Japan's Top 10 Popular Sightseeing Trains for 2025: Complete Booking and Riding Guide
Many regions in Japan offer sightseeing trains, ranging from luxurious and retro to quirky and cute, each with its own unique charm. The scenic scenery along the way will delight you every moment on board, making your journey even more enjoyable. Japan Train has selected some unique sightseeing trains to share with you, along with a reservation guide and website. Save them now!
1. Arashiyama Train
Many people who arrive in Kyoto's Arashiyama region want to experience the Sagano Train first. The bumpy ride, refreshing breeze, and panoramic views of Kyoto's natural beauty are unforgettable. The Sagano Train has five carriages, all with their original wooden seats. It runs 7.3 kilometers from Saga Station to Kameoka Station, taking about 25 minutes one way.
The train traverses the valley, offering views of cherry blossoms in spring, lush green forests in summer, and a vibrant orange train amidst a sea of red maples in autumn, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. Winter transforms the train into a world of silver, offering a captivating array of seasonal charm.
Ticket Purchase Methods
Train tickets are for all designated seats and do not allow you to get off the train. There are two ways to purchase tickets.
⭕ Advance Tickets
▶ Where to Purchase:
① At ticket counters or ticket machines at Kyoto Station, Kameoka Station, etc.
② At major travel agencies in Japan
▶ Available from 10:00 AM one month before your departure date
⭕ Same-Day Tickets
▶ Where to Purchase: At the train station counters
▶ Payment Methods: ICOCA, Suica, Toica, PASMO, etc.
2. Yufuin-no-Mori Train
The Yufuin-no-Mori train, which began operating in 1989, runs between Hakata and Fuin Station and is nicknamed the "Forest Train." It passes through the beautiful Kyushu countryside and forests. Its dark green bodywork complements the forested scenery along the way. The elegantly decorated carriages and elevated seating offer passengers the best views of the scenery.
When the train passes through Amase Station, an announcement will be made to draw passengers' attention to the magnificent "Jion Falls," one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls.
How to Purchase Tickets
⭕Purchase Tickets for a Tour
▶Ticket Website:
https://www.club-t.com/sp/special/japan/kyushu/train/
▶How to:
①Go to the website
②Select "Yufuin Forest"
③You can find various tours that include Yufuin Forest.
▶Note: Recruitment will close once the tour reaches its limit.
Regular Tickets
▶ Tickets: Ticket + Reserved Seat Limited Express Ticket
▶ Where to Purchase:
Purchase at the "Green Window" at JR Stations
3. Aotankichi Train
This sightseeing train, "Aotankichi," runs between Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. The name "Aotankichi" (青丹吉) originally means "pillow words" used in waka poetry. The train uses the Nara-produced azure blue dye (あお/青) and the vermilion (に/丹) of the Upper Suzaku Gate to indirectly allude to the beauty of the ancient capital. The train's design is also inspired by Nara, with a noble purple exterior and a heiwa patterned interior that evokes the cultural atmosphere of ancient Heijo-kyo.
The Aotankichi sightseeing train consists of four carriages, and the main body has been converted from a 12200 limited express train. To improve comfort, the number of seats has been significantly reduced by two-thirds to 84, with approximately 2 to 3 seats per train. All seats are reserved. The first train departs Osaka Namba in the morning and arrives in Kyoto via Nara. It then repeats the Kyoto-Nara route twice, and finally departs Kyoto via Nara and returns to Osaka Namba. Passengers can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and enjoy a high-quality train journey!
・Departure Times: ① Departs Osaka Namba at 9:30 AM and arrives in Kyoto via Kintetsu Nara at 10:50 AM / ⓶ Departs Kyoto at 11:20 AM and arrives in Kintetsu Nara at 11:55 AM / ⓷ Departs Kintetsu Nara at 12:10 PM and arrives in Kyoto at 12:45 PM / ⓸ Departs Kyoto at 13:20 PM and arrives in Kintetsu Nara at 13:55 PM / ⓹ Departs Kintetsu Nara at 2:10 PM and arrives in Kyoto at 2:45 PM / ⓺ Departs Kyoto at 3:20 PM and arrives in Kyoto via Kintetsu Nara at 4:40 PM Arriving at Osaka Namba
Weekly Flights: Departs six days a week (one day off)
Stops: Osaka Namba, Sakae-ue-Hommachi, Tsuruhashi, Ikoma, Gakuenmae, Kintetsu Nara, Yamato Saidaiji, Kintetsu Tambabashi, Kyoto
Vehicle Seats: Four carriages, 84 reserved seats
4. Firebird
Many international tourists traveling between Osaka Namba and Nagoya on Kintetsu's limited express train, the Urban Liner, are popular. With no transfers and a travel time of just 2 hours and 10 minutes, this route consistently boasts high passenger volume! Starting from March 14, 2020 (Saturday), Kintetsu Railway will introduce the latest "Hinotori" train to improve passenger comfort. The carriages are divided into two types: "First Class Seats in One Train with Three Rows" and "Economy Seats in One Train with Four Rows". Both types of carriages use the "Back Shallow Seat Design", which allows the seat angle to be adjusted as desired without worrying about the feelings of the passengers in the back row.
Economy seats in a row of four
Three rows of first-class seats
Osaka Namba ⇄ Kintetsu Nagoya Limited Express "Hinoto"
Train Name: New Meihan Limited Express "Hinotori"
Official Operations: March 14, 2020 (Saturday)
Vehicle Type: 8000 Series
5. Nankai Electric Railway's "Tenku" (Sky)
Nankai Electric Railway's "Tenku" (Sky) is a sightseeing train that travels to Koyasan, a World Heritage site and Buddhist sanctuary. It runs exclusively between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi stations. As of 2019, it had been in operation for 10 years and is now entering its 11th year. The name "Tenku" stems from the fact that Koyasan, founded by Kobo Daishi, is located at an altitude of 900 meters, resembling a city in the sky. The train is named "Tenku" based on this image.
