Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
We hope you love our recommendations! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Prices are accurate at the time of writing.
1. Sagano Romantic Train [Kyoto – Kameoka]
If you're staying in Kyoto, set aside a little time for this charming 25-minute ride through the Hozukyo Ravine. The Sagano Romantic Train travels between Saga Torokko and Kameoka Torokko stations, following the Hozugawa River through forests and valleys.
The scenery changes with the seasons too, from cherry blossoms and fresh greenery to autumn foliage.
Book your trip here: Klook | Traveloka | Trip.com | Agoda
2. Fuji Excursion [Tokyo – Kawaguchiko]
Want to get closer to Mount Fuji without spending hours on the road? The Fuji Excursion is a limited express service connecting Tokyo with Kawaguchiko, giving travellers a convenient way to combine the capital with one of Japan's most recognisable landscapes.
The journey itself is part of the fun, as the scenery gradually shifts from Tokyo's urban surroundings towards the mountains of Yamanashi. It is also handy if you're planning to visit the Fuji Five Lakes area or Fuji-Q Highland.
Book your trip here: Klook | Traveloka | Trip.com | Agoda
3. Romancecar [Tokyo – Hakone]
Swap Tokyo's skyscrapers for mountains aboard the Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto. The direct limited express from Shinjuku takes around 1.5 hours, making it an easy way to turn a Tokyo trip into a relaxing Hakone escape.
Once you arrive, you can explore the area's hot springs, museums and mountain scenery, with the possibility of catching views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The train ride itself makes getting out of Tokyo feel like part of the adventure.
Book your trip here: Klook | Traveloka | Trip.com | Agoda
4. Yufuin no Mori [Fukuoka – Yufuin]
For something that feels more like a sightseeing experience than regular transport, hop aboard the Yufuin no Mori in Kyushu. The green limited express connects Fukuoka with the hot spring town of Yufuin, with large windows offering views of mountains, forests and, rural landscapes along the way.
The journey takes around two hours, depending on the service, and some trains continue towards Beppu. Pair the ride with an overnight stay in Yufuin for a slower-paced break from Japan's bigger cities.
Book your trip here: Klook | Traveloka | Trip.com | Agoda
5. Kurobe Gorge Railway [Unazuki – Nekomata]
This one is for travellers who want to see a wilder side of Japan. The Kurobe Gorge Railway winds through a dramatic mountain gorge, with forests, rivers and steep valleys surrounding the tracks.
Its open-style sightseeing carriages make the scenery feel even more immersive, while the landscape changes throughout the year. It is a particularly different experience from the high-speed trains more commonly associated with Japan.
Book your trip here: Klook | Traveloka | Trip.com | Agoda
6. Tokaido Shinkansen [Tokyo – Kyoto]
Of course, no Japan train list would be complete without the Shinkansen. The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Kyoto in around two hours, making it an easy way to travel between two of Japan's biggest cities.
It's known for speed, but don't forget to look out the window. You might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji along the way.
Book your trip here: Klook | Traveloka | Trip.com | Agoda
