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Japan’s Most Unique Train Rides: From Mountains to Oceans

Sep. 19. 2025

When you picture trains, you might think of them simply as a means of transportation. These days, most people opt to travel by plane for efficiency reasons. However, traveling by train is a great way to explore different parts of the regions within the country, especially when you can only get to some towns by rail.

Japan operates more than 150 distinctive trains that turn the ride itself into the main attraction. From elegant luxury liners to regional trains that offer local delicacies with heartfelt hospitality, these special trains have captivated travelers across Japan and around the world. Here are four unique train experiences you can enjoy only in Japan.

Mountain Views:

The Story of 13,000 Feet

The sightseeing train The Story of 13,000 Feet crosses Toyama’s dramatic landscapes, set against the stunning backdrop of the Tateyama Mountain Range with peaks reaching elevations of around 3,000 meters. Departing round-trip from Toyama Station, this train glides through what locals call a “miraculous land of elevation.” The train’s name is inspired by the dramatic elevation difference between the mountains and sea.

As the train gently rolls along at a leisurely 50 km/h, slower than regular trains, the journey lets you savor the changing views of the Tateyama Range, which shift in shape and expression as the journey progresses. There are two courses to choose from:

・The Daytime Departure (Course 1: Toyama Bay Sushi Course), which features a menu centered around freshly prepared local sushi.

・The Evening Departure (Course 2: Etchu Kaiseki Course), which offers a beautifully arranged multi-course bento box inspired by traditional Japanese Kaiseki cuisine.

On the Toyama Bay Sushi Course, chefs serve eight pieces of seasonal local sushi, featuring ingredients such as firefly squid, cherry trout, and white shrimp, along with grilled dishes, sashimi, tempura, chawanmushi (savory egg custard), and soup. The menu changes with the seasons. (The image below is from March 2025).

You can enjoy a selection of eight Toyama sake brands, served in original 270ml bottles starting at ￥1,000. A traditional sake masu (square-shaped wooden container) is available for ￥500 as part of a set (￥700 if purchased separately). Guests are also gifted with a handmade chopstick rest made by a local Toyama glass artist, a memento from the “City of Glass”.

After a welcome drink, you settle in for a dreamy two-hour ride filled with awe-inspiring mountain views and unforgettable flavors from Toyama. An onboard guide offers cheerful commentary that adds a warm and welcoming touch to the experience.

Pictured below: Seating options include window-facing counter seats, as well as 2 and 4-person box seats.

Wearing his signature red jacket, local guide Takashi Yamashita brings Toyama to life as he moves through the train, sharing charming anecdotes and insights into the region’s nature, history, and culture.

The Story of 13,000 Feet train encapsulates the essence of Toyama, a destination named one of the New York Times’ “52 Places to Visit in 2025.”

TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima

The TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima is a 10-car luxury cruise train powered by its own diesel generator, allowing it to travel on both electrified and non-electrified rail lines. This flexibility enables a wide range of seasonal journeys, with itineraries ranging from one to three nights.

Car 5: LOUNGE Komorebi. The elegant entrance sets the tone for a refined and memorable journey.

Car 6: DINING Shiki-shima

Car 10: VIEW TERRACE Ibuki. The observation car features a forest-green carpet designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Blending seamlessly with the lush scenery outside, it creates the sensation of gliding through a forest.

The train’s 15 suites, spread across the 10 cars, offer a serene and luxurious space for true relaxation.

Summer’s One-Night Two-Day Course*:

・Shikishima Suite (￥610,000)

・Deluxe Suite (￥550,000)

・Suite (￥440,000)

*Please check the official website for full details as the cost may change.

Ocean Views:

TOHOKU EMOTION

The TOHOKU EMOTION runs along the scenic northern coast of the Sanriku region between Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. Launched in 2013 alongside the reopening of the Hachinohe Line, which the Great East Japan Earthquake had damaged, the train supports the region’s recovery and revitalization efforts.

The train’s sleek white body, designed like a blank canvas, stands out beautifully against the passing landscapes and seascapes.

Nicknamed the “Tohoku Restaurant Train,” this three-car train features a live kitchen in Car 2 where, on the outbound journey, passengers are served a gourmet lunch crafted by top chefs using seasonal Tohoku ingredients. One example of the outbound lunch menu (available until September 2025), is curated by Chef Harutomo Hagi of HAGI French Restaurant in Iwaki, Fukushima. On the return trip, guests can indulge in a dessert buffet supervised by the head chef of Hotel Metropolitan Morioka, all while enjoying breathtaking views. The dessert buffet changes every three months to reflect the seasons.

Along the way, local residents in Hirono Town, Iwate, wave the train off in a heartfelt farewell known as the Hirono Emotion.

Belles montagnes et mer

Savor breathtaking views and the bounty of the sea through the journey from the Majestic Tateyama Mountains to Toyama Bay. The stunning Meiwa (woman’s rock) floating in the blue sea is a must-see.

Hop on the Belles montagnes et mer’s scenic train ride to discover the beauty of Toyama. Named after the French words for “beautiful mountains and sea,” this charming one-car diesel train rattles along with the stunning Tateyama Mountain Range and coastlines as its backdrop.

Whether or not you’re a train buff, you will be captivated by its quaint and nostalgic appeal. Alongside the view, you can enjoy freshly made sushi, local sashimi, and regional sake.

Pictured above: White Shrimp & Red Snow Crab sashimi. (Please note that reservations must be made by 5 PM, three days before the train ride. Check the official website for full details on reservations and train tickets.)

Pictured below: petite Toyama Bay Sushi & regional delicacies. The set is prepared by Chef Kazuki Banguchi, from the renowned Toyama Sushi restaurant.

The train also features eight pieces of traditional Inami woodcarvings from Nanto City, showcasing Toyama’s rich artisanal heritage. In the back of the train, you can see an example of an Inami woodcarving.

Whether you’re headed for mountain views on the Johana Line or coastal scenery on the Himi Line, this train offers flexible options. You can ride without a meal and hop off at stations along the way. This train ride is a perfect addition to your travel itinerary.

*All seats are reserved, so you must purchase reserved seating tickets.Tickets can be purchased at most major JR stations or on the JR Odekake website. Please check the reservation site for complete details. Note: meals are charged separately.

・Reserved Seating for Adults: ￥530

・Reserved Seating for Children: ￥260

If you like to take the time to relax when you’re traveling, train travel is a great way to slow down and savor the moment and the beautiful views of different regions. On your next trip to Japan, board one of these distinctive trains to experience the diverse charms of Japan, from mountain vistas to coastal views.