16 Sightseeing Trains in Japan: From Hokkaido to Kyushu

Japan's Sightseeing Trains

A sightseeing train is essentially a train with a sophisticated and refined design and a comfortable, luxurious interior.

These trains are not meant to merely transport passengers from one place to another. Rather, they feature attractive exteriors and interiors that make the journey―not the destination―the highlight of the trip. Passengers can relax and take in the beautiful scenery from the window in the train's gorgeous interior.

Inside this special space you can enjoy meals made with local ingredients. So another appealing feature is being able to enjoy your sightseeing journey from inside the train.

These top-class trains are especially designed for sightseeing along specific routes and are referred to as luxury trains. There are also express sleeper trains that operate over long distances and are like moving hotels.

This article will introduce our recommended sightseeing trains and luxury sleeper trains from all parts of Japan!

Sightseeing Trains in Hokkaido and Eastern Japan

Passengers on sightseeing trains in Hokkaido and eastern Japan can enjoy scenic natural vistas including Mt. Fuji and Niigata.

1. Fujisan View Express

Fujisan View Express is operated by the Fujikyu Railway and is an express train that runs along the base of World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji. A 40-minute trip connects Otsuki Station in Yamanashi Prefecture with Kawaguchiko Station, the gateway to Mt. Fuji.

Please note that due to the long-term suspension of service for periodic inspections starting November 2024, cars are being replaced by Fujisan Express cars on weekdays. Fujisan View Express has plans to resume service in early March of 2025 but please check their official homepage for the latest details.

Official Homepage: Fujisan View Express

2. Saphir Odoriko

JR-East's Saphir Odoriko is a luxury express train where passengers can dine on superb cuisine as they enjoy scenic views of Izu's beautiful ocean and sky. All cars feature relaxing Green Car seating and there's even a cafeteria with an open kitchen.

On weekdays the train travels between Tokyo Station and Izukyu-Shimoda Station, and on weekends and holidays it makes the trip from Shinjuku Station to Izukyu-Shimoda Station.

Official Homepage: Saphir Odoriko

3. Setsugekka

Setsugekka (Echigo Tokimeki Railway) is a resort train that travels through Niigata Prefecture's Joetsu Region.

With an all encompassing view from one of the largest panorama train windows in Japan, passengers can experience the scenery of ocean and mountains up close.

In the Sakura Lounge, a beautiful space accented with cherry tree (sakura) wood, you can enjoy locally brewed sake and wine as you ride along the railway line.

This route runs from Joetsu Myoko to Itoigawa, allowing passengers to take in the breathtaking view of the Sea of Japan's abundant natural surroundings.

Official Homepage: Sestugekka (Japanese)

4. Kairi

Kairi (JR-East) is a sightseeing train joining Niigata with Yamagata Prefecture's Sakata.

Its concept is "The Cuisine of Niigata and Shonai, and the Sea of Japan's Scenery." So passengers can enjoy the food and scenic views of both Niigata and Shonai (Yamagata Region).

In the dining car (car number 4), Niigata-style ryotei cuisine is served on the outbound journey and courtesy of a Shonai restaurant, Italian cuisine is served on the return trip.

Official Homepage: Kairi

5. Red Star in Hokkaido / Blue Star in Hokkaido (Scheduled To Operate in Spring 2026)

Red Star in Hokkaido / Blue Star in Hokkaido is a sightseeing train operated by JR Hokkaido that is scheduled to begin service in the spring of 2026.

There are plans to debut two different types of train cars: the Red Star which was inspired by the symbol of the Hokkaido Development Office, and the Blue Star which was inspired by the color of lavender.

Red Star in Hokkaido is expected to operate on the Kushiro Line, and Blue Star in Hokkaido on the Furano Line.

The car's chassis design was overseen by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, who also designed JR Kyushu's Seven Stars in Kyushu (featured later in this article).

Official Homepage: Red Star in Hokkaido / Blue Star in Hokkaido (Japanese)

Sightseeing Trains in Western Japan and Shikoku

There are also sightseeing trains that visit all the main spots in western Japan and Shikoku.

6. Shimakaze

Kintetsu Railway's Shimakaze is a Limited Express sightseeing train that connects Namba Station, Kyoto Station, Kintestsu Nagoya Station and Ise-Shima's Kashikojima Station.

Diners on this luxurious private railway train can try specialty menu items including Matsuzaka Beef Curry and Matsuzaka Beef Donburi. The train's exclusive attendants are also known for their impeccable service.

Official Homepage: Shimakaze

7. Hana Akari

JR-West's Hana Akari is a new sightseeing train that made its debut in October of 2024.

Its route up until December 22 (Sunday), 2024 was from Fukui Prefecture's Tsuruga to Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture. Next, it has plans to operate along different routes in the western Japan area starting from January of 2025.

The passenger seating areas exude a feeling of luxury and feature craftworks and art from western Japan.

Official Homepage: Hana Akari (Japanese)

8. La Malle de Bois

JR-West's La Malle de Bois is a sightseeing train that tours the Setouchi area. From Okayama City it travels to four different destinations: Uno, Mihara, Hinase, and Kotohira.

The train's name means "wooden suitcase" in French. If you look at the windows on the exterior of the cars you'll see that they have a suitcase-like design.

The car interiors are plush and sophisticated just like a hotel and feature artwork by contemporary artists, allowing passengers to spend some special time here.

Official Homepage: La Malle de Bois (Japanese)

9. Tango Kuro-Matsu Train

Kyoto Tango Railway's Tango Kuro-Matsu Train is a popular dining car in Kyoto's northern region.

It's proud of its cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. Passengers can choose from one of three dining courses: a breakfast course, lunch course, and sweets course.

It travels along a route from Amanohashidate to Nishi Maizuru / Fukuchiyama.

Official Homepage: Tango Kuro-Matsu Train

10. Iyonada Monogatari

JR Shikoku's Iyonada Monogatari is a popular sightseeing train that will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2024.

It has two different routes: Matsuyama Station to Iyo-Ozu Station and Matsuyama Station to Yawatahama Station.

From the retro-modern car interior, passengers can enjoy scenery that changes with the seasons and time of day, as well as exquisite cuisine. Shimonada Station, one of the stops along this route, has a nostalgic atmosphere and is famous as a location for movies and dramas.

Official Homepage: Iyonada Monogatari

Sightseeing Trains in Kyushu

Sophisticated and luxurious sightseeing trains also operate in Kyushu. There are also trains that run all the way around Kyushu so please check these out.

11. Yufuin no Mori

Yufuin no Mori is a JR Kyushu Limited Express train that runs from Hakata to Yufuin / Beppu.

From the interior of the cars, which are designed to make you feel like you're inside a forest, you can enjoy views of Jion Waterfalls with its two-tiered drop, the Former Bungomori Engine Depot, and Mt. Yufu.

Official Homepage: Yufuin no Mori (Japanese)

12. 36 + 3

JR Kyushu's 36 + 3 (36 Plus 3) is a sightseeing train that completely circles Kyushu on a five-day excursion.

Starting from Hakata Station, the train travels along various routes including the Nagasaki Main Line, Kagoshima Main Line, and the Nippo Main Line. These are all filled with memorable highlights.

The train's name "36 + 3" refers to the fact that Kyushu is the world's 36th largest island and that passengers will experience Surprises, Impressions, and Happiness (Plus 3) when they ride this train.

Since 36+3=39, in Japanese it reads "3 (san) 9 (kyu)" meaning thank you. The staff would also like to show their gratitude.

Official Homepage: 36 + 3

13. Kanpachi-Ichiroku

Kyushu Railway's Kanpachi-Ichiroku runs between Hakata Station and Yufuin / Beppu Station via the Yufu-Kogen Line.

The train was named after Kanpachi Aso and Ichiroku Eto, the two men who originated the current Kyudai Main Line.

The train's concept is, "A train that lets you experience the local culture of the Yufu-Kogen Line." With that in mind, passengers can enjoy cuisine made with ingredients from both Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures.

Official Homepage: Kanpachi-Ichiroku

Japan's Most Gorgeous Sleeper Trains

Finally we introduce three of Japan's most luxurious sleeper trains that offer hotel-like accommodation on board.

14. JR East TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima

The cruise train TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima is JR-East's flagship train.

Its travel routes differ depending on the season and number of days, but it connects such areas as Yamanashi, Nagano, and Hakodate.

Just like they advertise, "All rooms are like hotel suites or better," passengers can enjoy a high-quality trip in a luxurious space.

Official Homepage: TRAIN SUITE Shiki-Shima

15. JR West TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze

JR-West's TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze is a luxury sleeper train with a refined and sophisticated interior that feels just like a moving hotel. It offers several different routes that take in the scenery of the San'in and San'yo regions, and runs through Kyoto, Kurashiki, Okayama, Shimonoseki, and other places.

Official Homepage: TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze

16. JR Kyushu Seven Stars in Kyushu

JR Kyushu's cruise train, Seven Stars in Kyushu, allows passengers to fully enjoy Kyushu's cuisine and culture. The interior, with its abundant use of wood, is such a luxurious and refined space that you might forget you're inside a train.

It offers three different routes: the Kirishima Route, the Unzen Route, and the Kyushu Round-Trip Route.

Official Homepage: Seven Stars in Kyushu

Enjoy Cuisine and Culture Aboard a Sightseeing Train!

Sightseeing trains in Japan feature gorgeous car interiors, stunning scenery, and delicious cuisine. They offer highlights that can't be experienced anywhere else!

By all means please visit Japan's various spots by railway and enjoy sightseeing to your heart's content!