The Saphir Odoriko is one of Japan’s most stylish limited express trains, connecting Tokyo and Yokohama with the hot-spring resorts and coastal scenery of the Izu Peninsula. Its deep sapphire-blue exterior reflects the sea and sky of Izu, while the interior is designed around a noticeably more premium travel experience than an ordinary limited express … Read more
The Furano Lavender Express is one of the easiest ways to travel directly from Sapporo to Furano during Hokkaido’s summer sightseeing season. Operated by JR Hokkaido, this seasonal limited express runs between Sapporo and Furano without requiring a transfer. In 2026, the journey takes about two hours, making it a practical option for a long … Read more
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 … Read more
Kyushu has one of the best collections of sightseeing trains in Japan. JR Kyushu calls many of them “Design & Story Trains,” with each service built around the scenery, culture, food and character of the region it travels through. You can ride a classic resort train to Yufuin, follow two different coastal routes around western … Read more
Tohoku and Kanto offer some of Japan’s most varied sightseeing-train experiences, from dramatic coastal journeys in northern Honshu to family-friendly themed trains, luxury resort trains and steam locomotives within easy reach of Tokyo. Tohoku is particularly strong for JR sightseeing trains that highlight local scenery and culture, while Kanto offers several premium and historic trains … Read more
Hokkaido is one of the best regions in Japan for scenic rail travel. Its trains cross snowy wetlands, dramatic coastlines, flower-covered countryside and vast mountain landscapes that feel very different from railway journeys around Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. Many of Hokkaido’s most interesting trains are seasonal, so choosing the right experience depends heavily on when … Read more
Kansai is famous for Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe, but some of the region’s most memorable rail experiences happen away from the ordinary commuter and Shinkansen routes. From a classic trolley train through Kyoto’s Hozu River Gorge to elegant limited expresses linking Osaka, Nara and Kyoto, luxury journeys toward Ise-Shima and a brand-new sightseeing train … Read more
Central Japan is home to some of the country’s most distinctive scenic railway journeys. Instead of simply connecting major cities, these trains take you through mountain valleys, rural landscapes, dramatic gorges and regions known for local food, sake and traditional culture. In this guide, we highlight five sightseeing trains across Chubu, Hokuriku, Nagano and Niigata … Read more