Joyful Trains in Japan: Cutest Scenic Rides by Region

  • Post last modified:25 May 2025
  • Reading time:29 mins read

Japan has some of the cutest, most scenic trains in the world – known as Joyful trains. I don’t believe, any other country even comes close. These kawaii sightseeing trains provide everything from incredible views to the irresistibly cute interiors and more fun than you’d ever admit out loud (looking at hubby ).

See also my complete guide with tips and itineraries for planning your trip to Japan.

See my complete guide of public transportation in Japan.

See my advice on train travel in Japan.

Needless to say, I’ve hopped on as many of these amazing sightseeing trains, as I possibly could. In fact, I managed to catch over 20 of them – and there are still dozens more I can’t wait to try.

Based on my travels, I have compiled a list of the cutest scenic trains around Japan sorted by regions. If you know of any amazing ones I have missed, let me know, I’ll make you a member of the secret society of Joyful train lovers.

From all the trains I have taken, my top five are the following – find a detailed description of each linked:

Note: this guide doesn’t include details of the most expensive luxury trains, only a mention of them.

What to Expect on Joyful Trains in Japan

Stamps and Souvenirs

  • Many of these trains have their own stamps, look in the car, where they sell snacks and souvenirs. Ask, if you don’t find it. These stamps are the cutest. If you don’t have a stamp book with you, they have very cute post-card looking papers for you to stamp on.

Buffet Cars

  • These trains will most probably have buffet cars full of souvenirs and snacks. Coffee is generally only black, maximum they will do is add a bit of milk. Don’t expect any elaborate drinks. Snacks can be small cookies, some sweets and even bento boxes. Some of the things you may have to order in advance, so if you would like something specific, check on their website.

Window Seats

  • I guess that’s very obvious, so mentioning it is silly, but still – make sure to have a window seat and double check, which side views are better. On some trains the side matters a lot. You can’t always choose a side, while booking though, so sometimes there’s nothing you can do, but if you have an option, do make sure to see my tips and choose the correct side.

Talking is OK

  • The etiquette concerning speaking on public transport doesn’t apply to the Joyful trains. You will find people chatting, the train attendants explaining the sites or showing another of their trains passing by coming from the other side. So don’t feel embarrassed, although don’t shout 😀

Advance Reservation

  • Most Joyful trains are reservation only and require advance booking. There are a few exception, which I will mention below, but the rule of the thumb is that you need to book a few weeks to a few days in advance. Check the website of each of them for availability.

Schedule

  • Some of the trains run every day (or almost), however, there are some, which only run on weekends and holidays, or during certain seasons. While most trains are great any time of the year, some of them have exceptionally beautiful views during the Sakura season or the Momiji season.

Saving Money

  • Some of these trains can be quite expensive, if you take them from one end to another. If you can’t afford to pay the full price, but still want to experience them, you can book a part of the journey for much cheaper. For example, in case of Aso Boy! we rode it only for 10 minutes Kumamoto to Suizenji. This can cut down your cost significantly, unless you want to visit the final destination.
  • With Jr Pass or Regional passes seat reservations are normally free in Japan. But some of them ask reservation fees to book online. Therefore, if you can, wait till you get to Japan to reserve. If the most popular times and routes are sold out, check out the less popular return journeys, shorter sections, anything that can have availability.

Restrooms/Toilets

  • Most sightseeing trains have restrooms onboard – some even adorably decorated. They’re usually compact, though a few are unexpectedly spacious. And of course, being Japan, they’re all high-tech. Not that you’re surprised, right? 😊

Booking Sightseeing Train Tickets

  • Many of these train tickets on the official websites may not easily come up by giving the origin and destination. You may be luckier if you search by train name. JR company websites offer this normally, like on West JR, as well as East JR official website you can search directly by train name. Similarly, if you search on Klook, searching by train name can make things easier for you.

The ticket machines unfortunately don’t have this option, at least not the ones I have used. You will have to indicate the origin and destination to get those tickets.

List of Cute Joyful Trains (by district)

Note: This division by regions can sometimes be a bit arbitrary, as some trains run from one region to another. In those cases, I included that train in the area it covers most.

Some of the train websites are only in Japanese, but Google translate helps 😊

Kyushu (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and more): Japan’s Cutest Scenic Trains

I am sure you are surprised that I am starting with Kyushu, it’s not a central region and not on many first time travellers itineraries, but when it comes to cuteness, including the Kawaii trains, Kyushu absolutely wins, hands down.

