — a luxurious, visually stunning way to connect three of Japan's great historic cities. Its name is an ancient Japanese poetic epithet (makura-kotoba) used specifically to praise the city of Nara, evoking the beauty of the old capital and its deep Buddhist heritage. Every element of the train's design reflects this heritage.

The exterior is a rich imperial purple, the colour of nobility in the Tenpyo era (729–749 AD), when Buddhism was formally established in Japan and Nara was the seat of the imperial court. Step inside and the design continues with meticulous care: birds and wildflowers from ancient Buddhist textiles adorn the upholstery, wooden counter details evoke the architecture of Nara's great temples, and a small library car houses guidebooks and reference materials on the history and culture of the region served by the train.

The four-car train offers two seating styles. Twin seats (Cars 1, 3, and 4) are pairs of plush seats facing each other across a small table, arranged so that both seats face the large panoramic window — ideal for couples or friends. The seats are specially ordered designs that curve gently around the passenger, offering an enveloping sense of comfort. Salon seats (Car 2) accommodate groups of three or four at booth-style tables with sofa seating, making this car feel more like a luxurious tea room on rails.

Car 2 also houses the onboard sales counter, where dedicated attendants serve original desserts exclusive to the Aoniyoshi — most notably the butter sandwich, a biscuit inspired by the train's body colour and made with Nara-produced ingredients. Coffee, tea, beer, sake, and soft drinks are also available. The train is fitted throughout with free Wi-Fi and luggage compartments in three of the four cars.

The route itself passes through the gentle rural and suburban landscapes between Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka — not wild mountains or dramatic coastline, but the soft, settled countryside of Japan's ancient heartland. The Kintetsu-Nara terminus drops passengers within easy walking distance of Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple (home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha), and significantly closer to these sights than the JR Nara Station alternative.

Getting there: Board at Kintetsu-Kyoto Station (inside JR Kyoto Station building), Kintetsu-Nara Station, or Osaka-Namba. Buy basic fare tickets at station machines or using IC cards (ICOCA/Suica); limited express tickets must be purchased separately at a Kintetsu ticket counter or online. For the best countryside views on the Kyoto-to-Nara direction, sit on the right side of the train.

Tips: Book limited express tickets at least one to two weeks ahead during peak periods (cherry blossom, autumn foliage, Golden Week). The train does not operate on Thursdays. Note that solo travellers must pay for two seats.

4. GRAN Tenku — Nankai Electric Railway (Osaka to Koyasan)

• Route: Namba Station (Osaka) ↔ Gokurakubashi Station (Wakayama) + Cable Car to Koyasan Distance: Approx. 65 km

• Journey time: Approx. 90 minutes (Namba to Gokurakubashi)

• Frequency: Two round trips daily (does not operate Wednesdays or the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month; operates if those days fall on a public holiday)

• Operator: Nankai Electric Railway (private — not JR)

• JR Pass Validity: ❌ Not valid. GRAN Tenku is operated by Nankai Electric Railway; the JR Pass has no validity on this line. Note also that the entire journey to Koyasan — including the Nankai Koya Line and the Nankai Cable Line funicular — is outside the JR network. The base fare from Namba to Gokurakubashi is ¥1,430; the GRAN Tenku limited express surcharge is ¥1,700 (not covered by any pass including the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket). Premium dining plans carry additional costs. The Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (from ¥3,980 from Osaka, available to all visitors) covers the base train fare to Koyasan, unlimited buses within Koyasan, and discounted temple admission — but the ¥1,700 GRAN Tenku surcharge must be paid on top.

Brand new as of April 24, 2026, the GRAN Tenku is Japan's most recently launched luxury sightseeing train — and it debuts on one of Kansai's most spiritually significant routes. Operated by Nankai Electric Railway, it connects the pulsing heart of Osaka's Namba district with Gokurakubashi Station, the foot of the cable car that ascends to the sacred mountain plateau of Koyasan (Mount Koya) — the 1,200-year-old headquarters of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, home to more than 100 temples, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The train's exterior immediately announces itself: a rich deep crimson accented with gleaming gold detailing, evoking both the sacred vermilion of Shinto shrines and the opulence of the Buddhist treasures awaiting at the journey's end. A gold compass emblem on the nose subtly incorporates the letters "K" and "W" for Koya and Wakayama. The interior continues this theme of refined craftsmanship: traditional artisans from communities along the Nankai Line contributed their skills to the finer details — washbasins, wall panels, partitions, and decorative elements. Even the handrails are fashioned from repurposed former railway track — a quietly brilliant touch for train enthusiasts. Staff uniforms were designed by acclaimed fashion designer Koshino Junko, who was born along the Nankai Line, adding a further layer of local identity to the experience.

