Japan by Region & Rail
Explore Japan by region and discover scenic rail journeys, cultural highlights, and local gems. This guide is not exhaustive but aims to highlight interesting places and routes across Japan, along with helpful links to regional tourism sites.
Kanto 関東
More than Just Tokyo
The Kanto region includes Tokyo and surrounding prefectures like Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Tochigi, and Ibaraki. While Tokyo is the main draw, the entire region is rich in attractions easily accessible by train.
Escape Tokyo’s urban rush and explore historical towns, scenic nature, and tranquil areas like Okutama and Mt. Takao. Yokohama, Saitama, and Chichibu offer unique atmospheres not far from the capital.
Interesting Rail Routes:
Enoden
Kominato Railway
Agatsuma Line
Tsurumi Line
Shonan Monorail
Hakone Tozan Railway
Kominato Railway
Agatsuma Line
Tsurumi Line
Shonan Monorail
Hakone Tozan Railway
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Hokkaido 北海道
Nature, Seasons, and Scenic Rails
Japan’s northernmost island offers wild landscapes, seasonal beauty, and charming cities like Sapporo and Hakodate. From drift ice in Abashiri to lavender in Furano, there’s something year-round.
Interesting Rail Routes:
JR Hakodate Line
JR Senmo Line
Hakodate Trams
JR Muroran Line
JR Senmo Line
Hakodate Trams
JR Muroran Line
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Tohoku 東北
Sacred Sites and Natural Beauty
Tohoku covers the northern part of Honshu, known for rural charm and deep history. Visit sacred mountains, traditional towns, and stunning coastal views.
Interesting Rail Routes:
JR Gono Line
Tsugaru Railway
Tadami Line
Banetsu Lines
Sanriku Railway
Tsugaru Railway
Tadami Line
Banetsu Lines
Sanriku Railway
Tsuroka
UNESCO Creative City and gateway to the three mountains of Dewa Castle town famous for its cherry blossoms and historical architecture Miyagi Prefecture's capital and central city of Tohoku
Hirosaki Castle
Matsushima
Tsuruoka
Resort Shirakami Train
View from Tadami Line
Hirosaki Sunrise
View from Tadami Line
Aomori - Old train ferry (now museum)
Japan Sea Yamagata (Uetsu Main Line Line)
JR East Kairi at Sakata
Nagaragawa Tetsudo Scenery
JR East Tadami Line
JR East Tadami Line
Tsuruga Castle - Aizu Wakamatsu
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Chubu 中部
Alps, Hot Springs, and Historic Trails
Located in central Honshu, Chubu combines Mt. Fuji, hot spring towns, and traditional villages. The region is divided into Koshinetsu, Tokai, and Hokuriku.
Interesting Rail Routes:
JR Takayama Line
Koumi Line
Nakasendo Trail routes
Tarumi & Nagaragawa Railways
Koumi Line
Nakasendo Trail routes
Tarumi & Nagaragawa Railways
Niigata | Coastal Towns & Mountain Landscapes
Where Mountains Meet the Sea—Sake, Rice, and Coastal Charm
Nagano & Matsumoto | Japan Alps & Castle Towns
Alpine Adventures and Castle Towns in the Heart of Japan
Izu & Hamamatsu | Shizuoka’s Coastline & Mt. Fuji Views
Mt. Fuji Views and Coastal Retreats in Izu and Hamamats
Nagoya | Urban Energy & Historic Traditions
Tradition and Innovation in the Heart of Central Japan
Ise, Toba & Iga | Sacred Shrines and Samurai History
Spiritual Journeys and Scenic Coastlines in Mie
Kurobe Gorge & Tateyama | Toyama’s Natural Highlights
Nature’s Masterpiece—Dramatic Gorges and Alpine Wonders
Takayama, Shirakawa-go & Nakasendo Trail
Timeless Villages and Historic Routes through the Mountains
Kanazawa & Noto Peninsula | Culture & Coastline
Art, Craft, and Coastal Beauty in Kanazawa and Noto
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Kansai 関西
Cultural Heart of Japan
Includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and more — a region packed with temples, food, and history.
