Picturesque landscapes, sushi, innovative technology, and anime — these are some of the things that immediately come to mind when talking about Japan. This is no wonder why the Land of the Rising Sun has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world!
You might also have heard of their famous high-speed bullet trains that you can take using a JR Pass. But did you know that Japan has a lot more unique train journeys waiting for you? Add these Joyful Trains to your Tokyo itinerary, where you can get a one-of-a-kind experience aboard each one!
Hop on and travel through the world of Japan on these 14 Joyful Trains:
- B.B.BASE
- HIGH RAIL 1375
- KAIRI
- FruiTea Fukushima
- SL Banetsu Monogatari
- SL Gunma
- Pokémon with YOU train
- Resort Shirakami
- SL Ginga
- Toreiyu Tsubasa
- Koshino Shu*Kura
- Oykot
- Resort View Furusato
- TOHOKU EMOTION
What's a Joyful Train?
First thing first, you might be as confused as I was when I heard of Joyful Trains. Turns out that these are a series of unique trains that are operated by JR East all over the Tohoku area, north of Tokyo. And as its name suggests, these trains are coupled with various joyful features like food, decorations, and events to make the journey itself a joyful experience rather than for the purpose of getting from point A to point B!
#KlookTip: These Joyful Trains do not operate daily so do check and book your tickets ahead as they can get rather popular!
1. B.B.BASE
The B.B.Base is a train created especially for cyclists. Image credit: JR East Chiba Branch
Calling all cycling enthusiasts, this is one train that is designed especially for you. Operating out of Tokyo's JR Ryogoku Station, the B.B.BASE train, which stands for “BOSO BICYCLE BASE”, was designed to encourage visitors to discover the Boso Peninsula by rail and cycling.
The unique feature of this train is that selected carriages are fitted with bicycle racks near the doors. This is so that you can not only bring your ride along with you safely but also mount and dismount your bicycle quickly when getting on and off the train!
2. HIGH RAIL 1375
Get closer to the heavens aboard the HIGH RAIL 1375 train. Image Credits: @bamboo.grass.river
Admire the panoramic views of Mount Yatsugatake in the Tohoku region with the HIGH RAIL 1375. Running along the highest altitudes of Koumi Line, this train is said to bring you “nearest to the heavens.”
Riding this train is one of the most exciting things to do in Japan for astronomy lovers who love stargazing! Inside the High Rail Gallery, a night sky is projected on a dome in the ceiling where you can watch the stars or if you prefer to read about galaxies and the skies, the train has astronomy books too!
3. KAIRI
What more can you ask for than good food and comfy, spacious seating? Image Credits: @sweetchefemmie
KAIRI, literally meaning “sea” (kai) and “villages” (ri), shows the perfect harmony between the sea and the beautiful villages, which are the most prominent characteristics of the Niigata Prefecture. While admiring the charming and picturesque mountains of the villages, you can also get a taste of the local seafood and cuisine of Niigata inside the train.
4. FruiTea Fukushima
Enjoy seasonal desserts made from Fukushima fruits on board this cafe train. Image credits: JR East
Hop on board the FruiTea Fukushima - a cafe on rails - that features elegantly crafted desserts made from seasonal fruits from Fukushima Prefecture. Expect a delightful journey as you enjoy the spectacular views all while filling your tummy with delicious desserts featuring seasonal apples, Asian pears, peaches and grapes. This train operates only on weekends out of Koriyama or Sendai stations.
5. SL Banetsu Monogatari
Travel back in time to the Taisho era as you ride the SL Banetsu Monogatari train. Image Credits: @tomos25g
Built in 1946, the SL (steam locomotive) Banetsu Monogatari train is nicknamed the “Kifujin” or the noble lady for its graceful and classic exterior. This old-style Joyful train takes inspiration from the Taisho era and is decorated with wood patterns and soft-coloured interiors. There are Okojo rooms even built inside the train to cater to children and adults, where the staff organise fun games and events for the entertainment of the passengers.
6. SL Gunma
You definitely won’t miss this train, thanks to its loud chugging. Image Credits: @jreast_au
SL Gunma travels through the Gunma prefecture with two powerful trains: Minakami and Yokokawa, operated by the D51 498 and C61 20 steam locomotives. This ride is a real treat for SL enthusiasts as they get to experience the traditional train ride! Inside, they also offer special Gunma ekiben (lunch boxes in trains). The kiddos can even put on the train conductor uniform and make live announcements to passengers.
7. Pokémon with You Train
The Pokémon with You train is waiting for the greatest Pokémon monster! Image Credits: @inakanaga
Heads up, anime and Nintendo fans, you have to ride the Pokémon with You train when you travel to Japan! Built to bring smiles to the affected children of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, this Pikachu-designed train is one of the most famous Joyful trains in Japan. Kids and adults will surely get the time of their lives with playrooms and Pikachu stuffed toys inside the train.
