The Ultimate Guide to Japan's Sightseeing & Joyful Trains
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Japan's Sightseeing Trains, also known as "Joyful Trains." Unlike standard commuter or bullet trains, these special trains are destinations in themselves. They feature unique interiors—ranging from traditional tatami mats to anime-themed carriages—and offer breathtaking scenic routes, onboard dining, and local cultural experiences.
Sightseeing Trains by Region
Hokkaido
From lavender fields and rolling hills to drift ice and snow-covered wetlands, Hokkaido offers some of Japan's most spectacular seasonal train journeys. Sightseeing trains here are designed to showcase the island's vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and dramatic natural scenery, making rail travel an attraction in itself.
Popular sightseeing trains and routes in Hokkaido:
Furano Biei Norokko
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko
SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen
Ryuhyo Monogatari
Furano Lavender Express
Tohoku & Kanto (JR East)
The sightseeing trains of Tohoku and Kanto connect travelers with Japan's diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines and mountain valleys to historic hot spring towns and cultural landmarks. Whether enjoying gourmet cuisine onboard or riding behind a vintage steam locomotive, these trains offer a memorable way to experience eastern Japan beyond the major cities.
Popular sightseeing trains and routes in Tohoku and Kanto:
Resort Shirakami
POKÉMON with YOU
TOHOKU EMOTION
SL Gunma
Saphir Odoriko
Chubu & Hokuriku
Home to the Japanese Alps, dramatic mountain gorges, and the beautiful Sea of Japan coastline, the Chubu and Hokuriku regions offer some of Japan's most scenic rail journeys. Sightseeing trains here combine breathtaking natural landscapes with local culture, traditional hospitality, and unique onboard experiences.
Popular sightseeing trains and routes in Chubu and Hokuriku:
Kurobe Gorge Railway (Trolley Train)
Bell Monte (Belles Montagnes et Mer)
Koshino Shu*Kura
HIGH RAIL 1375
Resort View Furusato
Full List of Sightseeing & Joyful Trains in Chubu and Hokuriku
Kansai (JR West)
While Kansai is famous for iconic destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, its sightseeing trains reveal a different side of the region. From elegant luxury trains inspired by ancient history to scenic journeys through river gorges and along coastal landscapes, these services add a unique dimension to exploring western Japan.
Popular sightseeing trains and routes in Kansai:
Hello Kitty Shinkansen
Sagano Romantic Train
Shimakaze
Aoniyoshi
GRAN Tenku
Tango Akamatsu, Kuromatsu, Aomatsu
Chugoku & Shikoku
Surrounded by the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea and home to some of Japan's most remote mountain scenery, Chugoku and Shikoku offer a rich variety of sightseeing train experiences. Many of these trains focus on local cuisine, regional traditions, and spectacular coastal and countryside views, providing a relaxing way to discover Japan's less-traveled regions.
Popular sightseeing trains and routes in Chugoku and Shikoku:
A story about ○○(Shin-Shimonoseki to Higashi-Hagi)
etSETOra (Hiroshima ↔ Onomichi)
La Malle de Bois Okayama ↔ Uno / Onomichi / Mihara (varies by service)
Iyonada Monogatari (Matsuyama ↔ Iyo-Ozu / Yawatahama)
Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari (Kochi ↔ Kubokawa)
Full List of Sightseeing & Joyful Trains in Chugoku & Shikoku
Kyushu
Kyushu is widely regarded as Japan's sightseeing train capital. The region boasts an impressive collection of uniquely designed trains that travel through volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery, hot spring towns, and rural countryside. With stylish interiors, exceptional hospitality, and some of the country's most innovative rail experiences, Kyushu is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
Popular sightseeing trains and routes in Kyushu:
YUFUIN NO MORI
Seven Stars in Kyushu
Aso Boy!
A-Train
36+3
Complete List of Sightseeing & Joyful Trains in Kyushu
Japan's Sightseeing & Joyful Trains:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are sightseeing trains included in the Japan Rail (JR) Pass?
A: Yes, many of them are! If the train is operated by JR (such as JR East's Resort Shirakami or JR Kyushu's Yufuin no Mori), the base fare is covered by the standard JR Pass or relevant regional JR passes. However, because almost all sightseeing trains consist entirely of reserved seats, you must book a seat reservation before boarding.
⚠️ Note: Ultra-luxury cruise trains (like Seven Stars in Kyushu or Twilight Express Mizukaze) and certain private, non-JR railway lines are not covered by the JR Pass.
Q: How far in advance do I need to book tickets?
A: Reservation windows for JR trains typically open exactly one month prior (at 10:00 AM JST) to the travel date. Because these trains are incredibly popular with both domestic and international tourists—and often only run on weekends or holidays—seats can sell out within minutes. It is highly recommended to book your tickets online via the official JR regional websites the moment the window opens.
Q: Can I bring my luggage on board?
A: Yes, but space can be tighter than on standard Shinkansen. Most sightseeing trains have overhead racks for small bags and dedicated luggage areas at the ends of the carriages for larger suitcases. If you are traveling on a themed train with unique layouts (like the POKÉMON with YOU train), space might be even more limited, so utilizing a coin locker at the station or a luggage forwarding service (Takkyubin orTakuhaibin) is a smart move.
Q: Is food available on these trains, or should I bring my own?
A: It depends on the train!
Gourmet/Restaurant Trains: These require a special ticket package that includes a full, curated meal featuring local ingredients and sake.
Standard Sightseeing Trains: These usually feature a small onboard cafe counter or a pushcart selling local snacks, Bento boxes, and drinks.
Pro-tip: Buying a local Ekiben (station bento) at the departure station before you board is always a fantastic and reliable option.
Q: Do these trains run every day?
A: Generally, no. Unlike commuter trains, most Joyful Trains operate on a limited schedule—typically on weekends, national holidays, and during peak tourism seasons (like spring cherry blossoms or autumn foliage). Always double-check the operating calendar on the official railway website when planning your itinerary.
Q: Are sightseeing trains family-friendly?
A: Absolutely. In fact, trains like the POKÉMON with YOU train or the Hello Kitty Shinkansen are explicitly designed with families in mind, often featuring entire play areas, stamps to collect, and staff who hand out commemorative boarding certificates.
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