Japans Special Trains

Enjoy a luxury train journey with magnificent views on one of Japan’s special trains. Here is our list of Japan’s most memorable train journeys with links to all the details about each one.

[Fuji Excursion approaching Mt Fuji © Rail Man Photo Office]

Japan is a train geek’s paradise. From the ultra-luxury Gran Class shinkansen (bullet trains) to overnight “cruise trains” that rival the fabled Orient Express, you can easily build an itinerary around the wonders of Japan’s train system. Here are the most incredible trains in Japan with links to pages with all the details.

Japan Special Trains List

Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)

[E5 series shinkansen with Gran Class seats © JR East Photo]

Gran Class is a new ultra-luxury shinkansen service in east Japan and Hokkaido. There’s even meal service on par with a good international flight. Read More

Saphir Odoriko (JR East)

[Saphir Odoriko en route © JR East photo]

The Saphir Odoriko is the most luxurious way to get from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula. Premium green car seats are spacious and there are only two in each row, so they afford magnificent views of the coastal scenery. Read More

36+3 (JR Kyushu)

[36 + 3 by the sea © Rail Man Photo Office]

This luxury train in Kyushu has some of the most sumptuous cars and private compartments of any train in Japan. Read More

Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)

[Aru Ressha Green Car © Rail Man Photo Office]

Aru Ressha is like a museum on wheels. It feels like the royal train carriage from 100 years ago. Read More

Fuji Excursion (JR East)

[Fuji Excursion approaching Mt Fuji © Rail Man Photo Office]

Running between Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko, which is at the base of Mt Fuji, this is the most comfortable and stylish way to get to the base of the mountain. Read More

Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)

[“Zen” garden on the Kyo Train © Rail Man Photo Office]

This train between Kyoto and Osaka is decorated with a traditional Kyoto theme and some cars even have a miniature “Zen” garden and seats made of tatami mats. Read More

Resort Shirakami (JR East)

[Resort Shirakami en route © JR East photo]

The Resort Shirakami runs along the stunning coastal route between Akita and Aomori at the northern tip of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Read More

Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)

[Kintetsu Shimakaze en route © Rail Man Photo Office]

The ultra-premium Shimakaze connects Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya with the Ise Peninsula. The train boast ultra-comfortable premium seats, a dining car, and luxurious private compartments. Read More

Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)

[Sennen Monogatari on a bridge in Shikoku © Rail Man Photo Office]

These three cuisine trains run on three scenic lines in Shikoku. The fare includes a meal that you enjoy while savoring the scenery. Read More

Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)

[Sunrise Seto with fall foliage © Rail Man Photo Office]

The Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo are the only remaining regularly scheduled sleeper trains in Japan. They run from Tokyo to Shikoku and western Honshu. Read More

Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)

[Kurobe Gorge Railway at peak foliage © Rail Man Photo Office]

The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a thrilling ride into the heart of the northern Japan Alps. Read More

Sagano Romantic Train Guide and Map

[Sagano Romantic Train in Autumn © Rail Man Photo Office]

The Sagano Romantic Train follows a river through the mountains west of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. Read More

Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)

[Train Suite Shiki-Shima dining car © JR East photo]

This ultra-luxurious “cruise train” follows two different routes through northern and central Honshu. Read More

Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)

[Twilight Express Mizukaze en route © Rail Man Photo Office]

This sublime “cruise train” leaves from Kyoto and explores the coastlines of western Honshu. Read More

West Express Ginga (JR West)

[West Express Ginga in the mountains © Rail Man Photo Office]

The West Express Ginga is a semi-luxury overnight train that runs occasionally in western Honshu and down into Wakayama Prefecture. Read More

Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)

[Seven Stars in Kyushu with cherry blossoms © Rail Man Photo Office]

This “cruise train” is among the most luxurious on earth. There are only 14 suites on the train, guaranteeing an exclusive and special experience. Read More

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