Updated November 4, 2024

Spring in Japan means cherry blossom season, and one of the best ways to experience it is by train. Scenic train journeys offer stunning views of pink blossoms against mountains, rivers, and cities.

With a vast and efficient rail network, there are many routes to choose from across Japan, but here are some popular trains among them.

Tsugaru Railway (Aomori Prefecture)
 

The Tsugaru Railway runs through Aomori Prefecture’s Tsugaru Peninsula.  In spring, this old-fashioned train runs through the rows of cherry trees that line both sides of the tracks in Ashino Park, famous as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots.

Suigun Line (Fukushima - Ibaraki Prefecture)
 

The JR Suigun Line runs through Ibaraki and Fukushima Prefectures.This line runs at the foot of Mt. Yamatsuri, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. The view from Yatsumiyama Park is good, but the view from inside the car of the rows of cherry trees appearing one after another will be the best.

Moka Railway Steam locomotive (Tochigi Prefecture)
 

The "Steam Locomotive, Cherry Blossom and Canola Blossom Road," only operates on weekends and holidays, and on top of that, the period when the cherry blossoms and canola blossoms are in full bloom is limited. We recommend that you check the cherry blossom forecast before visiting!

Tarumi Railway line (Gifu Prefecture)
 

The Tarumi Railway line runs from Ogaki Station to Tarumi Station in Gifu Prefecture. There are two famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tokai region: the 1,500-year-old "Usuzumi Cherry Blossom" near Tarumi Station and the "Tanigumiyama Kegonji Temple" which is a few-minute bus ride away from Tanigumiguchi Station.

Randen Keifuku Electric Railroad (Kyoto)
 

Randen is used as a sightseeing route to Arashiyama and other sightseeing spots in the Rakuhoku area. The approximately 200-meter stretch between Narutaki Station and Utano Station is lined with approximately 70 cherry trees on both sides of the railroad tracks and is known as the "cherry blossom tunnel. These Someiyoshino cherry trees were planted in March 1926 to celebrate the opening of the entire Kitano Line, and are said to be over 100 years old.

The Sagano Trolley Train 
 

The Sagano Trolley Train is a sightseeing train that offers scenic views of the valley along the Hozu River. The "Rich" car No. 5 has no window glass to let you feel the natural breeze. The train slows down at places with particularly beautiful scenery, allowing passengers to take pictures to remember these moments.