Capacity is deliberately limited to just 70 passengers across four themed cars. Car 1 offers plush reclining seats for maximum comfort. Car 2 features window-facing "Wide-View" seats specifically angled to frame the Kii River and the dramatic mountain passes. Cars 3 and 4 house a sophisticated lobby lounge with sofa-style dining sets where the premium meal experiences take place, alongside a boutique corner selling local products from communities along the route.

The 90-minute journey passes through a remarkable transformation of landscape: departing from Osaka's dense urban fabric, the train moves through residential suburbs, then rural communities, then the forested southern hills, crossing the Kii River and ascending through 24 tunnels as the mountains close in around the tracks. The scenery shifts from city to nature with a satisfying clarity that frames the spiritual transition to Koyasan beautifully.

Three onboard dining plans, each requiring advance reservation, are available: a Morning Plan (okamochi box of six small dishes plus seasonal sandwiches and potage), a Lunch Plan (twelve okamochi dishes including Senshu octopus confit, Kawachi duck sausage, and seasonal takikomi rice), and an Afternoon Tea Plan for those returning from Koyasan toward Osaka (seasonal desserts and light savory dishes). The most premium tier includes free-flow drinks with alcoholic beverages. All menus feature regional ingredients from Wakayama and southern Osaka.

From Gokurakubashi Station, a separate cable car (funicular) ascends to Koyasan Station. From there, bus routes connect to the major temples and sights, including the vast Okunoin Cemetery — Japan's largest — where over 200,000 stone lanterns and funerary monuments line the cedar-shaded path to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, who is said to remain in eternal meditation there. Overnight temple lodgings (shukubo) offer one of Japan's most immersive cultural experiences.

Getting there: Board at Namba Station on the Nankai Line (not to be confused with JR Namba or Kintetsu-Namba). The Nankai Line's Namba Station is accessed from the Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi area. Seat reservations and dining plans must be booked online via Nankai Railway's official website or at Nankai station ticket counters.

Tips: GRAN Tenku launched just recently in April 2026, so demand is high and booking well in advance is strongly recommended. For a full day trip, take the first morning departure and the last return service — this allows approximately three hours in Koyasan, which is tight. Staying overnight in a temple (shukubo) is highly recommended for a fuller experience and allows a leisurely return the following day.

5. Tango Kuromatsu, Akamatsu & Aomatsu — Kyoto Tango Railway (Sea of Kyoto Coast)

• Route (all three trains): Nishi-Maizuru / Fukuchiyama ↔ Amanohashidate and beyond to Toyooka (Hyogo)

• Operator: Kyoto Tango Railway / Willer Trains (private)

• JR Pass Validity: ⚠️ Partial. The JR Kansai Wide Area Pass covers the base fare on the Kyoto Tango Railway. However, a separate boarding ticket is required for the Akamatsu, and the Kuromatsu's meal reservation fee is an additional cost on top of any pass. The Aomatsu requires only a basic fare ticket and no reservation — making it the most pass-friendly option. The Sea of Kyoto Amanohashidate & Ine Free Pass (1-day ¥3,550 / 2-day ¥4,550) is an excellent value alternative covering unlimited rides on the Kyoto Tango Railway plus local buses, sightseeing boats, and cable car — a great deal if spending the whole day in the area.

The northern coast of Kyoto Prefecture — known as "Kyoto by the Sea" — is one of Kansai's most underrated travel destinations: a rugged, dramatic coastline where the Sea of Japan crashes against pine-topped headlands, fishing villages cluster around sheltered inlets, and one of Japan's most iconic scenic views waits at the sandbar of Amanohashidate. The Kyoto Tango Railway (Tantetsu), operated by Willer Trains, threads through this landscape aboard three beautifully designed sightseeing trains, each offering a different level of experience. All three were designed by the celebrated Japanese train designer Eiji Mitooka, and all share the pine tree (matsu) as their thematic motif — a reference to the thousands of pine trees lining Amanohashidate's famous sandbar.

