Japan Transportation Guide
The Nagamare Kaikyo is a sightseeing train that runs along the scenic coastline of southern Hokkaido. This train’s route runs between Hakodate and Kikonai offering wonderful views of the Tsuruga Straits and Mount Hakodate along the way. Although this train first ran in the spring of 2016 it was voted Japan’s top railway tour train in the very same year.
The Nagamare Kaikyo
A new version of the train simulation game “Densha de Go!!” was released for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on December 3rd, 2020.
A new console version of Densha de Go!! is now on sale
In an effort to entice more domestic travelers to Sapporo this winter, Sapporo City has decided to make its major tourist facilities completely FREE throughout the month of February next year. This is part of a raft of measures aimed at boosting the local tourist industry during what looks likely to be a difficult winter season.
Sapporo Snow Festival
In normal years Sapporo would see its highest tourist numbers in February because of the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, but next year there are plans to hold the festival on a much reduced scale and it is feared that tourist numbers will fall dramatically as a result [Read more…]
JR Kyushu have announced details on the introduction of a new six-car high speed train called the “Kamome” which will run on the Kyushu Shinkansen’s new western route. This new branch of the Kyushu Shinkansen will run between Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki and is due for completion in 2022.
An artist’s impression of the new Kamome Shinkansen
This month JR Hokkaido celebrated its 140th anniversary with the launch of a new multi-purpose limited express train called the Hamanasu. The Hamanasu is the first Kiha #261 5000 series train which as well as running regular express services, will also function as a special sightseeing train and provide extra services during busy periods. The second Kiha #261 5000 series train will be called the Lavender and will be introduced in April 2021.
JR Hokkaido’s Hamanasu
This autumn JR Kyushu will debut a new tourist train called the “36 plus 3”. Running a complete circuit of Kyushu over a five-day period the new train will have a six-car formation with 103 seats. All cars will be first class Green Cars with options for gourmet lunch and dinner menus featuring the very best local cuisine.
The new JR Kyushu “36 plus 3” train and its logo
Belles Montagnes et Mer (or “Berumonta” for short) is a special sightseeing train operated by JR West in Toyama Prefecture. This is mainly a weekend train which connects the cities of Takaoka and Nanto via the JR Johana Line on Saturdays, and the cities of Takaoka and Himi via the JR Himi Line on Sundays. Conveniently, Hokuriku Shinkansen passengers can transfer directly to this sightseeing service at Shin-Takaoka Station.
Belles Montagnes et Mer train
Earlier this year Kansai Rapid Railway Co., Ltd. received government approval to carry out construction of the new Naniwasuji Line which will provide a more direct link between north and south Osaka. The new line will be 7.2km long of which 6.5km will be underground.
JR West’s Kansai Airport Express Haruka. Currently it runs via the Osaka Loop Line, but when the Naniwasuji Line is completed the route and journey time will become much shorter
JR East have announced that they are building a new shinkansen train, the E8 series, which will be introduced on the Yamagata Shinkansen Line in 2024. The new train will replace the E3 series and raise the maximum speed of the Yamagata Shinkansen service from the current 275 km/h to 300 km/h. This faster speed is made possible by the 9-meter-long nose of the E8 shinkansen which is a full 3 meters longer than the nose of the E3.
The E8 series shinkansen train
With the lifting of Japan’s state of emergency many people who had been sheltering from the pandemic at home have now returned to a regular commute to work by train. Although the prospect of once again taking that morning and evening rush hour commute may depress some, there are some trains that may help lift people’s spirits.
A carriage of the Kaiyukan Train
