One of the best things about travelling in Japan is the ability to take advantage of the country’s extensive rail network offering fast connections between its major cities and a cost-effective way to travel up and down the country.
But travelling by train in Japan isn’t just a convenient way to hop between urban areas – train travel can also be ideal for accessing some of Japan’s most off-the-beaten-path scenic spots without the responsibility and hassle of navigating a car.
Here are some of the most remote places you can get to by train in Japan, offering a journey deep into some of the country’s most unspoilt natural beauty spots.
Tsubojiri Station, Shikoku
Tucked away in a mountainous region on the Dosan Line, the station offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As a typical ‘hikyo eki’ (a secluded station in an unexplored area), Tsubojiri Station is of particular interest to railroad fans and off-the-beaten-track enthusiasts.
From Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen, take the Seto-Ohashi Line to Tadotsu Station (about 45 minutes) before changing to the Dosan Line to reach Tsubojiri Station (about 50 minutes). Why not travel in style with a journey on board the sightseeing train, Shikoku Mannaka Sennen – a luxury tourist train that treats guests with wooden interiors, colourful dishes made with local ingredients, local sake and snacks, and first-class hospitality.
Okuoikojo Station, Shizuoka Prefecture
Okuoikojo Station is located on a narrow stretch of railway that crosses a high bridge over Lake Sesso, deep in the mountains of Shizuoka Prefecture. Perched over a lake with mountains nearby, it’s a popular station for hikers to get off and explore. The breathtaking views change with the seasons from spring’s cherry blossoms, the lush and vibrant green tones of summer, autumn’s warm colours, and in winter, the area is often covered with a blanket of snow.
Starting at Kanaya Station on the JR Tokaido Line take the Oigawa Main Line to Ieyama Station (about 35 minutes). Due to construction, there is a replacement bus from Ieyama Station to Senzu Station (about 45 minutes). At Senzu Station take the Ikawa Line to Okuoikojo Station (about 50 minutes).
Kushiro Shitsugen Station, Hokkaido
In eastern Hokkaido, journey aboard the Kushiro Shitsugun Norokko sightseeing train from Kushiro Station to Toro Station to enjoy a unique rail adventure through the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. The 50-minute journey passes through marshlands, forests, and past rivers, offering spectacular panoramic scenes to everyone onboard. The remote journey allows you to explore some of Japan’s rarest wildlife from your carriage including red-crowned cranes, deer and all kinds of bird life.
The Gono Line, Aomori and Akita Prefectures
The Gono Line runs along the Sea of Japan coastline and stops at several unmanned stations as it journeys through forested areas and remote fishing villages where you’ll catch sea views. The line runs between Kawabe Station in Aomori and Higashi Noshiro Station in Akita, passing 43 stations along the way.
Akita-Shirakami Station gives access to the southern entrance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakami-Sanchi. Other must-see scenic spots along the route include the Senjojiki Coast in Fukaura – accessible from Senjojiki Station; the reddish hot springs and ocean views of Furofushi Onsen; and the blue waters of Aoike (Blue Pond) from Juniko Station – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Juniko Twelve Lakes in Shirakami-Sanchi.
Hakubi Line, Okayama to Shimane Prefectures
Travelling between Okayama Station (Okayama Prefecture) and Matsue Station (Shimane Prefecture) in the mountains of the Chugoku region, the Hakubi Line offers stunning scenic views of mountain peaks – often snowcapped in winter – as it passes through narrow valleys, remote forests, along rivers and through rural villages.
Along the Hakubi Line you can visit Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, often referred to as the Mountain Castle in the Sky because it appears to float above a sea of clouds and is accessible from Bitchu-Takahashi Station. Next at Ikura Station you can take a short walk to Ikura Cave and discover the labyrinth of corridors and caverns which have ceilings as high as 90 metres. Also, get off at Yonago Station – regarded as the gateway to Mt Daisen and not far from the coastal town of Yonago which is renowned for its seafood and hot springs.
Narai Station, Nagano Prefecture
The station provides access to Narai-juku, a well-preserved post town on the Nakasendo Trail. Nestled in the mountains, Narai-juku is a collective of Edo-period houses where you can meander the narrow streets lined with wooden buildings and visit some of the town’s cultural sites and landmarks. Highlights include the merchant’s house, Nakamura Residence, Shizume Shrine, and Kiso Bridge – an iconic wooden bridge crossing the Narai River.
