11 Unique Joyful Trains You Have to Ride in Japan

Picturesque landscapes, sushi, innovative technology, and anime—these are some of the things that immediately come to mind when talking about Japan. 

The Land of the Rising Sun has become one of the most famous travel destinations in the world, thanks to its well-known tourist attractions and vibrant culture.

Did you know that Japan offers more than just high-speed bullet trains?

Make your next adventure to Japan even more exciting and joyful by riding these famous and unique Joyful trains, where you can get a one-of-a-kind experience aboard each one!

Hop on and travel through the world of Japan on these 11 Joyful trains:

Admire the panoramic views of Mount Yatsugatake in the Tohoku region with the HIGH RAIL 1375. Running along the highest altitudes of Koumi Line, this train is said to bring you “nearest to the heavens.” 

Riding this train is one of the most exciting things to do in Japan for astronomy lovers who love stargazing! Inside the High Rail Gallery, a night sky is projected on a dome in the ceiling where you can watch the stars or, if you prefer to read about galaxies and the skies, the train has astronomy books too!

KAIRI, literally meaning “sea” (kai) and “villages” (ri), shows the perfect harmony between the sea and the beautiful villages, which are the most prominent characteristics of the Niigata Prefecture. While admiring the charming and picturesque mountains of the villages, you can also get a taste of the local seafood and cuisine of Niigata inside the train. 

Built in 1946, the SL (steam locomotive) Banetsu Monogatari train is nicknamed the “Kifujin” or the noble lady for its graceful and classic exterior. This old-style Joyful train takes inspiration from the Taisho era and is decorated with wood patterns and soft coloured interiors. There are Okojo rooms even built inside the train to cater to children and adults, where the staff organise fun games and events for the entertainment of the passengers.

SL Gunma travels through the Gunma prefecture with two powerful trains: Minakami and Yokokawa, operated by the D51 498 and C61 20 steam locomotives. This ride is a real treat for SL enthusiasts as they get to experience the traditional train ride! Inside, they also offer special Gunma ekiben (lunch boxes in trains). The kiddos can even put on the train conductor uniform and make live announcements to passengers.

Heads up, anime and Nintendo fans, you have to ride the Pokémon with You train when you travel to Japan! Built to bring smiles to the affected children of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, this Pikachu-designed train is one of the most famous Joyful trains in Japan. Kids and adults will surely get the time of their lives with playrooms and Pikachu stuffed toys inside the train. 

Travelling along the Gono Line, the Resort Shirakami train in the Tohoku region is one of the pioneers of Joyful trains in the country. It gives you a breathtaking view of the seaside scenery of Shirakami-Sanchi, one of Japan’s World Heritage sites. The train’s interior is decorated with Japanese beech and light and dark green tones, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere. You can also get a taste of the region’s delicious goodies sold at a counter inside the Resort Shirakami train.

For a more cosy and traditional train ride, the SL Ginga is the ride for you when travelling to Japan. Using a restored C58 239 steam locomotive, the SL Ginga train travels on the Kamaishi Line between Hanamaki and Kamaishi. With Ginga meaning “galaxy,” astrology fans will surely love riding this train as its interior is designed after Kenji Miyazawa’s “Night on the Galactic Railroad” novel. The train is decorated with gas lamps, stained glass windows, and astrological partitions. It also features the first optical planetarium inside a train so astrology lovers are in for a treat!

Toreiyu Tsubasa got its name from a blend of Japanese pronunciations of the English word train (torein) and the French word soleil (soreiyu), meaning sun. Together, it formed the word Toreiyu, literally meaning “train sun.” This Joyful train is the relaxing train ride you’re looking for when you travel to Japan. Its interior is designed with tatami mats, giving you a traditional Japanese-style onsen experience. You can also relax with footbaths inside the train while enjoying the scenery and Yamagata’s locally brewed sake, wine, or juice. 

If you love Japanese sake, you shouldn’t miss riding the Koshino Shu*Kura Joyful train in the Niigata prefecture, also known as the King of Locally Brewed Sakes. To further mimic the sake brewery vibe, the interior has standing tables with sake casks where you can chill with a cup of sake while listening to live music inside the train. 

Oykot, which is Tokyo spelled backwards, is a Joyful train along the Iiyama Line. The name is meant to contrast the busy atmosphere of Tokyo since the Oykot train brings people to a rustic areas where the true heart of the Japanese people resides. While admiring the calming and healing view of the rice paddies, rivers, and mountains, this train aims to bring back your childhood memories of visiting your grandma in your hometown.

For more nostalgic memories, the Resort View Furusato train will give you just that! Running along the Oito Line, you’ll be able to admire the beauty of Japan’s Northern Alps aboard this train. The rustic home villages, or furusato, en route to the refreshing streams, lakes, and clear blue skies will evoke feelings of nostalgia and make you miss the good old times.