The Joyful trains in Kyushu are so awesome, they warranted a whole separate article, where you will find:

Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and more): Elegant Trains in the Cultural Heart

Kansai has abundance of Joyful trains. Being such a popular tourist destination though, most of these scenic rides sell out very fast or get very crowded.

Check out my detailed guide with information about each train:

Kanto (Tokyo and more): Stylish Rides Around the Capital

While Tokyo is where most tourists arrive to Japan, this region does not have as many amazing Joyful trains as Kansai or Kyushu. Might be just my impression though, so I am open to be convinced otherwise.

Fuji Excursion

Schedule: Tokyo Shinjuku ↔ Kawaguchiko, 4 round trips daily for the direct link – here is the timetable

Price for one way: 4,130 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations, or Klook

Tip: Tickets sell out at the speed of light, so make sure to book as soon as they become available – 30 days in advance at 10am Japan time.

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: Partly covered by JR Passes

Onboard food: N/A

Best views: Traveling towards Kawaguchiko, the right side provides Fuji views.

For this wide windowed trains running directly from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, one needs to make reservations weeks in advance. I didn’t do so, due to the fact that it’s not cheap and JR Pass covers most of the journey. But it surprisingly turned out even better – we accidentally found an even cuter train, which I thought was discontinued, according to the information I could find online. See the next train for details.

 

Fujisan View Express

Schedule: Otsuki ↔ Kawaguchiko, 2 round trips daily (45-minute trip)

Price for one way: 1500 for non-reserved including limited express fare, 2400 for Car 1

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations, or Klook

Seat reservation: Not required, except for Car 1.

Pass coverage: None

Onboard food: You can get Sweets and drinks only in the reserved first car.

Best views: Traveling towards Kawaguchiko, the right side provides Fuji views.

While I didn’t realize this train was not only first class and there were unreserved seats, luckily the train we caught in the afternoon from Mt. Fuji station to Kawaguchiko turned out to be exactly this train. The second class – cars 2 and 3 are definitely not as cute as the first class car, however they are non-reserved, so you can experience the train using them.

The train looked magnificent. I got so excited upon seeing that we could actually board it without reservations. We just had to pay for the limited express supplement after using our IC Cards, yay. The additional fare was I think about 200 yen for the 15 minute journey we took it for.

If you want a cute stamp, food and drinks and nicer part of the train, try to reserve the first car. With only 26 seats it’s quite a difficult task, but worth trying. Make sure to book immediately as tickets open 30 days before the travel date.

SL Gunma

Schedule: Takasaki ↔ Minakami/Yokokawa/Kiryu, runs mainly on weekends and seasonally, therefore double check the schedule.

Price for one way: 1520 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: JR Pass and JR East Passes covering this area

Onboard food: the lounge car offers drinks, snacks and souvenirs.

This all-black steam locomotive train looks so nostalgic. It has wooden décor and old timey passenger seats, looking like luxury bench seats. With so few of these steam trains left in Japan, I am very excited to try it.

 

Koshino Shu*Kura

Schedule: Jōetsumyōkō ↔ Tokamachi/Niigata/ Echigo-Yuzawa, runs Friday to Sunday with varied routes, therefore double check the schedule.

Price for one way: 1520 yen

Booking: Official website and the website for joyful trains (only Japanese), in-person at stations

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: JR Pass and JR East Passes covering this area, except car 1

Onboard food: the buffet car offers drinks, snacks and souvenirs.

This is a sake-themed train in Niigata Prefecture with local sake tastings and live music. The interior is also adjusted to the sake theme, you will find the bar style tables in the middle, modelled as sake casks. Car 1 is expensive, while you can use other cars with basic fare plus seat reservations fee or the one of the JR Passes.

High Rail 1375

Schedule: Kobuchizawa ↔ Komoro runs mainly on weekends and seasonally, therefore double check the schedule.

Price for one way: 1520 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: JR Pass and JR East Passes covering this area

Onboard food: Bento boxes with reservation.

This train operates at the highest elevation of any JR train, offering panoramic views of the Yatsugatake Mountains. The thing I love about this train is that it has a star gazing lounge and a planetarium with a night sky projected on the ceiling.

