Best Scenic Train Journeys with the JR Pass
Discover Japan's most breathtaking scenic train journeys that you can experience with the JR Pass, from coastal routes to mountain railways.
- RailQuest Team
- 4 min read
Best Scenic Train Journeys with the JR Pass 🚆🌄
Introduction
Japan is home to some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world, offering travelers coastal vistas, mountainous landscapes, and historic countryside views. If you have a JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass), you can explore these stunning rail routes without extra cost, making train travel one of the best ways to experience Japan’s natural beauty.
From the alpine valleys of Nagano to the rugged northern coastline of Hokkaido, here are the best scenic train routes you can ride with the JR Pass.
Caption: A JR scenic train passing through cherry blossom trees in spring.
🚞 1. Gono Line (五能線) – Coastal Beauty of Northern Japan
📍 Route: Akita → Aomori
The Gono Line is one of Japan’s most stunning coastal train routes, running along the Sea of Japan. This breathtaking ride passes rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and panoramic ocean views, making it a must-see journey for nature lovers.
✅ Best Views: The famous “Senjojiki” rock formations along the coast.
✅ Best Season: Summer and autumn (for sunset ocean views).
✅ Train: Resort Shirakami (リゾートしらかみ) – A sightseeing train with large panoramic windows.
Caption: The Resort Shirakami train traveling along the Sea of Japan.
🚂 2. Tadami Line (只見線) – The Most Beautiful Train Route in Japan
📍 Route: Aizu-Wakamatsu → Niigata
The Tadami Line is often called Japan’s most scenic train journey, offering stunning views of mountains, rivers, and deep forests. The railway features iconic steel bridges crossing over misty valleys, creating picture-perfect landscapes.
✅ Best Views: Tadami River No.1 Bridge – A famous postcard view of Japan.
✅ Best Season: Winter (snow-covered landscapes) or autumn (vibrant red foliage).
✅ Tip: The Tadami Line has few trains per day, so check the schedule in advance.
Caption: A JR train crossing the Tadami River Bridge during autumn.
🚄 3. Hokkaido’s Furano-Biei Norokko Train (富良野・美瑛ノロッコ号) – Lavender Fields and Rolling Hills
📍 Route: Furano → Biei
If you’re visiting Hokkaido with a JR Pass, the Furano-Biei Norokko Train is a must-ride journey, offering panoramic views of colorful flower fields, lavender gardens, and rolling countryside hills.
✅ Best Views: Furano’s famous lavender fields in summer.
✅ Best Season: June to August (peak bloom of flowers).
✅ Train: Norokko Sightseeing Train – Features wooden interiors and slow-paced travel for relaxed sightseeing.
Caption: A scenic train ride through Hokkaido’s lavender fields in summer.
🚆 4. Hisatsu Line (肥薩線) – Historic Railway Through Kyushu’s Mountains
📍 Route: Yatsushiro → Hayato
The Hisatsu Line is one of Japan’s most historic railways, winding through mountains, lush valleys, and deep river gorges in Kyushu. Along the way, you’ll see old tunnels, wooden stations, and breathtaking views of Kirishima Volcano.
✅ Best Views: The iconic Sakamoto Station, a wooden station in the mountains.
✅ Best Season: Spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (golden foliage).
✅ Train: SL Hitoyoshi – A historic steam locomotive train still in operation!
Caption: The SL Hitoyoshi steam train traveling through Kyushu’s mountains.
🚋 5. Oigawa Railway (大井川鐵道) – Steam Train Through Tea Plantations
📍 Route: Shizuoka → Kawane
If you love nostalgic train rides, the Oigawa Railway offers a classic steam train experience, running through Shizuoka’s lush tea plantations and alongside the Oi River.
✅ Best Views: Rolling green tea fields and river valleys.
✅ Best Season: Spring and autumn for the best scenery.
✅ Train: SL Oigawa – One of Japan’s few remaining steam trains.
Caption: A steam locomotive traveling through Shizuoka’s green tea fields.
🎟 How to Ride These Scenic Trains with the JR Pass
Since these scenic routes are operated by JR Group, they are fully covered by the JR Pass. However, for sightseeing trains like Resort Shirakami, Norokko, and SL Hitoyoshi, you may need to reserve seats in advance at JR ticket offices.
✅ Booking Tips for Scenic Trains
- Reserve seats early, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn).
- Use the JR Ticket Office (“Midori no Madoguchi”) at major stations.
- Some trains allow online reservations via JR East and JR Kyushu websites.
Conclusion
With the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), you can experience some of the world’s most scenic train journeys for free, enjoying coastal landscapes, mountain valleys, and historic routes.
🚆 Which scenic train journey in Japan is on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!