Enjoy a luxury train journey with magnificent views on one of Japan’s special trains. Here is our list of Japan’s most memorable train journeys with links to all the details about each one.
Fuji Excursion approaching Mt Fuji © Rail Man Photo Office
Japan is a train geek’s paradise. From the ultra-luxury Gran Class shinkansen (bullet trains) to overnight “cruise trains” that rival the fabled Orient Express, you can easily build an itinerary around the wonders of Japan’s train system. Here are the most incredible trains in Japan with links to pages with all the details.
Japan Special Trains List
Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
E5 series shinkansen with Gran Class seats © JR East Photo
Gran Class is a new ultra-luxury shinkansen service in east Japan and Hokkaido. There’s even meal service on par with a good international flight. Read More
Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
Saphir Odoriko en route © JR East photo
The Saphir Odoriko is the most luxurious way to get from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula. Premium green car seats are spacious and there are only two in each row, so they afford magnificent views of the coastal scenery. Read More
36+3 (JR Kyushu)
36 + 3 by the sea © Rail Man Photo Office
This luxury train in Kyushu has some of the most sumptuous cars and private compartments of any train in Japan. Read More
Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
Aru Ressha Green Car © Rail Man Photo Office
Aru Ressha is like a museum on wheels. It feels like the royal train carriage from 100 years ago. Read More
Fuji Excursion (JR East)
Fuji Excursion approaching Mt Fuji © Rail Man Photo Office
Running between Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko, which is at the base of Mt Fuji, this is the most comfortable and stylish way to get to the base of the mountain. Read More
Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
“Zen” garden on the Kyo Train © Rail Man Photo Office
This train between Kyoto and Osaka is decorated with a traditional Kyoto theme and some cars even have a miniature “Zen” garden and seats made of tatami mats. Read More
Resort Shirakami (JR East)
Resort Shirakami en route © JR East photo
The Resort Shirakami runs along the stunning coastal route between Akita and Aomori at the northern tip of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Read More
Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
Kintetsu Shimakaze en route © Rail Man Photo Office
The ultra-premium Shimakaze connects Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya with the Ise Peninsula. The train boast ultra-comfortable premium seats, a dining car, and luxurious private compartments. Read More
Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
Sennen Monogatari on a bridge in Shikoku © Rail Man Photo Office
These three cuisine trains run on three scenic lines in Shikoku. The fare includes a meal that you enjoy while savoring the scenery. Read More
Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
Sunrise Seto with fall foliage © Rail Man Photo Office
The Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo are the only remaining regularly scheduled sleeper trains in Japan. They run from Tokyo to Shikoku and western Honshu. Read More
Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
Kurobe Gorge Railway at peak foliage © Rail Man Photo Office
The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a thrilling ride into the heart of the northern Japan Alps. Read More
Sagano Romantic Train Guide and Map
Sagano Romantic Train in Autumn © Rail Man Photo Office
The Sagano Romantic Train follows a river through the mountains west of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. Read More
Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
Train Suite Shiki-Shima dining car © JR East photo
This ultra-luxurious “cruise train” follows two different routes through northern and central Honshu. Read More
Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
Twilight Express Mizukaze en route © Rail Man Photo Office
This sublime “cruise train” leaves from Kyoto and explores the coastlines of western Honshu. Read More
West Express Ginga (JR West)
West Express Ginga in the mountains © Rail Man Photo Office
The West Express Ginga is a semi-luxury overnight train that runs occasionally in western Honshu and down into Wakayama Prefecture. Read More
Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
Seven Stars in Kyushu with cherry blossoms © Rail Man Photo Office
This “cruise train” is among the most luxurious on earth. There are only 14 suites on the train, guaranteeing an exclusive and special experience. Read More
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