Tango Aomatsu (Blue Pine) — The Easy Rider

The Aomatsu is the most accessible of the three: no advance reservation required, available with a basic fare ticket, and runs as a regular scheduled service. The interior features warm wood panelling, large windows, and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Drinks and light snacks are available for purchase. A selection of Kyoto Tango Railway original goods can also be bought on board. For spontaneous travellers or those with rail passes, this is the easiest way to experience the Tango Railway's signature aesthetic without any advance planning. Note that on some operating days, due to rolling stock availability, the Aomatsu may run as a standard car.

Tango Akamatsu (Red Pine) — The Café Train

The Akamatsu is the middle option: a reserved-seat café-style train running between Nishi-Maizuru and Amanohashidate, hugging the coast through the Nagu Coast and crossing the dramatic Yuragawa River Bridge — one of the most photographed spots on the entire Kyoto Tango Railway, where the track appears to float above the sea. The warm, reddish wood interior features sofa seating with wide picture windows, counter-style window seats, and an onboard café serving drinks and light snacks from local producers. The atmosphere is deliberately unhurried — more like a scenic café that happens to be moving than a conventional train. A boarding ticket plus seat reservation is required; JR Pass holders with the applicable JR West pass need only pay the seat reservation charge.

Tango Kuromatsu (Black Pine) — The Dining Train

The Kuromatsu is the crown jewel: a reservation-only restaurant train running on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, operating between Fukuchiyama, Amanohashidate, and Kinosaki Onsen (routes rotate seasonally). The exterior is lacquer-black with a gold pinstripe, giving the train the appearance of a rolling grand piano. The interior continues the elegance with rich wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and an intimate dining-car atmosphere. This is one of Japan's most accomplished rail dining experiences.

Three meal plans are served: a Breakfast Course (from ¥6,500) on the morning Fukuchiyama to Amanohashidate service; a Lunch Course (from ¥14,500) on the midday departure, featuring a multi-course menu of Tajima and northern Kyoto seasonal specialties — think snow crab, Tajima beef, local yuzu preparations, and regional sake — with impeccable presentation and narrated service from the staff; and a Sweets Course (from ¥5,000) for afternoon departures. Menus rotate with the seasons, so what you experience in spring will be entirely different from an autumn visit.

The Kuromatsu's destination, Amanohashidate, is one of Japan's Three Official Scenic Views (Nihon Sankei) — a narrow, 3.6-kilometre sandbar covered in 8,000 pine trees that divides Miyazu Bay. The famous way to view it is from Kasamatsu Park above: turn your back to the view, bend forward, and look between your legs — an act called mata-nozoki. From this position, the sandbar appears to float in the sky like a bridge to heaven. It is one of Japan's most delightfully eccentric tourism traditions.

Getting there: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Limited Express Hashidate to Amanohashidate (about 2 hours) or to Fukuchiyama (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and transfer to the Kyoto Tango Railway. Alternatively, take the JR Limited Express Kinosaki toward Kinosaki Onsen via Fukuchiyama. JR pass holders can ride the JR Limited Express legs free.

Tips: For the best coastal views on the Akamatsu, sit on the sea side (north side when heading west). Kuromatsu meal reservations open online via the WILLER Travel website and sell out quickly on weekends — book as early as possible, and note that the Kuromatsu route changes every six months. Combining the train journey with a stay in Kinosaki Onsen — one of Japan's most beloved hot spring towns — makes for a memorable multi-day itinerary along the northern Kyoto coast.

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Planning Your Trip

One important note for JR Pass holders: Every Kansai sightseeing train covered here is operated by a private railway. The JR Pass provides no direct benefit on any of them. The most practical passes for covering multiple Kansai trains are the Kintetsu Rail Pass (for Shimakaze and Aoniyoshi) and the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (for access to the Kyoto Tango Railway). GRAN Tenku and the Sagano Romantic Train require tickets purchased entirely independently.

That said, the cost of riding these trains individually remains very reasonable by international standards — particularly the Sagano Romantic Train (¥880) and Aoniyoshi (from ¥1,490). The Shimakaze and Kuromatsu represent the premium end, but even these are a fraction of what comparable dining or luxury train experiences would cost in Europe. For the scenery, the craft, and the sheer Japaneseness of the experience, each one delivers exceptional value.

Also check these guides: The Ultimate Guide to Japan's Sightseeing & Joyful Trains

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