The best JR trains to appreciate the natural scenery of Tohoku and East Japan
Tohoku Emotion
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Moving up the Japanese archipelago from the Kanto region brings travelers to East Japan, comprising the six prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata, and prefectures like Nagano and Niigata. The region bridges the center of the country with the northernmost island of Hokkaido and is rich with local food delicacies, heritage-rich attractions and festivals, and some of the most gorgeous nature to be found in Japan.
Traversing through and around this region is most efficient via the vast network of trains operated by JR East, which also means it’s easily accessible for users of the Japan Rail Pass! Rail really works as the best way to get around, as many of these trains operate as both a means of transportation and the perfect way to take in the rich, flourishing coastlines, dense forests, flowing rivers, and rugged mountains.
Here are some noteworthy trains to ride to enjoy the memorable views of East Japan, some of which have standout amenities on board, maximizing your viewing experience and time exploring East Japan as a whole!
JR Tadami Line
One of the most recognizable lines in Tohoku is the JR Tadami Line. Going across the island between Niigata and Fukushima Prefectures, this train stops at some of the region's most popular destinations, including the historic samurai town of Aizu Wakamatsu and the charming lakefront village of Kaneyama. The area is known for its distinctly rural atmosphere and small farming communities. But just as much of a treat as the stops on the line is the scenery on the way!
As the train traverses across the main island, it passes by a number of quaint villages, historic towns, and the wild areas in between. One of the most iconic scenes of Tohoku is actually of the train passing over the Tadami Bridge, suspended over the river of the same name. This picturesque location is especially noteworthy for its distinct view throughout the seasons; with rich greens and foliage during the spring and summer, a mural of burgundy and gold leaves in the fall, and white blankets of snow and ice during the winter! If you get the chance, take the time to see this scene from the observation deck by the Michi-no-Eki Ozekaido roadside stop and capture one of the most sought-after photos among travelers to Japan!
Tadami Line in Autumn
@flickr/ Koichi Hayakawa
JR Kitakami Line
The Kitakami Line operates from Kitakami in Iwate Prefecture to Hottoyuda in Akita Prefecture, passing through a part of Japan that sees some of the country’s heaviest snowfall, largely due to Tohoku’s northern geography. The vast white wilderness of this region can be a delight to see, and a train on the JR Kitakami Line can serve as the perfect spot to bear witness to the blanket of stark white powder. The trains even traverse into the Ou Mountains, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene that can even be considered intimidating, yet bewildering by those who come from places where snowfall is uncommon.
Yokote Kamakura Festival
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Take the train all the way out to Yokote in Akita during winter time and see the Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival, held every year on February 15th and 16th. The piling snowfall is put to good and unique use, as small, igloo-like structures are built around the town and illuminated from the inside. Enjoy the views of winter on the train as well as a one-of-a-kind experience at the terminal destination of Yokote, a quintessential early year experience in Tohoku!
Resort Shirakami Joyful Train
While the distinct sights of inland Japan are beautiful, the country’s archipelago geography lends itself to its equally gorgeous seacoasts! For the rocky and blue ocean views of Tohoku, no locomotive is better than the Resort Shirakami, one of the JR East’s signature Joyful Trains! These Joyful Trains are specialty locomotives with unique design themes that often have special amenities onboard. The interior of the Resort Shirakami is composed almost entirely of wood that has been sourced from locations where the railway passes, adding a local, personal touch to the riding experience.
This train goes between Akita Prefecture in the northwestern sector of Tohoku, and Aomori, right on the top of Honshu Island, just south of Hokkaido.
Resort Shirakami on the JR Gono Line
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Throughout the route, the train traverses along the Japan Sea Coast, providing breathtaking views of the pristine waters and standout natural formations that decorate the coastline. The kaleidoscope of rich oranges, blues, and reds during the sunset over the ocean is awe-inspiring. Look to the opposite side of the train that looks inland and take in the spectacle of the Shirakami Mountains and Shirakami Sanchi in the back, a lush nature area that is recognized as UNESCO Nature World Heritage Site.
The Joyful Trains do require a reservation to board, but the Resort Shirakami is one that can be reserved with no additional charge for holders of the Japan Rail Pass and special JR East regional passes!
High Rail 1375 Joyful Train
Another distinct member of the JR East Joyful Train roster is that of the High Rail 1375. This is an astrology-themed locomotive that is designed for passengers to witness scenery of a more universal kind: that of the night sky!
This train actually operates in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture with great views of Mount Yatsugatake and traverses through other mountainous areas. Though it’s not located in Tohoku, Nagano is north of Tokyo and is also blessed with tranquil nature with low light pollution, lending great opportunities for stargazing. The name is derived from the fact that this is the JR train that reaches the highest elevation at 1,375 meters above sea level.
Inside the train, there are a number of cars, including one with paired seats that face outward for a panoramic view of the outdoors and night sky. The interior decoration is also astrologically themed, with a special gallery inside with an impressive array of literature and a domed ceiling with a twinkling star design. Just like the Resort Shirakami, the High Rail 1375 requires a reservation to board, but it is free to do so with a Japan Rail Pass or JR East Rail Pass.
High Rail 1375
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High Rail 1375 on the Koumi Line
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High Rail Train exterior
@JR East
Experience dining as impressive as the scenery with these special Joyful Trains!
While trains like the Resort Shirakami and High Rail 1375 can be reserved without charge with a Japan Rail Pass, there are some great Joyful Trains that require a special reservation or package to board but are also great options for enjoying the scenery of the area.
The Tohoku Emotion and KAIRI Joyful Trains are great options for enjoying premier cuisine while enjoying a leisurely journey along the coasts of Tohoku. The Emotion specializes in creating a fine-dining environment with European-influenced fare made from ingredients sourced from Tohoku, and the KAIRI showcases the cuisine of the Shonai region in Yamagata Prefecture, often cited as a world food capital for its high quality ingredients. As both trains emphasize enjoying a high quality meal, the reservation entails an additional package to board.
Onboard the Tohoku Emotion
JR East
Enjoy the journey as much as the destination with JR East!
The train network in East Japan epitomizes the idea that the experiences along the way are as much a part of travel as the destinations themselves. Blessed with rich nature throughout, a train ride through this area serves as much more than just a simple means of getting from point A to point B. From trains that present stunning panoramas of rich oceans, towering mountains, and white powdery snow, the views from the windows of JR East trains are sure to be ones that even photos cannot adequately capture.
