Scenic Railway (Trolley, etc.) Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Experience / Training / Vehicle

Scenic Railway (Trolley, etc.)

Umaji Shinrin Railway and Incline

3.5

6 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kouchi Pref. Akigunumajimura Umaji 3564-1

This forest railway is located in front of Community Center Umaji in Umaji, Umaji Village, Aki County. The roughly 300-meter-long railway is a 2:3 scale reproduction of the forest railway that was once used to carry lumber here. The top of the steep incline offers a sweeping view of the surrounding scenery.

天気もよく、坂を下り馬路温泉に車を止めて坂を上ると目の前に森林鉄道があり、週末と祝日しかやってないみたいです。木でできた切符をもらい歩いても行ける距離を二周回ってくれます。そよ風も心地よく、川の流れも綺麗でお子さんにはとても喜ばれると思います。
Hakone Tozan Train

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Goura - Hakone-machi, Hakone-machi - Odawara

Hakone Tozan Train is a mountain railway which starts from Odawara Station at an altitude of 14 meters and runs to Gora Station at an altitude of 541 meters via Hakone-Yumoto Station. It’s the perfect way to take in the Hakone sights with hot spring resorts and museums dotted about along the railway. There are many sharp turns and steep slopes, and the train is well-known for its switchbacks which happen at Deyama Signal Station, Ohiradai Station and Upper Ohiradai Signal Station. The driver and the conductor each walk to the other end of the train and the train switches into reverse to continue its journey. The hydrangeas along the railway line are in full bloom each year around the middle of June and it’s during this period that the train is nicknamed the Hydrangea Train.
Watarase Keikoku Railway

Travel / Tourism

Gunma Pref. Midorishi Omamachouomama 1375 Ohma Station yard

"This JR East Japan Ashio Line railroad was changed to Watarase Keikoku Railway in 1989. This trolley train has become famous thanks to being picked up by the media and its abbreviated name, ""Watetsu”. There are two types of trolley trains, Trolley Watarase Keikoku Go, and Trolley Wasshii Go. There is the ordinary type, and the open type, which has no window panes. The trolley trains allow customers to enjoy the ever-changing seasonal landscapes and refreshing wind of Watarase Keikoku (gorge). The trains do not run every day, so please be sure to check the website for operating schedules."
Railway torokko train “Yusuge-go”

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Asoguntakamorimachi Takamori South Aso railway Takamori station

A trolley which runs between Minamiaso Railway Nakamatsu Station and Takamori Station in Kumamoto Prefecture only from March until November. The train only operates on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and the vacation season. The Aso Caldera can be seen from much of the train’s route, and riders can enjoy views of gorgeous mountains and rural landscapes from the open windows of the cars. Train staff also provide a guided tour on the area during the trip. In addition to beautiful views, the ride has its thrills, including travelling along a bridge between Nakamatsu Station and Tateno Station 60 meters above a ravine.
Oigawa Railway

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Shimadashi Kanayazuma 2-1112-2

The Oigawa Mainline of this railway connects from Kanaya Station in Shimada City to Senzu Station in Kawanehoncho, Haibara County, and then extends from Senzu Station to Ikawa Station in Aoi Ward, Shizuoka Prefecture. Steam locomotives operate on the Oigawa Mainline and run more often and further here than anywhere else in Japan. Along the Ikawa Line they run the special Abt System Trains with their special toothed system.
Gono Line Resort Shirakami

Travel / Tourism

Akita prefecture (Akita station) - Aomori prefecture (Hirosaki station/Aomori station)

All seats are reserved seats on this resort train that passes between Akita and Aomori. Not only can you enjoy the views of the Shirakami Mountains on the Gono Line connecting Aomori’s Kawabe Station to Akita’s Higashi-Noshiro Station, you can enjoy sightseeing while testing out the local cuisine at each station. Each train is worth seeing, as they have decorations befitting their names— “beech”, “blue pond”, and “black woodpecker” —on the interior and exterior.
Oigawa Railway Steam Locomotives

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Shimada-shi Kanaya Higashi 2-1112-2
Hitachinaka Seaside Railway

Travel / Tourism

Ibaraki Pref. Hitachinakashi Shakamachi 22-2 Naka Station

A railway line connecting Katsuta Station and Ajigaura Station in Hitachinaka City. Various sightseeing destinations such as Hitachi Seaside Park and the Nakaminato Fish Market are situated along the line, and customers can purchase an all-day pass which allows unlimited rides. At Nakaminato Station, visitors may be welcomed by Osamu, the station's cat.
Hokkaido Railway Company

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporo-shi Chuo-ku Kita 11-jo nishi 15

"Limited to the period from mid-June to the end of September, the Furano Biei Norokko train runs from Furano to Asahikawa. On this slowly gliding train, you can thoroughly enjoy the grand nature around through large windows. It even stops at the ""Lavender Field"" station, convenient for lavender tourism. If you want to be sure of getting a seat, it is recommended you make a reservation through JR Hokkaido."
SL Hitoyoshi

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Prefecture Kagoshima Main Line Kumamoto Station - Heiyatsu Line Hitoyoshi Station

