Must-Ride Trains in Japan! Wonderful Local Trains (Conventional Lines Edition)
While Japan’s Shinkansen is world-famous, there are actually many charming trains running on conventional lines as well. Particularly in the Kanto region, you’ll find a diverse range of trains, from those supporting daily commuters and students to resort trains designed for tourists. Each one has its own unique features and charm. For railway enthusiasts, choosing “which train to ride” is part of the fun of the journey. Additionally, conventional trains offer longer travel times compared to the Shinkansen, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery, making it easier to feel the local culture and lifestyle.
Conventional trains in the Kanto region not only focus on speed and convenience but also incorporate various design and service innovations that attract not just railway fans but many other people as well. From retro-styled trains to luxurious tourist trains, each line is carefully designed to allow passengers to experience the culture, nature, and seasonal landscapes of the region. These efforts, which integrate the train experience with the local community, are a testament to how Japan’s conventional trains are not merely a means of transportation but also a “destination” in themselves. In this article, we will introduce some of the most fascinating routes and trains in the Kanto region.
We will explain what makes each train special, highlight key points to look out for, and share some travel tips along the way. We hope that through this article, you will be able to appreciate the rich charm of Japan’s conventional trains, making your next journey even more enriching.
JR Tōkaidō Line – Saphir Odoriko
The Saphir Odoriko is a luxury sightseeing express train that connects Tokyo Station with Izu-Kyū-Shimoda Station. This train is perfect for those seeking a resort-like atmosphere while touring famous sightseeing spots. It stops at notable destinations such as Atami and Ito, renowned for their hot springs, and the Izu-Kōgen area, known for its breathtaking coastal views, making your Izu region experience even more special. The entire train is equipped with Green Car-level comfort, with the first car featuring an even more luxurious “Premium Green” car. Even the regular Green Cars offer comfortable seating and spacious panoramic windows, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely trip while enjoying the scenery.
Enjoyment Points
The 4th car of the Saphir Odoriko features a café counter that offers light snacks and drinks exclusive to the train. Here, you can savor unique sweets and Izu specialties, further enhancing the resort-like atmosphere. Enjoying a meal with a view of the ocean through large windows provides a luxurious experience that is a hallmark of the Saphir Odoriko.
Fun Fact About the Saphir Odoriko
The name “Saphir” is derived from the French word for sapphire, symbolizing the beautiful blue sea visible from the train’s windows. The color scheme of the train includes deep navy, representing the Izu sea and sky; white, representing the Izu sandy beaches; and gray, inspired by the rocky shores of the Jogasaki Coast.
There is also a way to ride the Saphir Odoriko at a more affordable price. By boarding at Shinagawa instead of Tokyo Station, you can save money. The distance from Tokyo to Atami is 104.6 km, while the distance from Shinagawa to Atami is 97.8 km. The Green Car fare differs between these two stations: from Tokyo, it’s 5,940 yen, but from Shinagawa, it’s 4,230 yen, a savings of about 1,700 yen. This is a notable price difference. While some Shinkansen services, such as Kodama and certain Hikari trains, also stop at Atami, they offer non-reserved seating and cost 3,740 yen. Choosing the right ticket based on your travel needs is recommended.
Tobu Railway – Spacia X
The Spacia X, operated by Tobu Railway, is an express train that connects Tobu Asakusa Station with tourist destinations like Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, with the final stops being Tobu Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen Stations. Along the way, it passes famous tourist spots such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Tobu World Square, making it a perfect journey for those who want to enjoy history and nature. The train reaches a top speed of 120 km/h and features spacious panoramic windows, reclining seats, and private compartments, ensuring both comfort and privacy.
Enjoyment Points
The most popular feature of the Spacia X is the café car in the first car, where passengers can enjoy drinks and sweets that are exclusive to the Spacia X. However, to use the café car, passengers must reserve an online ticket, and due to high demand, reservations often sell out quickly. To enjoy a special treat, it’s recommended to book in advance.
Fun Fact About Spacia X
Even though the Spacia X has been in service for over a year, seat reservations for the same day are almost always fully booked on the official website. Even if there are available seats, they may be scattered and difficult to secure. The compartments and cockpit suites are especially challenging to book because of their limited availability. For those looking to reserve these exclusive areas, it is recommended to book through Tobu Top Tours, which allows reservations 10 days earlier than the official Tobu Railway site.
Odakyu Romancecar GSE
The Odakyu Romancecar GSE is an express train connecting Shinjuku Station with Hakone Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, a very popular choice for tourists. The number of stops varies depending on the train, but the “Super Hakone” service runs non-stop between Shinjuku and Odawara. The elegant design featuring red tones and large windows that provide breathtaking views make the journey even more delightful.