The train's interior is also full of design flair, featuring three large, continuous glass windows that allow passengers to admire the scenery along the way. There are also small compartments for four, perfect for families. Another must-see is the observation deck, where passengers can experience the beauty of Mount Koya with all five senses and breathe in the fresh air.
・Service Area: Hashimoto - Koyasan
・Operation Period: March - November: Fridays - Tuesdays (if Wednesdays and Thursdays are holidays, normal operation will apply); December - February: Weekends only
・Recommended Autumn Leaves Viewing Period: Late October - Mid-November
6. Pikachu Train
This Pikachu-themed train runs between Ichinoseki Station and Kesennuma Station. The train is filled with adorable Pikachu figurines, with Pikachu footprints scattered across the yellow floor. The curtains, seats, backrests, and luggage racks also feature Pikachu designs.
There's even a mini-driver's seat at the front of the train, allowing children to experience "driving" the Pokémon train. This imaginative train transcends dimensional boundaries, offering an immersive experience. The train runs only twice a day, primarily on weekends, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
7. Yamaguchi "００のはなし" Train
"００のはなし" means "００ Story," and the railway company hopes passengers will create their own stories during their journey. The train consists of two short carriages, each decorated with a Western and Japanese aesthetic. The Western-style carriages feature wooden chairs and sofas that can be rotated to face each other, allowing friends to chat and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Japanese-style carriages feature tatami mats, imbued with a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
The train stops at each station and passengers can get off and stroll freely. When passing Tangyu Station and Xiaokushi Station, the sea view outside the window is breathtaking.
All trains have reserved seats, so if you buy a separate ticket, you'll need to pay for both the ticket and the reserved seat. JR Pass holders can ride by simply purchasing a reserved seat.
▶ Operating Hours: Weekends and Holidays
▶ Service Area: Shin-Shimonoseki - Higashi-Hagi
▶ Ticket Purchase: Purchase tickets at JR station ticket counters. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance.
8. Izu Kinmedai Train
This scenic train, themed around the Izu region, features Kinmedai (snake-shaped seabream). All seven carriages have non-reserved seating. Each carriage has two-person seats on the mountain side, while the seaside offers panoramic views. Facing the ocean, the sky and water merge into one.
Various cute golden eye snappers are painted on the seats, and root carvings are placed at the entrance of each carriage.
How to Purchase Tickets
▶JR TOKYO Wide Pass
Recommended for travelers traveling around Tokyo; this pass grants unlimited rides on trains and Shinkansen within the area for three days.
▶Izukyu-Line Pass
Recommended for travelers traveling in Izu; this pass grants unlimited rides on the Izukyu Line.
▶Operating Periods: Daily
▶Services: Atami Station - Izukyu-Shimoda/Izukogen/Ito (scheduling varies)
9. Orange Shokudo Train
The Orange Shokudo Train, operating on the Minami Kyushu Hisatsu Orange Railway, offers passengers a chance to savor the sumptuous cuisine of Minami Kyushu while enjoying the scenic scenery along the way. A variety of citrus trees are planted along the train line, adding a touch of color to the journey.
You'll also enjoy the changing coastal scenery, from the tranquil Shiranui Sea to the crashing waves of the East China Sea, and the romantic orange sunsets – truly unforgettable!
The train's interior design is inspired by a hotel lobby and cafe restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and sunset dinner set menus.
▶ Operating Range: Shin-Yatsushiro Station to Sendai Station on the Hisatsu Orange Railway (routes vary)
▶ Operating Days: Weekends and Holidays
10. Kuromatsu Train
As its name suggests, the Kuromatsu is a black sightseeing train. Its retro design exudes an imposing presence. Besides its strikingly refined exterior, the Kuromatsu's most appealing feature is its status as a "high-end mobile restaurant"! Different meals are offered at different times of the day, including breakfast (Monning Coke), lunch (Ranchi Coke), and dessert (Suitsu Coke). The ingredients and contents vary with the season. The interior, reminiscent of a fine restaurant, exudes a calm and restrained atmosphere with its wooden design. If compared to a personified figure, it resembles a gentleman with rich character and exceptional taste.
The breakfast package departs from Fukuchiyama Station, while the lunch and dessert package departs from Nishi-Maizuru Station. The final destination is Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Spots. Along the way, you'll pass rural towns and beautiful coastlines.
While Kyoto isn't near the coast, the sea is easily accessible just north of the city. The Kyoto Tango Railway (KTR) offers sightseeing trains: the Kuromatsu, Akamatsu, and Aomatsu. These trains were designed by renowned industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, who also designed JR Kyushu's luxurious sightseeing train, the Seven Stars. Their calm, elegant design and exceptional quality will captivate you from the moment you even board them. These three trains run weekly, crisscrossing the mountains and sea of the Tango Peninsula.
Kuromatsu
・Ticket Type: Reserved seats
・Distance:
[Breakfast Package] Fukuchiyama (Departs 10:08) to Amanohashidate (Arrives 11:48)
[Lunch Package] Amanohashidate (Departs 1:05) to Nishi-Maizuru (Arrives 2:50)
[Dessert Package] Amanohashidate (Departs 16:05) to Nishi-Maizuru (Arrives 17:24)
