Japan is renowned for its excellent transportation, being exceptionally clean, quick and easy to use

Take an unforgettable trip around Japan and explore several of its stunning cities and villages soaking up true Japanese culture. Trains don’t only stop at major cities but allow for visitors to get off-the-beaten-track and discover hidden gems that the country has to offer on some of the world’s most scenic rides.

Seven Stars: Kyushu Prefecture, Japan

The Seven Stars train in Kyushu is a deluxe sleeper train stopping at various prefectures, onsens, volcanoes and principal cities throughout the region. Visitors can choose from standard and deluxe suites, which showcase the best of Japanese artistry and plush interior décor. Deluxe suites feature a sleeping area, lounge and private bathroom, with one of the rooms consisting of a rear window showcasing a unique view of the scenic landscape. welcomekyushu.com

Three Star Road: Japan

Three Star Road is located in the Japanese Alps, this train line travels through four areas; Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Kanazawa crossing nine prefectures; Ishikawa, Toyama, Gifu, Aichi, Fukui, Nagano, Shiga, Mie and Fukuoka. Enjoy varying Japanese scenery from the north to the south, such as townscapes, landscapes and villages. Well-known attractions that can be visited along the way include; Tateyama/Kurobe Alpine Route, Kamikochi, Kumano Kodo and Mount Fuji. Three Star Road offers an incredible off-the-beaten-track experience where visitors can experience a truly authentic Japan. mitsuboshi-kaidou.com/

The Gono line travelling through the northernmost part of the Honshu Island: Aomori Prefecture

The Gono line takes passengers to the northernmost part of the island of Honshu, from Akita Prefecture to Aomori Prefecture. This train line is perfect for those looking to set sight on stunning winter landscapes, it runs alongside most of the Sea of Japan, showcasing views of the beautiful Mount Iwaki. Whilst in Aomori Prefecture stop off in Hachinohe City where the Kabushima Shrine stands, the shrine is a branch of the Itsukushima Shrine located by Miyajima Island just off of Hiroshima. hachinohe-kanko.com/english/

Pokémon with YOU Train, all aboard the Pikachu Train: Miyagi Prefecture

The Pokémon with YOU Train came about in collaboration between JR East and Pokémon to bring a smile to the faces of children affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The Pikachu train runs on the Ofunato Line connecting the Ichinoseki Station in Iwate Prefecture with Kesennuma Station in Miyagi Prefecture. This train screams cheerfulness and enthusiasm with almost all its interiors boasting the sunny yellow colour of the Pokémon. Adding to its uniqueness this train stops off at each station for a little while, giving passengers time to get off and collect a Pikachu stamp. visitmiyagi.com/

The Twilight Express Mizukaze, JR West: Setouchi Region

The Twilight Express Mizukaze offers passengers the chance to experience travelling through a wealth of traditional and unspoiled Japanese landscape in west Japan including; Kyoto, Osaka and Yamaguchi. Whilst on board the train explores the rich history and culture of Kyoto, Matsue, Izumo and Miyajima along with the beautiful natural scenery of the Sea of Japan, Mt. Daisen and the Seto Inland Sea islands. The train offers gorgeous scenery, exquisite haute cuisine by top-class chefs and stunning interiors. setouchitrip.com/

Sightseeing etSETOra train, coming to Hiroshima 2020: Hiroshima Prefecture

Scheduled to start operation in October 2020, JR West has announced the launch of new sightseeing train in Hiroshima. The two-car train will operate a two-hour journey from Miyajimaguchi Station to Onomichi Station. The trains appearance will express Setouchi through blue interiors, representing the Seto Inland Sea and white interiors representing waves of the coastline. visithiroshima.net/

The Royal Express train: sightseeing tours coming to Hokkaido 2020: Hokkaido Prefecture

This summer Hokkaido will launch five luxury sightseeing train tours on the Royal Express between August and September. Each tour will take four days and three nights, with guests sleeping at hotels. The Royal Express hosts warm interiors and stunning textiles whilst offering scenic views of the rugged landscape filled with volcanoes and hot springs. Starting at Sapporo, each tour will visit four picturesque areas; Obihiro and Tokachi, Kushiro and Shiretoko, Okhotsk and Kitami and Asahikawa, Biei and Furano. The train will stop in each area during lunch, allowing sushi chefs and local cooks to board the train and prepare food for passengers. www.japan.travel/en/uk/