Enjoyment Points
The highlight of the Romancecar GSE is undoubtedly the observation seats. The driver’s cabin is located above the observation seats, and passengers can witness the rare sight of the driver climbing a ladder to reach the driver’s cabin when boarding from the starting station. If you manage to secure a ticket for the first car and board at the starting station, it’s recommended to head to the observation seat quickly as soon as the doors open. While the Romancecar includes other types of cars, such as EXEα and MSE, only the GSE features observation seats. Be sure to check carefully when making reservations to fully enjoy the experience of the observation seats.
Fun Fact About Romancecar GSE
On the Romancecar GSE, the observation seats where you can enjoy the full front view are limited to seats 1A to 1D and 2B and 2C in the first car. Seats in the third and fourth rows or those on the side may have limited visibility, so the seats at the front of the ordinary car (5A to 5D) offer a better view. Additionally, on the Hakone Tozan Railway, there is a rare “three-rail track” found only in four places in Japan, located between Iriuda Station and the area before Hakone Yumoto Station, making it an unmissable point for railway enthusiasts.
Tobu Railway Limited Express Revaty
The Limited Express Revaty is an express train operated by Tobu Railway, connecting Tokyo (Asakusa) with popular tourist destinations like Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. It travels along the Tobu Skytree Line and Nikko Line. The train consists of three-car units, with a flexible design allowing multiple units to be coupled and uncoupled based on tourism and commuter demand.
Enjoyment Points
One of the highlights of the Revaty is the coupling process at Shimodate Station, where trains coming from Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen merge. The sight of two Revaty trains connecting, with their robot-like design, is a popular scene, not only for children but also for adults. Shimodate Station is home to an SL (steam locomotive) exhibition hall, and it also features a turntable for SL and DL (diesel locomotive), which are rare in Japan. The station offers plenty of attractions, so arriving early to enjoy the exhibition hall and turntable before watching the coupling process is a highly recommended plan.
Fun Fact About Revaty
At Tobu Asakusa Station, the starting point for the Revaty and the Space X trains, there is a rare sharp curve with a radius of R=100. This historical curve has an interesting background that could fill an entire blog, but it will be left out here. Tobu Asakusa Station can accommodate six- and eight-car trains, but the platforms become narrower and the gaps between the cars wider as you move towards the front cars. Passengers need to be cautious when boarding and alighting, especially in the front car. To deal with the large gaps, compact metal bridges are used for boarding, and the front of the platform is closed off to prevent direct access to the first car.
JR Joban Line Limited Express Hitachi & Tokiwa
The Limited Express Hitachi and Tokiwa are operated by JR East on the Joban Line, connecting Shinagawa Station with destinations in Ibaraki Prefecture and Sendai. The Hitachi is a faster express that runs all the way to Sendai, while the Tokiwa has more stops along the way. Both trains offer reserved seating with power outlets at every seat, and the Hitachi also features onboard sales for an even more comfortable travel experience.
Enjoyment Points
One of the unique features of the Hitachi and Tokiwa trains is the colorful livery that has been used for special campaigns. Currently, to commemorate the Ibaraki Destination Campaign, five sets of trains are painted in vibrant colors (green, red, yellow, blue, and orange) and are running from late December 2022 to the spring of 2026. These limited-edition color schemes also feature the campaign logo on the side. You won’t know which color scheme you’ll get until you board, but all of them are striking and add a fun element to your journey. Keep an eye out for these colorful trains when you travel on the Hitachi or Tokiwa!
Fun Fact About Hitachi & Tokiwa
The Limited Express Hitachi and Tokiwa pass through a special section known as a “dead section.” In Ibaraki Prefecture, near the city of Isumi, there is an important geomagnetic observation site. To avoid interference with the data, the train switches from DC to AC power in this region. At the transition points, where the two different types of electric currents meet, a “dead section” is used to prevent electrical interference. Even though modern trains are equipped with batteries, so the lights generally stay on during the transition, you can still find signs marking these sections, particularly between Toride and Fujishiro stations. It’s a unique feature to look out for if you’re interested in railway quirks!
Keisei Electric Railway Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner connects Narita Airport with central Tokyo and is one of Japan’s fastest trains, reaching a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Traveling from Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station to Nippori Station in just 36 minutes, it provides a swift and efficient way to access the heart of Tokyo with minimal stops and comfortable seating.
Enjoyment Points One of the highlights of the Skyliner is its impressive speed, making it the fastest limited express train on Japan’s conventional rail network, reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h. With all seats reserved, passengers can travel comfortably and securely, knowing their seat is guaranteed. The simple, stylish interior has been highly praised by many visitors to Japan, offering a pleasant and stress-free experience.
Fun Fact About Skyliner Between Ueno Station and Nippori Station, passengers may briefly glimpse the “Museum Zoological Garden Station,” a ghost station that was closed in 1997. Originally opened before WWII to serve visitors to Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum, it saw a decline in use and was eventually shut down. Though no longer in operation, the old station building still stands, and if you’re aboard the Skyliner, you can spot this historic station as you pass by. It’s a small but intriguing part of Tokyo’s rail history!
