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Echigo Tokimeki Railway’s Setsugekka boasts the largest windows in Japan. Unfortunately for me, they were half covered on my journey due to the scorching summer sun. There are so many thing to like about the train and journey that could fill an afternoon. The most unique is the stop at Tsutsuishi station. The station is…
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The first time I booked this train, it got canceled the day before due to weather so I was excited to finally ride it and it did not disappoint. I chose the dining car which seats 24 with couples and bench seating. The food was excellent and paired very well with the lush landscape beyond…
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In which I almost got left behind. During the stop at Omigawa station, I got so caught up taking pictures, the train started to depart without me. I waved frantically at the operator and had to wait a minute while they verified that I am indeed a passenger, before opening the door to let me…
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The phoenix that takes you between Osaka and Nagoya in style. Beyond its good looks, the Premium car features large windows with an elevated deck and boasts luxurious seats similar to those found in the Gran class. And those who reserved the first row gets a bird’s eye view out the front. What sets the…
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Out of all the trains Kintetsu Railway runs, Shimakaze may be my favorite. I had reserved the private Japanese compartment and it was a delight to travel as if one was sitting at home. All it was missing was a blanket for kotatsu. There was a touch screen by the table with selections for the…
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I was the only passenger to board the quaint train at Mihara station. It felt somewhat surreal to have the entire train to myself for almost a half hour. The space is artfully decorated with books, a flip animation device, and various displays of things that evoke travel. In addition, there is a dedicated space…
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While there are multiple options to hop between Osaka and Nara, I opted for the recently refurbished train with the red nose and gold body. Unfortunately for me, the train was running late due to a trespasser on the tracks during which time the local alternative arrived and left. I did have the fortune that…
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As its name implies, the Seto Inland Sea is the focus of this tourist train. Before that however, I savored the delicious sweets made from a local confectionery that I ordered beforehand. It was a leisurely way to watch the scenery pass from the curtained windows. After Takehara station, we arrive at the anticipated leg…
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One of the few overnight trains in Japan and it has a different route depending on the season. Beyond going places that the Sunrise Express does not, it features a colorful interior and more comforts to elevate the journey. The six car train have multiple seat types aimed across all demographics from single travelers to…
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My first ride on the Sonic was rather memorable. Thankfully I had the opportunity to enjoy more fully on a later trip. In addition to its colorful interior, the limited express train showcases various arts and crafts from the various regions it passes through. Beyond several communal spaces, open and enclosed, a circular glass alcove…
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This may be one of the most underrated of all Japanese trains. The limited express train operates 15 roundtrips daily between Okayama and Izumoshi making it incredibly convenient. In addition to the typical Green and Ordinary seats, it stands out by offering a compartment seat that lies completely flat. While there are only four total,…
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I ran around the station frantically looking for the train before asking a staff. Apparently the train is so special it has its own separate building and platform next door. Once inside, ticket holders are granted a drink from the cafe on the first floor where most waited. It’s a shame because the formal lounge…
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Don’t let the unoriginal name fool you. This tourist train from Seibu lives up to its namesake and some more. Months before departure, I was treated to omotenashi during ticket purchase when I wrote to inform the railway that I was the only passenger even though I purchased three tickets to meet the seat requirement.…
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The Izu peninsula is a popular tourist destination and the gorgeous Saphir Odoriko can take you there in elegant comfort. The Premium Green car leads the train and offers abundant views in all directions. Working in tandem with the windows, the seat even rotates so you can enjoy the lovely scenery without moving your head.…
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Odakyu operates several trains between Shinjuku and Hakone with the Romancecar being the most popular. Its foremost distinguishing feature is the large panoramic windows at the front. This makes the first row of seats extremely hard to get.
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I knew something was wrong when I looked at my watch and it was two minutes after departure yet we were still at the station. By five minutes, they announced there was a delay then not long after, the train was canceled due to potential weather. While it was disappointing to have my journey cut…
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If one seeks cuteness for their train journey, the Aso Boy will surely deliver. Kuro, the mascot, can be seen playing everywhere within and outside. From the lounge car with bench seating to the cafe car, he’s unavoidable. Speaking of the cafe, the space features a playroom for kids. There’s a small reading nook with…
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This may be one of my favorite trains just for the sole reason that the stop at Oda station allows passengers to cross the rail tracks. With an interior decorated in stained glass windows that recall the days of yesteryear, the jazz music playing softly overhead completes the European aesthetic.
