Trains of Japan - A Review Thread

[bashworth]

Although the speed of the Shinkansen is impressive I think that the fact your vision is restricted by the noise barriers limits enjoyment of the scenery.

A couple of train trips I have really enjoyed are:

• Nagano to Nagoya - A fast tilt train through the mountains with spectacular views. It was especially interesting because I was able to sit right behind the driver, only separated by glass.
• The Kurobe Gorge Railway - Narrow gauge (Does not run in winter)

My adult, anime obsessed, daughter was also excited to travel on the 'Evangelion' themed Shinkansen.

 

[rbjhan]

Part D 観光列車
I'm a bit undecided how to translate, sightseeing trains?
These are not luxury cruise trains like Seven Stars in Kyushu or Shikishima (or the Ghan here!). They still mainly transport passengers from A to B, but with some added flairs (in some cases a lot of it!).
And in many cases you don't pay anything above the normal limited express fare + seat reservation.

Okay I'm going with sightseeing trains for now.


Toreiyu Tsubasaとれいゆ つばさ JR East
The train itself was a Shinkansen, but converted to something else entirely.
It ran on the Yamagata Shinkansen line between Fukushima and Shinjo (service stopped in 2022 unfortunately)


Seats were tatami inspired.


And the main selling point, the footbath!


Ah yes, this is Japan afterall


Back in the good old days of JR Tohoku Pass - when you could use on non consecutive days, I booked this train with the pass, only paid something like 400 Yen for a separate footbath ticket.

 

[rbjhan]

Although the speed of the Shinkansen is impressive I think that the fact your vision is restricted by the noise barriers limits enjoyment of the scenery.

A couple of train trips I have really enjoyed are:

• Nagano to Nagoya - A fast tilt train through the mountains with spectacular views. It was especially interesting because I was able to sit right behind the driver, only separated by glass.
• The Kurobe Gorge Railway - Narrow gauge (Does not run in winter)

My adult, anime obsessed, daughter was also excited to travel on the 'Evangelion' themed Shinkansen.

Shinkansen is all about speed.
Yes the Wide View Hida is quite a nice route.

If you want to see more touristy things please refer to my Part D

 

[rbjhan]

Saphir Odoriko サフィール踊り子
JR East has a number of sightseeing trains, such as Tohoku Emotion, Shu Kura, Resort Shirakami...But I'd say Saphir Odoriko is the best (Not counting Shikishima obviously).

From Tokyo it goes all the way to Izukyu Shimoda.


I was in Car 1 Premium Green.
2 seats per row.


These seats are in a hard shell and recline forward. Can also swivel towards the window.
Picture from JR East.


There are some fancy private rooms. This one seats 6.


There are also Green cars with 1-2 seating, I didn't take pictures though.

Dining car


I had a curry rice.


Layout


Highly recommend to anyone going to Izu Peninsula.

 

[drron]

Back in 2016 we rode the Resort Shirakami Number 3 and absolutely loved it. They have upgraded the service since then and I would certainly recommend it. We went from Akita to Hirosaki. Fantastic views of the Sea of Japan and then Mt. Iwake.
, .

.

With nose cam.
.

.

And entertainment. traditional music from the area and a woman telling local stories.
.

And Mt. Iwake. Known to the locals as the best mountain in Japan.


JR East still refers to these trains as Joyful Trains-

Joyful Trains Portal > TOHOKU EMOTION: JR EAST

This is the official website of JR East's “Joyful Trains Portal.” Details about TOHOKU EMOTION is available here.

www.jreast.co.jp

And the Shirakami service has definitely improved. I would recommend it.

のってたのしい列車 ポータル＞リゾートしらかみ（橅／青池／くまげら）：JR東日本

JR East Joyful Trains Portal Official Website. We introduce information about "Resort Shirakami 'Magi' HB-E300 series, 'Aoike' HB-E300 series, 'Kumagera' Kiha 48 series".

www.jreast.co.jp

 

[rbjhan]

Back in 2016 we rode the Resort Shirakami Number 3 and absolutely loved it. They have upgraded the service since then and I would certainly recommend it. We went from Akita to Hirosaki. Fantastic views of the Sea of Japan and then Mt. Iwake.
View attachment 363251, View attachment 363252.

View attachment 363253. View attachment 363254

With nose cam.
View attachment 363255. View attachment 363256

View attachment 363257. View attachment 363258

And entertainment. traditional music from the area and a woman telling local stories.
View attachment 363259.

And Mt. Iwake. Known to the locals as the best mountain in Japan.
View attachment 363260

JR East still refers to these trains as Joyful Trains-

Joyful Trains Portal > TOHOKU EMOTION: JR EAST

This is the official website of JR East's “Joyful Trains Portal.” Details about TOHOKU EMOTION is available here.

www.jreast.co.jp

And the Shirakami service has definitely improved. I would recommend it.

のってたのしい列車 ポータル＞リゾートしらかみ（橅／青池／くまげら）：JR東日本

JR East Joyful Trains Portal Official Website. We introduce information about "Resort Shirakami 'Magi' HB-E300 series, 'Aoike' HB-E300 series, 'Kumagera' Kiha 48 series".

www.jreast.co.jp

Yeah this one has been on my list for quite a few years now!
But not sure when I'm going to Tohoku?!
Maybe 2025?