This special steam locomotive runs between Kumamoto Station and Hitoyoshi Station on weekends and during long holidays. The nostalgia-filled sight of the steam billowing from the locomotive has captured the hearts of railway fans throughout the country. The interior features a classic, wood-centric design and contains an observation car, lounge, library, and buffet offering light snacks and drinks, not to mention commemorative passes and a photo service. Gaze out the window and take in the scenery as you let the steam locomotive’s pulsing beat reverberate through you.
Hiroshima Dentestu Train

Travel / Tourism

Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture

This train is a convenient train means of transportation in the city center, and has the familiar nickname of “Hiroden”. Set tickets for travel to Miyajima with Miyajima Matsudai ferry are also available.
SL Gunma Minakami

Travel / Tourism

Gunma Pref. Takasakishi Sakaechou 6-26

This special SL train was proposed by JR East, and runs along the Joetsu Line allowing customers to experience the natural views of Gunma between Takasaki Station and Minakami Station. There is also an option to learn about the history of the Shin'etsu Main Line railroad to Yokogawa Station. This train ride experience of the natural views of Gunma begins with a tour of the coupling work and also features a photo opportunity at Shibukawa Station where customers can get a good look at the SL up close. On this journey through the history of the railway, customers experience a different kind of train ride, such as being able to hear the EL and the DL's steam whistle. There are also fun experiences for children such as making onboard announcements and the SL 61 story's train lunch.
Choshi Dentetsu (Electric Railway)

Travel / Tourism

Chiba Pref. Choushishi Araoichou 2-297 Nakanomachi Station

Choshi Electric Railway runs within the city of Choshi. It was founded in 1923 and runs from Choshi Station to Tokawa Station, with ten intermediate stations. The entire trip takes about 20 minutes. The distinguishing features of this railway are the views of cabbage fields and fishing communities that passengers can see from the window, the retro rolling stock, and the European-style station buildings. At Nakanocho Station, visitors can tour the railyards, and it is possible to rent an entire train for special occasions.
Shiman Torocco

Travel / Tourism

Kouchi Pref. Takaokagunshimantochou

This tourist train operates on the JR Yodo Line between Kubokawa Station in Shimanto Town, Takaoka County, Kochi Prefecture and Uwajima Station in Nishiki-machi, Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture. The trolley-style train, a modified freight car, offers passengers direct views of the Shimanto River and other scenic sights along the railway. There are even guides who provide information about the sights. Passengers can also buy souvenirs onboard the train.
Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi

Travel / Tourism

Miyazaki Prefecture Miyazaki City JR Miyazaki Station-Miyazaki Prefecture Nichinan City JR Nango Station

This sightseeing train runs between Miyazaki City and Nichinan City. The special express train connects Miyazaki Station to Nango Station and goes via the Nippo Main Line and Nichinan Line. Operations began in 2009 and the train runs one return trip a day on Saturdays, public holidays and during long holidays such as in the spring, summer and winter vacations. In addition to the service counter in the train, food and drink made from special prefectural products such as mango caramel and ice cream are also available.
Kirishima Shuzo Co., Ltd. Kiri-no-Kura Bakery

Travel / Tourism

Oita Beppu City JR Beppu Station-Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture JR Aso Station

This bakery is located within the “Kirishima Factory Garden”. The soft and fragrant bread made with “shochu moromi”, a by-product of shochu manufacturing, is popular. There is a café in the bright shop with many windows and visitors can taste bread and freshly cooked pizza. It is a popular shop that closes when the bread sells out.
Toyohashi Railroad, Azumada Main Line (City Line)

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Toyohashi-shi Ekimae-Akaiwaguchi ,-Undokoen-mae

A tram that runs through Toyohashi City. It connects the Ekimae stop in front of Toyohashi Station with Akaiwaguchi Station in Ihara, Azumada-cho and the Undokoen-mae stop in Toyooka-cho. Various on-board events include the summertime Noryo Beer Tram to enjoy the cool evening, the wintertime Odensha where passengers eat oden hot pot (soy-flavored fish cake broth), and an occasional program where you can try driving the tram yourself.
Fuji Tozan Densha

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Otsuki-shi

A mountain railway operated by Fuji Kyuko. It runs between Otsuki Station in Otsuki, Otsuki City, and Kawaguchiko Station in Funatsu, Fuji Kawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru County. It's made up of two train cars, Aka-Fuji and Ao-Fuji, designed by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka and you can enjoy a journey on these retro-modern train cars equipped with observation seats and counter seating.
Yuri Kogen Railway

Travel / Tourism

Akita Yurihonjo-shi Yashimamachi Nanokamachi Hane Zaka 21-2

"This tourist railway was born as a civic entity in order to take over the Japan National Railways Yashima Line in 1985. Extending from Yashima Station to Ugo-Honjo Station in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, the railway line is 23 kilometers long. Trains can be chartered or and there's also a ""cycle train"" service which you can bring your bicycle onto. (Be aware that ""cycle trains"" operate in fixed areas and at fixed times.) The railway operates an abundant variety of trains; customers rave in particular about the children's space on the Nakayoshi Koyoshi train."
Kushiro Marsh Norokko Train

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kushiroshi Kitaodori 14-5

The Kushiro Wetlands Norokko Train, taking roughly one hour or so, runs slowly from Kushiro Station to Toro Station. There are carriages on the train from where you can see the largest wetlands in Japan and some spectacular meandering rivers. It’s a pleasure to be able to take in the sights while ambling along at such a relaxed pace. The train runs from late April through to October every year. Reserved seats can be booked one month in advance.