Character Trains and Japan Rail Pass
Japanese trains and beautiful landscape
In Japan, many destinations can be reached by lovely and useful trains, Character trains. Most of them are covered with the Japan Rail Pass.
Scenic trains in Japan
In Japan, many destinations can be reached by lovely and useful trains, Character trains. Most of them are covered with the Japan Rail Pass and a few are operated by a private company.
In a few case, the train is covered with the Japan Rail Pass but need an additional fare (click here to learn more about additional payment with a Japan Rail Pass). Please note that some of them need a reservation.
Here is a list (source: Jr company ‘s website):
Character trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass in JR East Area :
- High Rail 1375 (Gunma)
- Izu Craile
- Kirakira Uetsu
- Koshino Shu*Kura, Yuzawa Shu*Kura, Ryuto Shu*Kura ( Niigata)
- Pokémon With You Train Resort
- Asunaro (Shimokita)
- Resort Minori (Miyagi - Yamagata)
- Resort Yamadori ( Gunma)
- Resort Asunaro (Tohoku)
- Resort Shirakami (Akita, Aomori)
- Umineko Resort View (Tohoku)
- Furusato SL Banetsu
- Monogatari SL
- Genbi Shinkansen (Niigata)
- SL Gumma Minakami
- SL Gumma Yokokawa
- Zipangu (Hiraizumi) (Iwate)
For some trains, online seat reservation are available since Wednesday, September 5th, 2018.
Character trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass in Shikoku area :
- The Anpanman train (Matsuyama ↔ Okayama or Takamatsu)
- Shiman Torocco
- Iyonada Monogatari (Tadotsu ↔ Oboke)
Character trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass in Kyushu area :
- Yufuin no Mori (Hakata ↔ Yufuin/Beppu),
- Sonic (Hakata ↔ Saiki)
- Yufu (Hakata ↔ Beppu/Oita),
- Ibusuki no Tamatebako (Kagoshima-Chuo ↔ Ibusuki),
- Huis Ten Bosch (Hakata - Huis Ten Bosch)
- Kawasemi Yamasemi (Kumamoto ↔ Hitoyoshi), - A-Train (Kumamoto ↔ Misumi),
- Umisachi-Yamasachi (Miyazaki ↔ Nango),
- Aso Boy! (Beppu/Oita ↔ Aso),
- SL Hitoyoshi (Kumamoto ↔ Hitoyoshi)