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Ibusuki no Tamatebako bursts with personality. From its “two face” exterior to the jambalaya interior, there’s no shortage of entertainment in the barely one hour ride. Seating varies from swirling stools for kids to plush sofas where one may enjoy a book. Artwork adorn parts of a wall and an attendant pushes a cart offering…
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Kamome has held a long history in Kyushu’s rail and its latest iteration as a shinkansen is only natural. With a touch from Mitooka, the train is pleasing both inside and out. The wooden interior and patterned upholstery add a level of coziness above the other shinkansen. For the time being, it runs between Takeo…
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The Minato is not a train but I am including it here because it is designed by Eiji Mitooka. Some of his most famous works include Rokumon and Seven Stars in Kyushu. Like his other creations, the streetcar is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. It is operated by the city of Nagasaki. Their website offers…
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One thing I love about Japanese trains is that they can do both. One can hop between Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki quickly via the Kamome or one can take a serene journey via the Two Stars. The name refers to the number of prefectures it passes through because it would be at least four stars…
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Kanpachi Ichiroku is the newest tourist train introduced by JR Kyushu and the hype was worth the wait. Named after two rail contributors in the region, the former refers to the southbound trip from Hakata to Beppu while the latter is the reverse. The three car train is simply stunning dressed in bright colors and…
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The Sunrise Seto is an overnight sleeper train that runs between Tokyo and Takamatsu. It is coupled with the Sunrise Izumo until Okayama where the latter runs to Izumoshi. It is the last remaining regularly scheduled overnight train in Japan. There are multiple berths to choose from. The nobinobi seats are included with the JR…
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I am a big Hello Kitty fan. I own towels to playing cards to a pez dispenser. So when I found out JR West runs a Hello Kitty shinkansen, I knew I had to ride it! The train runs between Shin-Osaka station and Hakata station with stops at all stations so it’s much slower than…
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My final ryokan of the trip is Tawaraya in Kyoto. It’s considered one of the best so I was really curious how it would measure up to Gora Kadan. It’s a fairly exclusive property in that there is no way to book it online. You literally have to call. Depending on your time zone, you…
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I was in Kyoto station when I chanced upon a train with Hello Kitty livery. It was not the Hello Kitty Shinkansen and I wasn’t aware there was another train featuring the beloved character so I was very intrigued. A quick research showed that it is the Hello Kitty Haruka. Originally, the Haruka was an…
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The Sagano Romantic is a sightseeing train in Kyoto. It runs between stations Torokko Saga and Torokko Kameoka. The train itself isn’t anything special. Utilitarian with wooden bench seating. Its selling point lies in the scenery on the journey. While it’s not covered by the JR Pass, it won’t break the bank at 800 Yen.…
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The Kyoto Railway Museum is an incredibly awesome place. It features a turntable of steam locomotives dating back over 100 years. And on any given day, the SL exhibit welcomes visitors to take a ride on one of the iconic locomotives for merely 300 Yen! On the day I was there, it was the C62-2…
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Asadaya is a very small ryokan in Kanazawa. The property only has a total of four rooms. It is located in an excellent location, just across the street from Omicho Market. Unfortunately, they do not have an onsen. I stayed in room Takao which was far smaller than my previous two ryokans. A small foyer…
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The Hanayome Noren is a sightseeing train covered by the JR Rail Pass. It runs between Kanazawa station and Wakura Onsen station. Posters in the station does not prepare one for the beauty or breathtaking experience of the train. Arriving at the platform, one finds colorful curtains hanging from above. Attendants in yukata welcome passengers…
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Kagaya ryokan in Wakura Onsen is over 100 years old and voted the best hotel in Japan at one point. I was annoyed by the price during reservation until I got to my room and saw how big it was. I believe it is bigger than my suite at Gora Kadan if that was possible.…
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The Kagayaki is a shinkansen serving Tokyo and Kanazawa. It offers a Gran class car which is the reason why I chose to take it. The Gran class is another tier above the Green class. One can consider it like first class on a flight. Car 12 is the designated Gran car and the exterior…
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Of the countless options in Hakone, I couldn’t have found a better place than Gora Kadan to experience my first onsen and ryokan. I had booked the Rindo suite. It was much bigger than the pictures suggested. There were two exterior entrances because the suite actually comprises of two separate rooms. The first room serves…
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The Hakone Tozan train runs on the oldest mountain railway in Japan. Similar to the Sagano Romantic, the train itself isn’t special. Its attraction lies in the scenery along the way and the three switchbacks it utilizes for the almost 450 meter climb. I started the journey from Odawara station where the shinkansen stops. The…