 

[rbjhan]

Shimakaze (Kintetsu)

One round trip per day from Osaka/Kyoto/Nagoya to Ise-shima.


I planned for it at least 3 or 4 times before finally got the chance! Yeah covid really was fxxked.

I was going from Toba to Kyoto.


Love the extra large windows!
The 1st row seats are extremely popular and difficult to book. Well I guess row 3 is okay too
To be fair compared to JR Kyushu all the other booking process is nothing...



Seats are comfy, even got massage function! How was it? Well, about the same level as those on QF J


They have space for luggage - you can tell it's targeting tourists.


These are called Salon Seats.


Layout.


Private rooms were occupied so no pictures...

Onboard carts are rare these days! They were selling all the normal stuff but also local specialty products, Akafuku was very popular.



Kintetsu is very useful in the Kansai area as well as near Nagoya.
I'm interested in trying Aoniyoshi and Blue Symphony as well!

 

[rbjhan]

花嫁のれん Hanayome Noren (JR West)

This is the train goes from Kanazawa to Wakura onsen in Noto Peninsula - yes, the area hit by earthquake on 1st Jan 2024.
Although Wakura onsen is in the middle of the peninsula and not the worst hit. Just checked the ryokan I stayed in March last year and they are closed till the end of January (Feb unknown at this point), they are saying some damage to the building but also significant damage to the surrounding infrastructure...

Anyhow, I hope things will get better in the coming days and let's move on to the train.
Let's just say the colour is striking.


And very shiny!
Totally on point with Kanazawa and ofc they are representing a wedding...




The semi private compartments have slightly less gold





Windows facing seats are my favourite.


I don't mind the gold tbh, just wish for better ergonomics! Damn these seats are not comfy!

Layout

 

[GarrettM]

This is fantastic.

Fond memories of the Hokuriku, and the Thunderbird from Kanazawa to Osaka.

Next time I would dearly love to get on the Nozomi.

And don't forget the cuisine!

 

[rbjhan]

This is fantastic.

Fond memories of the Hokuriku, and the Thunderbird from Kanazawa to Osaka.

Next time I would dearly love to get on the Nozomi.

And don't forget the cuisine!

This reminds me, I have another whole collection of Ekiben pictures!
I'm gonna add to the end of this thread as Part X or something

 

[rbjhan]

Yufuin no Mori (JR Kyushu)

Ah we are finally here!
JR Kyushu's Design & Story Trains.

Train Varieties｜JR KYUSHU RAILWAY COMPANY

JR九州の時刻・運賃検索、列車運行情報や駅情報・路線図、車両案内などご案内です。

www.jrkyushu.co.jp

They totally bring this thing to a whole new level

Yufuin no Mori is the first D&S Train, came out in 1989!
It's showing tbh...doesn't help the one I took was the first gen.


Mori means forest, so you see a lot of wood and green!







Lounge car


It runs mainly between Hakata & Yufuin, but one round trip per day also extends to Oita/Beppu.
Between them it's the Seto Inland Sea. Completely different view.

 

[rbjhan]

This is fantastic.

Fond memories of the Hokuriku, and the Thunderbird from Kanazawa to Osaka.

Next time I would dearly love to get on the Nozomi.

And don't forget the cuisine!

So did you try the crab miso?

 

[drron]

In Osaka not only have the crab miso but crab suikiyaki. Both very nice.

 

[rbjhan]

In Osaka not only have the crab miso but crab suikiyaki. Both very nice.

I'm guessing not Echizen crab though?

One of my "probably not going to happen unless win the lotto" type of destinations is Bouyourou in Fukui.

料理旅館 望洋楼｜明治創業の宿にて温泉と懐石を。

北陸福井県・三国温泉の料理旅館『望洋楼』の公式ウェブサイト。越前がにをはじめとする山海の旬の幸の懐石と、夕日とともに湯につかる温泉をお楽しみください。

www.bouyourou.jp

Might have to settle for just visit their restaurant...

 

[drron]

No it was simply snow crab. Just caught in the wrong place.

 

[GarrettM]

So did you try the crab miso?

Absolutely not.

 

[rbjhan]

No it was simply snow crab. Just caught in the wrong place.

Ha ha I know it's a bit ridiculous, but there must be a reason the Japanese is so fixated on that idea?
Taiza crab is another one I really want to try but holy cough they are expensive!

 

[rbjhan]

Absolutely not.

The English translate is coughed.
But カニ味噌/かにみそ is the best part of a crab....

 

[rbjhan]

Kawasemi Yamasemi

Miyagi - Aso - Kumamoto as of Jan 2024.
Routes will change once the tracks near Hitoyoshi are fixed I believe.

The booking process was long and painful but I don't regret it.



Normal reclining seats


Table seats


Counter seats


Sofa seats


Shop

 

[Seat0B]

Back in the good old days of JR Tohoku Pass - when you could use on non consecutive days,

I really miss those passes - they were such good value with the non consecutive days, unlike the new passes. We will have a 14 day JR pass this time, despite the price rise. It’s still value for us as we are travelling from Nagano to Kagoshima via Nagoya, Nagasaki, Beppu and Tokyo. But train travel is now very very expensive compared to internal flights. Which is sad as I love train travel.