8. Resort Shirakami
Find your inner peace as you ride along the Shirakami-Sanchi when you travel to Japan. Image Credits: @kiji.life
Travelling along the Gono Line, the Resort Shirakami train in the Tohoku region is one of the pioneers of Joyful trains in the country. It gives you a breathtaking view of the seaside scenery of Shirakami-Sanchi, one of Japan’s World Heritage sites. The train’s interior is decorated with Japanese beech and light and dark green tones, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere. You can also get a taste of the region’s delicious goodies sold at a counter inside the Resort Shirakami train.
9. SL Ginga
Experience a night on the Galactic Railroad inside the SL Ginga train. Image Credits: @run474
For a more cosy and traditional train ride, the SL Ginga is the ride for you when travelling to Japan. Using a restored C58 239 steam locomotive, the SL Ginga train travels on the Kamaishi Line between Hanamaki and Kamaishi. With Ginga meaning “galaxy,” astrology fans will surely love riding this train as its interior is designed after Kenji Miyazawa’s “Night on the Galactic Railroad” novel.
The train is decorated with gas lamps, stained glass windows, and astrological partitions. It also features the first optical planetarium inside a train so astrology lovers are in for a treat!
10. Toreiyu Tsubasa
Choose a locally brewed Yamagata beverage of your choice in the Toreiyu Tsubasa train. Image Credits: @losotrosmundos
Toreiyu Tsubasa got its name from a blend of Japanese pronunciations of the English word train (torein) and the French word soleil (soreiyu), meaning sun. Together, it formed the word Toreiyu, literally meaning “train sun.” This Joyful train is the relaxing train ride you’re looking for when you travel to Japan. Its interior is designed with tatami mats, giving you a traditional Japanese-style onsen experience. You can also relax with footbaths inside the train while enjoying the scenery and Yamagata’s locally brewed sake, wine, or juice.
11. Koshino Shu*Kura
Chill with a cup of sake and captivating music aboard the Koshino Shu*Kura train. Image Credits: @patswalkoflife
If you love Japanese sake, you shouldn’t miss riding the Koshino Shu*Kura Joyful train in the Niigata prefecture, also known as the King of Locally Brewed Sakes. To further mimic the sake brewery vibe, the interior has standing tables with sake casks where you can chill with a cup of sake while listening to live music inside the train.
12. Oykot
he Oykot train will make you miss your grandma’s cooking. Image Credits: @taka_yuki_abe
Oykot, which is Tokyo spelt backwards, is a Joyful train along the Iiyama Line. The name is meant to contrast the busy atmosphere of Tokyo since the Oykot train brings people to rustic areas where the true heart of the Japanese people resides. While admiring the calming and healing view of the rice paddies, rivers, and mountains, this train aims to bring back your childhood memories of visiting your grandma in your hometown.
13. Resort View Furusato
Hop on the Resort View Furusato train for a trip down memory lane. Image Credits: @lovewine_horse
For more nostalgic memories, the Resort View Furusato train will give you just that! Running along the Oito Line, you’ll be able to admire the beauty of Japan’s Northern Alps aboard this train. The rustic home villages, or furusato, en route to the refreshing streams, lakes, and clear blue skies will evoke nostalgia and make you miss the good old times.
14. TOHOKU EMOTION
Enjoy a fine-dining experience all while soaking in the coastal views. Image credit: JR East
The TOHOKU EMOTION is a fine-dining restaurant on rails. Look forward to a fine-dining experience featuring local Tohoku ingredients all while soaking in the stunning views of the Sanriku Coast. Besides a set lunch that is prepared in a live kitchen right on board the train, you can also sink your teeth into delightful desserts served on a buffet line.
Bonus Themed Trains You Shouldn't Miss!
1. JR Haruka Express
JR West Hello Kitty-themed Haruka Express
Calling all Hello Kitty fans! You definitely should not miss this JR Haruka Express if you're headed to Osaka next. Not only is the train wrapped in a Hello Kitty design, but you'll also find numerous surprises awaiting you within the train itself.
The JR Haruka Express starts from Osaka's Kansai Airport and will bring you directly to Shin-Osaka Station, before heading to Kyoto. So you can also catch it if you're thinking of travelling between Osaka and Kyoto!
#KlookTip: We're not going to spoil the surprise for you, but you should definitely pay the toilet a visit 😉
Enjoy more than $14 off when you bundle your JR Haruka Express ticket with popular attractions like HARUKAS300, Umeda Sky Observatory, or Kyoto Railway Museum now!
2. Sagano Romantic Train
If you're headed to Kyoto, don't miss out on the Sagano Romantic Train that's right at the Arashiyama Station. They call it romantic for a reason because this scenic ride will bring you through gorgeous landscapes, especially during the autumn and sakura seasons. It promises to be one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Japan!