Hakone Tozan Railway

Schedule: Odawara ↔ Gora runs mainly on weekends and seasonally, therefore double check the schedule.

Price for one way: 460 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: Hakone Freepass

Onboard food: N/A

This is Japan’s oldest mountain railway, it offers a scenic ride through the mountains of Hakone. During June-July you get stunning views of hydrangeas in bloom.

Limited Express Romancecar

Schedule: Shinjuju ↔ Hakone-Yumoto runs daily multiple times a day

Price for one way: 2470 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: Hakone Freepass with surcharge

Onboard food: N/A

This train from Tokyo to Hakone provides lovely views of Mr Fuji. Its name was given due to double seats with no separating armrests. This train honestly doesn’t look very romantic, it does look sleek though.

Saphir Odoriko

Schedule: Tokyo Station/Shinjuku ↔ Ito/Izukyu-Shimoda, one round trip a day plus seasonal options.

Price: Fares change according to the Car you reserve – only Green car available. Check the official website for prices

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations, or Klook

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: JR Green Pass covers some seats to Ito, not to Shimoda. Private compartments not covered

Onboard food: exclusive menu with food and drinks

This train is the most expensive among those listed above. It feels luxurious with modern décor and comfortable seats. You get views of the ocean from left side when traveling from Tokyo and might spot Fuji from the right side – mountain side.

Chubu (Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama and more): Japanese Alps, Crafts, and Chic Interiors

 

Wide View Hida (Hida Limited Express)

Schedule: Osaka/Nagoya ↔ Takayama/Toyama, 10 round trips daily, however only 5 go beyond Takayama and only one travel to Osaka.

Price for Takayama to Nagoya one way: 6000 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations, or Klook

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: JR Pass full coverage, Hokuriku Arch Pass covers it Osaka to Inotani and needs surcharge further.

Onboard food: N/A

Best views: Book even rows – 2, 4, 6 .. before the trip. My research before the trip gave wrong results, which showed that odd rows were the ones where you got the middle of big windows and got uninterrupted views. On our train the best were even rows. Also book left side Seats A and B, when traveling from Toyama to Nagoya/Osaka, although both sides are pretty good.

While the inside of the train may not be anything particularly special, the windows are really lovely, you get gorgeous views of the surroundings and these surroundings are definitely worth it. You will be flued to the window all the way from Toyama to Gifu station with very few interruptions. Luckily, our train was quite empty, so I switched the seats left to right and back depending on which side the view was best. The left side towards Nagoya is slightly better, it really hardly makes a difference.

Hanayome Noren

Schedule: Kanazawa ↔ Wakuraonsen, two round trips daily

Price: 2750 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at stations, or Klook

Seat reservation: Required

Note: If you want to take this train at specific times or weekends, definitely book at least a couple of weeks in advance. Bookings open 30 days before the ride.

Pass coverage: JR Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass, Central JR Passes

Onboard food: Snacks, drinks, bento boxes with reservation

This train is one of my favourites – there are only a couple of other trains that can compete with it. It’s a real work of art – beautifully decorated inside and out, with classic patterns and a deep connection to regional tradition. It has compartments with the themes of Chrysanthemum, Clematis, Autumn foliage, Sakura and all of them are gorgeous. We loved our little compartment exactly for two seats, it was gorgeous and very private.

I went to some serious lengths to ride Hanayome Noren. The tickets from Kanazawa were fully booked, therefore, I got us tickets from Hakui to Kanazawa. We got to Hakui by a regular local train. The station was tiny with hardly anything there, no information about the trains, no staff and it was freezing (we were unlucky with the weather, when visiting Kanazawa). There were only a couple of people in the waiting area, so we tried our luck and asked one of them, if Hanayome Noren indeed ran through here. “Asked” is an exaggeration of course, considering our knowledge of Japanese – well, the lack of it. We did manage to communicate using gestures and Google Translate though 😀 He was so nice – together we figured out the train would indeed arrive here.

The attendants on the train were so nice, I loved my coffee I got from the train service. You can also get some souvenirs, snacks and, of course, a stamp.

Kurobe Gorge Railway

Schedule: Unazuki ↔ Kuronagi/Nekomata, two round trips daily

Price one way: 1410 yen full route

Booking: Official website, in-person at the station

Seat reservation: Not required but suggested.

