Japan’s cherry blossom season is a breathtaking time to travel, and one of the most magical ways to experience the fleeting beauty of sakura is by train. From scenic countryside routes to mountain railways lined with pink blossoms, Japan’s train network offers some of the most picturesque cherry blossom journeys in the world.
For travelers who love scenic rides, here are some of the most stunning train routes in Japan for enjoying cherry blossoms.
1. Sagano Scenic Railway (Kyoto) – A Romantic Cherry Blossom Journey
Why Ride This Train?
Known as the Romantic Train, the Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道) runs along the Hozugawa River, providing a breathtaking sakura tunnel experience through the mountains of Kyoto.
Best Time to Visit
- Late March to early April
Highlights
- Cherry Blossom Tunnel: As the train winds through the Arashiyama mountains, you’ll pass through a tunnel of pink blossoms.
- Hozugawa River Views: The contrast of sakura against the emerald-green river and lush mountains is stunning.
- Open-Air Cars: Some train cars are roofless, allowing for an immersive hanami experience.
How to Ride
- Route: Runs from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Kameoka Station (25 minutes).
- Access: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 minutes).
2. Oigawa Railway (Shizuoka) – A Steam Train Through Sakura Valleys
Why Ride This Train?
The Oigawa Railway (大井川鐵道) is famous for its steam locomotives (SL trains) that travel through cherry blossom-filled valleys. This nostalgic journey lets you experience Japan’s past while surrounded by spring beauty.
Best Time to Visit
- Late March to early April
Highlights
- Historic Steam Locomotives: Ride an authentic SL train for a vintage hanami experience.
- Sakura Along the Tracks: The entire route is lined with cherry trees, making every moment picture-perfect.
- Mount Fuji Views: On clear days, you can see snow-capped Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms.
How to Ride
- Route: From Kanaya Station to Senzu Station (1 hour 30 minutes).
- Access: From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka or Kakegawa, then transfer to the Oigawa Line.
3. Gono Line (Aomori & Akita) – A Coastal Sakura Adventure
Why Ride This Train?
The Gono Line (五能線) offers one of the most scenic coastal train journeys in Japan, with spectacular views of both the Japan Sea and cherry blossoms.
Best Time to Visit
- Mid to late April (later bloom due to northern location)
Highlights
- Sakura by the Sea: Cherry trees bloom along the coastline, creating a stunning mix of pink, blue, and green.
- Breathtaking Sunset Views: If you ride the train in the evening, you can see sakura and the sun setting over the ocean.
- Special Resort Shirakami Train: This luxury sightseeing train features panoramic windows, local performances, and sakura-themed bento boxes.
How to Ride
- Route: From Akita to Aomori (5 hours).
- Access: From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Akita or Hirosaki, then transfer to the Gono Line.
4. Tadami Line (Fukushima & Niigata) – A Hidden Gem with Sakura & Bridges
Why Ride This Train?
The Tadami Line (只見線) is one of Japan’s most photogenic railway routes, passing through mountains, rivers, and cherry blossom forests.
Best Time to Visit
- Mid to late April
Highlights
- Sakura & River Reflections: Cherry blossoms frame the stunning Tadami River, creating mirror-like reflections.
- Iconic Tadami River Bridge: One of Japan’s most famous train photography spots, where the train crosses a steel bridge surrounded by pink blossoms.
- Remote & Peaceful: Less touristy, ideal for those seeking a quiet hanami journey.
How to Ride
- Route: From Aizu-Wakamatsu to Tadami (3 hours).
- Access: From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama, then transfer to the Banetsu West Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu.
5. Chichibu Railway (Saitama) – A Sakura & Mountain Escape Near Tokyo
Why Ride This Train?
The Chichibu Railway (秩父鉄道) is one of the best sakura train routes close to Tokyo, passing through rural landscapes, mountains, and cherry-lined rivers.
Best Time to Visit
- Late March to early April
Highlights
- Sakura & Arakawa River: The route follows the Arakawa River, which is lined with cherry trees.
- Nagatoro Sakura Tunnel: A 1.5-kilometer-long tunnel of cherry blossoms.
- Easy Day Trip from Tokyo: Perfect for travelers who want a scenic sakura train ride without long travel times.
How to Ride
- Route: From Kumagaya to Chichibu (1 hour 10 minutes).
- Access: Take the JR Shinkansen or local trains from Tokyo to Kumagaya, then transfer to the Chichibu Railway.
6. Hisatsu Line (Kyushu) – Cherry Blossoms & Volcanic Landscapes
Why Ride This Train?
The Hisatsu Line (肥薩線) is a hidden gem in southern Kyushu, offering a unique blend of sakura, mountains, and volcanic scenery.
Best Time to Visit
- Late March to early April
Highlights
- Sakura-Framed Volcano Views: The train passes near Mount Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano.
- Historic Stations: Enjoy charming, old-fashioned wooden train stations decorated with cherry blossoms.
- Kareigawa Station: A 100-year-old station surrounded by beautiful cherry trees.
How to Ride
- Route: From Yatsushiro to Yoshimatsu (3 hours).
- Access: Take the Shinkansen to Kumamoto, then transfer to the Hisatsu Line.
Conclusion
Traveling by train during cherry blossom season is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to enjoy hanami. Whether you choose the romantic riverside route of the Sagano Scenic Railway, the historic steam trains of the Oigawa Railway, or the stunning coastal views of the Gono Line, each journey offers a unique perspective on Japan’s sakura season.
For the ultimate cherry blossom adventure, plan your trip around these breathtaking train routes and enjoy the fleeting beauty of sakura from the comfort of your seat. Which train ride will you take first?