Interesting Rail Routes:
Kyoto Tango Railway
Sagano Scenic Line
JR Bantan Line
Koya Line
Sagano Scenic Line
JR Bantan Line
Koya Line
Nara
Where Ancient Traditions Meet Natural Beauty
Uji・Kyoto Tango
A Treasure Trove of History and Scenic Beauty – Uji & Kyoto Tango
Osaka
Vibrant Streets and Culinary Delights in Osaka
Lake Biwako・Mt Hiei・Hikone
A Journey Through Water, Culture, and History Around Lake Biwa
Kobe・Himeji・Awaji Island
From Kobe’s Harbor to Himeji Castle and the Nature of Awaji Island
Koyasan・Kumano・Nachi
Sacred Paths and Spiritual Sites in Koyasan & Kumano
Glico Man Osaka
Himeji Castle (Night Time)
Amanohashidate Sand Bar (View Land)
Wakasa Bay (View from JR Obama Line
Kyoto Heian Shrine Garden
Kyoto Tango Railway
Wakayama Dentetsu
Nachi Taisha and Falls (TS Japan Rail)
Osaka Castle
Kansai - Kurama Station
Eiden 732 Hiei.
Tsuruki Soba
Kintetsu's Luxury Sightseeing Limited Express Aoniyoshi tourist train
Kansai related Posts
Shikoku 四国
Temples, Mountains, and Inland Sea Views
Shikoku is rural, spiritual, and scenic. Famous for the 88-temple pilgrimage, its cities and coastlines offer peaceful and inspiring travel.
Interesting Rail Routes:
JR Dosan Line
Yodo Line
Sunrise Express
Matsuyama & Kochi Trams
Yodo Line
Sunrise Express
Matsuyama & Kochi Trams
Naoshima・Shodoshima・Kotohira
Art Islands and Scenic Traditions in Japan’s Smallest Prefecture
Iya Gorge・Oboke・Shikoku Pilgrimage Sites
Hidden Valleys and Spiritual Trails in Tokushima
Matsuyama・Uwajima・Dogo Onsen
Castles, Hot Springs, and History by the Inland Sea
Kochi City・Shimanto River・Cape Ashizuri
Wild Nature, Clear Rivers, and Samurai Heritage
Shikoku Related Posts
Chugoku 中国
Sun and Shadow - Sanyo & Sanin
Divided by mountains into two contrasting subregions: sunny Sanyo and shadowy Sanin. Each offers its own cultural heritage and coastal beauty.
Interesting Rail Routes:
JR Sanin Line
Ichibata Railway
Yamaguchi Line
JR Kure Line
Ichibata Railway
Yamaguchi Line
JR Kure Line
Kurashiki・Okayama Castle・Kibitsu Shrine
Castles, Canals, and Culture in the Land of Sunshine
Hiroshima・Miyajima・Onomichi
Peace, History, and Island Views Await
Shimonoseki・Akiyoshido Cave・Tsuwano
Bridges to Nature and Legacy in Western Japan
Tottori Sand Dunes・Sakaiminato・Mt Daisen
Dunes, Coastlines, and Manga Culture by the Sea
Izumo Taisha・Lake Shinji・Matsue Castle
Spiritual Journeys and Scenic Lakes
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Kyushu 九州
Volcanoes, Castles, and Coastlines
Southern Japan’s Kyushu is full of natural wonders, historic cities, and rich onsen culture. It’s a diverse region with unique rail journeys.
Interesting Rail Routes:
JR Kyudai Line
Ibusuki Makurazaki Line
Kumamoto Tram
Nichinan Line
Heisei Chikuho Railway
Ibusuki Makurazaki Line
Kumamoto Tram
Nichinan Line
Heisei Chikuho Railway
Fukuoka City・Dazaifu・Yanagawa
Where Urban Energy Meets Tradition and Nature
Takeo Onsen・Karatsu・Yutoku Inari Shrine
Ceramics, Onsen, and Hidden Shrines
Nagasaki・Sasebo・Hirado・Omura
Port of Cultures and Islands of Peace
Kumamoto Castle・Mt. Aso・Hitoyoshi
Volcano Views and Samurai Legacy
Beppu・Yufuin・Kunisaki Peninsula
The Land of Steam and Serene Mountains
Aoshima・Takachiho Gorge・Nichinan Coast
Mythical Coasts and Mountain Mysteries
Kyushu Related Posts
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