Pass coverage: None

Onboard food: N/A

Best views: Sit on the right going upward from Unazuki.

This small train – known as the trolley train –  traverses through the mountainous terrain of the Japanese Apls and provides gorgeous views throughout. Apparently this train is your only option for exploring this remote area. The views are particularly lovely during the Momiji season.

The train has open cars – meaning those without windows – which are called regular cars. The closed cars are called relaxing cars.  Reservations are made by car number and there are no assigned seats, so it’s first come first served.

 

Belles Montagnes et Mer (Berumonta)

Schedule: Takaoka/Shin Takaoka ↔Johana/Himi, two round trips daily on weekends only

Price one way: 860 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at the station

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: None

Onboard food: food and drinks

The train’s name itself – beautiful mountains and sea in French – suggests it offers views of both mountains and the sea. This small train has just one car and very limited number of seats.

 

Resort View Furusato

Schedule: Nagano ↔Minami-Otari/Fujimi, Matsumoto, runs mainly on weekends, but daily in summer

Price one way: 860 yen

Booking: Official website, in-person at the station

Seat reservation: Required

Pass coverage: JR Pass, JR East Passes

Onboard food: food and drinks

Connects Nagano to Matsumoto, showcasing the Japanese Alps and rural landscapes.

Joyful Trains in Other Regions

Here’s a short overview of the cutest rides from each region. Though I haven’t ridden these trains yet, they’re on my must-do list for future trips and I’ll be sure to update this post once I’ve tried them all! 😊

Hokkaido (Sapporo, Furano and more): Northern Delights

  • Furano-Biei Norokko Train – A seasonal open-air train that runs through Hokkaido’s famous lavender fields and rolling hills.
  • Ryuhyo Monogatari Train – Operates only in winter along the Sea of Okhotsk, offering views of drift ice with cozy kotatsu seating.

Tohoku (Sendai, Aomori and more): Remote Beauty and Themed Nostalgia

  • Resort Shirakami – A scenic train along the Gono Line, offering panoramic views of the Sea of Japan coast between Aomori and Akita.
  • Pokémon with You Train – this train was of course built for kids, but I am sure adults enjoy it too 😊 The train is decorated with Pokémon characters and operates between Ichinoseki and Kesennuma.

Shikoku (Matsuyama, Kochi and more): Quirky Rides with Character

  • Botchan Train – A replica of a steam locomotive that runs through Matsuyama, offering a nostalgic experience.
  • Anpanman Trains – Trains decorated with characters from the popular Anpanman series, operating throughout Shikoku. This train is like a funfair on wheels.
  • Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari – A gorgeous sightseeing train running through central Shikoku, with meals, tatami seating, and scenic valleys.
  • Iyonada Monogatari – A scenic train along the Seto Inland Sea, famous for its sunset views and in-train kaiseki dining. It runs between Matsuyama and destinations along the coast.
  • Tosa Toki No Yoake No Monogatari – This elegant train is themed after Kochi’s samurai history, with stylish interiors and local dishes. It connects Kochi with Nakamura and Kubokawa.

Chugoku (Hiroshima, Okayama and more): Slow Travel with a View

  • Ametuchi – A train designed with traditional crafts, running along the Sanin coast between Tottori and Izumo. Floor-to-ceiling windows make it ideal for taking in sea and mountain views.
  • La Malle de Bois – A trendy train from Okayama to Uno Port, designed with stylish interiors and Setouchi sea views.
  • etSETOra – A vintage-style sightseeing train from Hiroshima to Onomichi with coastal panoramas of the Seto Inland Sea. Local sweets and drinks are served while you relax in charming retro cars.
  • Marumaru no Hanashi – Operating between Shin-Shimonoseki and Higashi-Hagi, this coastal train highlights local culture and crafts. Its name combines the cities it links: Hagi, Nagato, and Shimonoseki.
  • SL Yamaguchi – This nostalgic steam train known as “Lady” runs between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano. It features retro cars and travels past hot springs and mountain gorges.
  • Detective Conan Train – A themed ride celebrating the iconic manga, running between Kurayoshi and Kyoto. Inside and out, it’s covered in Detective Conan illustrations.

See also

Comprehensive guide to train travel in Japan.

Cutest joyful trains in Kansai

Cutest joyful trains in Kyushu

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