8 Japan Train Rides With the Best Sceneries

Japan’s trains are one of the best parts about travelling in the Land of the Rising Sun. Not kidding! The country’s railways are famous for being super-clean, punctual, and fast. Plus, it’s more than just going from point A to B; it’s a whole sightseeing tour! You can sit by the window and have your main character moment as the gorgeous views of oceans, mountains, and cities pass by.  

Know what makes train travel in Japan even better? It’s the fact that tickets are also reasonably affordable, especially with the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass! The JR Pass is an all-in-one pass that gives you access to all Japan Railways-operated lines. This includes bullet trains (locally known as Shinkansen), express rapid trains, local trains, and more. You can get a pass that allows you to travel across the country (the JR Whole Japan Rail Pass) or in specific areas (the JR regional passes). 

Need more 411 on these passes? Check out our Japan Rail Pass 101 Guide:

So if you’re keen on exploring Japan by train and enjoying the view while you’re at it, we’ve got you covered. Here are the most scenic train routes to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty:

Believe it or not, the Kurobe Gorge Main Line operates mainly as a sightseeing train—famous for its views of the Northern Japan Alps, a scenic volcanic mountain range along Toyama, Nagano, and Gifu Prefectures! The line runs along the Kurobe river, giving all the essential views of nature: calming flowing water, mountains, ravines, cliffs covered in greenery (which turns golden in autumn), and more. It spans 20 km, starting from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes to traverse one way. Take note that the line only runs from April to November and is most popular during autumn, thanks to all the crimson-orange leaves!

Up north, connecting Akita and Aomori Prefectures is the Gono Line, which is famous for running along the coast of the Sea of Japan—showcasing dramatic cliffs, cerulean waters, and the vast horizon. The view is just as breathtaking during winter, especially with the snow-covered Mount Iwaki! To travel across the entire line, you can hop on the train at Kawabe Station in Hirosaki all the way to Higashi-Noshiro in Akita or vice-versa. 

The only Shinkansen on this list, the Tokaido Shinkansen line connects the three largest metropolitan areas in Japan: Tokyo and Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto. If your trip consists of attractions in these bustling cities, then this is one of the trains in Japan you can’t miss! Aside from function, it’s also known for its postcard-perfect view of the iconic Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. 

Klook Tip: To guarantee better views of Mount Fuji on your journey, sit on the right side if you’re Kyoto-bound and on the left if you’re Tokyo-bound.

You’ll be rewarded with plenty of natural views on the Hisatsu Line, which crosses the Kuma River and goes through the mountains of Kirishima and the scenic forests of Kyushu. You can hop on at Yatsushiro Station in Kumamoto Prefecture and off at Hayato Station in Kagoshima Prefecture, or vice versa, to enjoy this nature extravaganza. It spans 124.2 km, so sit back and enjoy the ride and the sights!

If you’re visiting scenic Japan during the cherry blossom or sakura season, you can ride along the 63.1 km Hanwa Line, a commuter train operated by JR West. During the ride, you’ll pass by mountains and valleys covered in trees with sakura in full bloom—it will be like passing by a sea of pink! You can get on Osaka’s Tennoji Station to Wakayama’s Wakayama Station, and vice versa. 

This train in Japan gives you the best seats to see the prefecture’s stunning landscapes, which include verdant mountains and valleys and blue, flowing rivers!  Enjoy the greenery during summer, the sakura during spring, the crimson during autumn, and the white, snow-covered landscapes during winter on the Takayama Main Line. The entire line spans Gifu Station in Gifu to Toyama Station in Toyama, so you can visit Gero onsen for total relaxation, the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama for a peek into old Japan, and more!

If you’re in Chiba, then you can’t miss a ride along the Sotobo Line, which traverses cities in the prefecture, such as Oami-Shirasato, Isumi, Katsuura, and more, until it reaches Kamogawa. Since it also runs along the coast, you’ll be blessed with awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you’ll also see quaint views of the area’s countryside, which provides a reprieve from our fast-paced lives!

 The Sagano Scenic Railway is another superstar among sightseeing trains in Japan. Also known as the Sagano Romantic Train, it’s known for its old-timey train cars, complete with wooden benches. It runs slower than most commuter trains, letting you appreciate the views. And boy does it deliver on views: it runs along the Hozugawa River, which is framed by stunning greenery! It may not be covered by the JR Pass like most rides in this list, but we think that the extra purchase is definitely worth it!

Great news: most of these lines are operated by the Japan Railways Group, so your JR Passes are totally worth it! But if you need more convincing as to whether the JR Pass is worth it, we’ve got the lowdown in this guide:

You can also check out the seven handy perks of the JR Pass and why you should use it: