Top 4 Sightseeing Trains Near Tokyo: Fujisan View Express and More

4 Scenic Railways to Ride in Eastern Japan

Imagine taking a train where the journey to your destination is part of the fun. Riding a sightseeing train is one way to do this, and there are many opportunities to experience this in Japan.

Passengers can enjoy exquisitely designed train carriages, delicious cuisine, and delightful scenery in eastern Japan, accessible from Tokyo.

This article introduces four sightseeing trains near Tokyo worth knowing about.

Sightseeing Trains near Tokyo

1. Tokyo to Chichibu: Seibu Railway's 52 Seats of Happiness
2. HIGH RAIL 1375: The Train Closest to the Sky
3. Shinano Railway's Rokumon in Nagano
4. Fujisan View Express: Ride by Mt. Fuji

1. Seibu Railway's 52 Seats of Happiness: Dine and Wine Aboard A Traveling Restaurant

Picture courtesy of Seibu Railway

As suggested by its name, Seibu's Fifty-Two Seats of Happiness is a scenic train that exclusively seats fifty-two passengers. Departing from Ikebukuro and Shinjuku stations, it travels as far as Saitama Prefecture's Chichibu City, known for its great outdoor scenery.

The train's eye-catching exterior symbolizes Chichibu's four seasons.

The interior design is also based on Chichibu's stunning nature, including the famous Nagatoro Valley. Kakishibu-washi (*1), a local traditional craft, and wood were also used in constructing the passenger seats.

*1 Kakishibu-washi: traditional Japanese paper dyed with kakishibu (a polymeric tannin derived from fermented persimmon juice). The paper has a brown color and a soft, smooth texture.

Picture courtesy of Seibu Railway

The famous Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, designed the train's gorgeous interior. The cars evoke a sense of relaxation with its calm, comforting atmosphere.

Picture courtesy of Seibu Railway

Overseen by a famous restaurant chef, there is a course menu that changes with each season. Riders can dine on delicious meals prepared with care as they gaze out at Chichibu's magnificent scenery.

There's nothing like spending some luxurious time aboard a train. Check the official homepage for the seasonal menu and additional information.

For reservations, click on the official homepage.

Make your reservations starting at 8:00 on the second Thursday of the month, three months before you want to ride. For example, if your desired date is in June, you must get your seat reservation on the second Thursday in March.

Keep in mind that travel routes and the arrival and departure times can change depending on the day of your trip.

Hitsujiyama Park. Photo by Pixta

There are many things to see and do in the vicinity of Chichibu.

For example, Hitsujiyama Park is known for its carpet of shibazakura (moss phlox). There's also Chichibu Shrine that hosts the annual Chichibu Yomatsuri night festival. During the summer, you can enjoy Nagatoro Valley's white water rafting.

Routes	Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu Station; Seibu-Shinjuku to Seibu-Chichibu Station; Seibu-Shinjuku to Hon-Kawagoe Station; etc.
Price	Brunch: 10,000 yen (including tax), Dinner: 15,000 yen (including tax)
Days of Operation	Weekends and Public Holidays
Sightseeing Spots Near the Destination	Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu Shrine, Nagatoro Valley, etc.
Reservation	Official English Homepage

2. HIGH RAIL 1375: The Train Closest to the Sky

Picture courtesy of Koumi Line Area Promotion Committee

The HIGH RAIL 1375 is a sightseeing train that runs along the JR Koumi Line, which connects Komoro Station in Nagano Prefecture to Kobuchisawa Station in Yamanashi Prefecture.

This train was designed with the concept of "a train through the heavens." The number 1375 refers to the highest point on the Koumi Line—1375 meters above sea level—located between Nobeyama Station and Kiyosato Station. This is the highest altitude at which JR trains operate in Japan.

There are three versions of this train: HIGH RAIL 1 and HIGH RAIL 2, which operate during the day, and HIGH RAIL Hoshizora, which runs only in the evenings, offering passengers a chance to enjoy stargazing.

Picture courtesy of Koumi Line Area Promotion Committee

The seats on the HIGH RAIL 1375 face the windows, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the stunning mountain scenery along the Koumi Line.

Onboard, there's a shop where you can purchase drinks and snacks, including original beverages inspired by the train’s stargazing theme. Additionally, there is a mini planetarium, where passengers can enjoy projections of the Milky Way and explore books themed around stargazing.

Picture courtesy of Koumi Line Area Promotion Committee

Some of the must-visit spots along the route of the HIGH RAIL 1375 include the NAOJ Nobeyama Radio Observatory, an impressive space research institute; the Kiyosato Terrace, a leisure complex featuring several restaurants, museums, and playgrounds; and the Yachiho Highlands, a scenic, nature-rich area ideal for refreshing outdoor adventures.

Routes	Komoro Station in Nagano to Kobuchizawa Station in Yamanashi
Price	Adults 2,360 yen, Children 1,180 yen
Days of Operation	Vary by month but generally Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Sightseeing Spots Near the Destination	NAOJ Nobeyama Radio Observatory, Kiyosato Terrace, the Yachiho Highlands
Reservation	JR East official website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/joyful/highrail1375.html

3. Shinano Railway's Rokumon

Picture courtesy of Shinano Railway Co., Ltd.

Rokumon is one of Shinano Railway's most impressive sightseeing trains. It was named after the family crest Rokumonsen, which belonged to the Sanada clan who were samurais once ruling what is currently Nagano Prefecture.

Picture courtesy of Shinano Railway Co., Ltd.

The interior design of each carriage was carried out by Eiji Mitooka, an award-winning industrial designer. Passengers can relax in a warm, retro-like atmosphere made from Nagano Prefecture lumber.

Picture courtesy of Shinano Railway Co., Ltd.

Depending on the reservation plan, passengers can either select Western or Japanese-style cuisine for their onboard meal. The dishes will showcase the bounty from the mountains in Nagano's Shinshu region.

For beverages, guests can choose from a varied selection of locally brewed beer, Japanese sake, and wine.

Matsumoto Castle. Photo by Pixta

You'll also find Zenkoji Temple, one of the Shinshu region's famous spots, here. Visiting some of Nagano's historic buildings is a great way to spend some time. Delicious regional cuisine, such as oyaki (Japanese dumplings) and soba noodles, can be savored in this sightseeing area, too.

For reservations please refer to the Shinano Railway's official homepage.

Reservations can be made two months before your travel date from the first day of the month, up to seven days before your departure date. For example, if you're traveling in June, make a reservation starting from April 1 up until seven days before your travel date. The train is popular, so we recommend securing your seat as early as possible.

You can also purchase tickets directly at these five stations: Komoro, Ueda, Togura, Yashiro, and Karuizawa Station.

Routes	Karuizawa Station to Nagano Station
Price	Meal Plan: 15,100 yen (including tax). *Starting April 2020, the price will be 15,800 yen (including tax).
Days of Operation	Saturdays and Sundays
Sightseeing Spots Near the Destination	Zenkoji Temple
Reservation	Official English Homepage

4. Fujisan View Express: Ride by Mt. Fuji

Picture courtesy of Fujikyu Railway

The Fujisan View Express travels near the foot of Mt. Fuji. During the 45-minute trip, this train connects Yamanashi Prefecture's Otsuki Station with Kawaguchiko Station near Mt. Fuji.

When traveling to Otsuki Station from Tokyo, first board the Chuo Line at JR Shinjuku Station. Then, when you arrive at Takao Station, transfer to the Chuo Main Line and get off at Otsuki Station.

Both Tokyo and Shinjuku Station also offer direct access to Otsuki Station via other limited express trains such as the Azusa and Kaiji.

Picture courtesy of Fujikyu Railway

Fujisan View Express provides outstanding views of Mt. Fuji (see photo above). Passengers can gaze at Japan's tallest mountain on this one-of-a-kind train ride.

A menu that changes with the seasons (Sweets Plan). Pictures courtesy of Fujikyu Railway

Available on weekends and public holidays, the Fujisan View Express Sweets Plan features exclusive desserts made by pastry chefs from the Highland Resort Hotel and Spa. This special plan is limited to 26 passengers aboard Car No. 1.

Reservations are required and can be made on the Fujisan View Express official homepage. Bookings are accepted on the first day of the month prior to the day of your intended visit.

Routes	Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station
Price	Fujisan View Express Car No. 1: Basic fare plus express fare of 400 yen (including tax) and special vehicle fee of 900 yen (including tax). Fujisan View Express Car No. 2 and 3: Basic fare plus express fare of 400 yen (including tax). Sweets Plan (Weekends and Public Holidays on Car No. 1): Adults 4,000 yen (including tax), children 3,000 yen (including tax).
Days of Operation	Weekdays and Weekends
Sightseeing Spots Near the Destination	Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Oishi Park
Reservation	Official English Homepage

Make Unforgettable Memories on a Scenic Train!

These sightseeing trains are the type of trips where the goal is to simply get on board.

Highlighting each region's special features, passengers can enjoy the unique designs of each carriage with delicious cuisine. Embarking on a train-centric journey will be a refreshing change of pace from everyday life.

Allow yourself to enjoy not just the destination, but the journey, too!

In cooperation with Seibu Railway, East Japan Railway Co. (JR East), Shinano Railway Co., Ltd., Fujikyu Railway
Main picture courtesy of Fujikyu Railway