Japanese Trains: Five Unique Ones You Must See!

Japanese trains are an essential mode of transportation due to their ability to cover long distances quickly, but they’re also fun ways to travel. While everyone knows the shinkansen (bullet train), there are special limited express trains that show more of the Japanese rail system. From cute to sophisticated, they capture visitors’ hearts with their designs, services, routes, and views. Join us as we show you five unique Japanese trains you must see!

Tamaden (Wakayama)

The Tamaden (Tama Train) is named after a cat who became a station master in 2007! This sweet cat left behind many broken hearts when she died in 2015. She is now Kishi Station’s Shinto Goddess, and Nitama, Tama II, and Yontama welcome people in her place.

The Tamaden is the Kishigawa Line’s main train, with 101 cats painted on the outside and many more decorating the inside. The cat-shaped Kishi Station has a cat-themed gift shop and café. There are three other trains: the Ichigo (Strawberry) EC Train, the Umeboshi (dried plum) Train, and the Omoden (Toy Train). 

Fare: Single fare from Wakayama to Kishi train stations is 410 JPY ($3 USD) for adults and 210 JPY ($1 USD) for children. A one-day ticket is 800 JPY ($5 USD) for adults and 400 JPY ($3 USD) for children.

Oykot Train (Shimane and Niigata) 

Launched in April 2015, the Oykot Train connects Tokyo visitors to the Japanese countryside. One of JR East’s Joyful Trains elicits the nostalgia of home and offers relaxation for harried tourists who wouldn’t get on high-speed locomotives.

Japanese grandparents’ townhouses inspire the Oykot Train’s design. There are also attendants selling Oykot Train merch and artisan products, recorded narration by late actor Fujio Tokita, and performances by local artists. Passengers can take commemorative photos and receive Uchiyama paper bookmarks at the end of their ride. You’ll feel at home on the railway lines with the Oykot Train.

Fare: 530 JPY ($3 USD) for adults, 260 JPY ($2 USD) for children. You can make reservations a month before the departure date. JR East Rail Pass holders make reservations without additional fees.

Hankyu Kyo-Train Garaku (Kyoto) 

Book a ticket for the Hankyu Kyo-Train Garaku if you’re visiting Kyoto. Also called the “Good Luck Train,” it’s named after the refined elegance of traditional Kyoto. It began operations in March 2019 to celebrate the city’s 1200th anniversary. 

Hankyu Kyo-Train Garaku resembles a machiya (wooden townhouse). Each car represents a season, and visitors can change seats. Travelers can take four courses on local lines: Sake Lovers, Art Lovers, Undiscovered Spots, and Nature Spots. They’ll leave with souvenirs, photos, and more knowledge about traditional Japan.  

Fare: 410 JPY ($3 USD) one way. International tourists can buy the Hankyu Tourist Pass for unlimited travel. The one-day pass costs 700 JPY ($5 USD), while the two-day pass costs 1200 JPY ($8 USD). No reservation is required, and there’s no extra fee.

Are you looking for fantastic snacks while riding on a fabulous train? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest spring goodies directly from Japan!

POKÉMON with YOU (Miyazaki and Iwate) 

Do your kids like Pokémon? Then they’ll love this train! POKÉMON with YOU was created after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in the Tohoku Region. The “Joyful Train” launched in 2012 and is one of the most famous trains in Japan. 

Initially decorated by Generation V Pokémon, POKÉMON with YOU was replaced in 2017 with a Pikachu-focused train. Kids can hang out in the playroom, and visitors will get a commemorative boarding pass and a souvenir notebook. See if you can collect all the stamps!

Fare: Tickets go on sale online one month before travel date. International tourists can reserve seats with their JR East Rail Pass. The pass is 30,000 JPY ($200 USD) for people aged 12 and older and 15,000 JPY ($100 USD) for children aged 6-11.  

Aru Ressha (Kyushu) 

The Aru Ressha Sweet Train is based on models of 20th-century trains owned by Nobutaro Hara, founder of Yokohama’s HARA Model Railway Museum. It has operated since 2015 and has two routes: Sasebo to Nagasaki (winter) and Oita to Hida (summer). 

Aru Ressha aims to offer passengers the best train services, similar to the luxury train Seven Stars in Kyushu. The interior has bright colors and exquisitely crafted seating. The meals created using seasonal ingredients are a feast for all senses. This is a Kyushu Railway Company experience you won’t want to miss!

Fare: A one-way ticket costs 35,000 JPY ($230 USD) for adults and 30,000 JPY ($200 USD) for children 10 and up. Children under 10 cannot ride the train. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Why should I ride these unique Japanese trains? 

Each train has a specific theme that grabs people’s attention. From the cat lovers’ Tamaden to the adorable POKÉMON with YOU and elegant Aru Ressha, every design is thought out for the passengers’ delight. 

These trains also increase cultural awareness. Oykot Train and Hankyu Kyo-Train Garaku are inspired by traditional Japanese dwellings and showcase local talent and products. They give passengers the chance to experience and appreciate Japan’s lesser-known gems.

Finally, the Japanese rail system is a fun and convenient way to explore. While some trains are expensive, riding on the Japanese railway saves money and time spent taking a car or plane. We recommend traveling by train in Japan, especially on these trains. Have you tried one of these Japanese trains? What was it like? Tell us in the comments.