Train Cruise

Climb aboard the limited express that runs between Hakata and two of Japan's most popular hot spring resorts, Yufuin and Beppu. The train slows down along scenic spots to let passengers enjoy the beautiful landscape through oversize windows. Discover the local specialties and the charms of highland hot springs.

Canadian, Nick Szasz, takes us train cruising, the best way to travel, on the Hisatsu Line in Kyushu that connects Kumamoto to Kagoshima. Known as the Treasury of Railway Heritage, this century-old line has many historic stations and bridges, and is a popular destination for rail enthusiasts. Nick travels along the Kuma River on the Steam Locomotive Hitoyoshi; transfers to the Isaburo Shinpei, which climbs slopes using a loop and a switchback; and boards Hayato no Kaze, a limited express to arrive at Sakurajima. On the way he tastes the local ekiben lunch boxes, and experiences the magnificent natural landscape.

Our train journey takes you to Lake Biwa, Japan's biggest lake. We board trains cherished by the locals and sample food they recommend. The Gachakon Train on the Omi Railway Main Line gets its name from the noisy "gacha" sound it makes during its journey. We also ride a special summer train that operates as a beer hall on wheels and climb aboard the SL Kita-Biwako that travels the JR Hokuriku Main Line at certain times of the year.

Another episode in our series for train lovers. This time we feature a fun trip for the whole family. Starting at Kumamoto Station in Kyushu, we head towards Mt. Aso. Kids will be delighted with the cute dog mascot for the special express train, Asoboy. The train is equipped with a library with a collection of picture books and plenty of space for families to play and rest. We then take the old-fashioned scenic "Torokko" trolley train, crossing a bridge 60 meters high over a stunning valley amid the beautiful surrounds of Mt. Aso.

This program is Part 2 of "Shikoku Railroad Wonderland". In Part 1, Michael Rivas travelled through Kagawa, Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures, 3 of Shikoku's 4 prefectures. In Part 2, he travels through Ehime Prefecture. He starts from Uwajima City where he ended up in the first episode. He rides the limited express Uwajima heading for his destination of Matsuyama City. In the train, he enjoys an ekiben boxed lunch with jyako-ten deep fried fish cake, a local specialty. On the way to Matsuyama, he transfers to a local train from Iyo Ozu station and he introduces the beautiful scenery of Seto Inland Sea (Seto Nai-kai) as the train runs along the shoreline. At his final destination of Matsuyama, he rides the Botchan Train which is a reproduction of a 100 year old steam locomotive. He finds a surprise function of the Botchan Train, which is very popular among tourists. Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Japan, also makes an appearance in Part 2. In addition, the latter half of the program includes an omnibus edition of the Train Cruise series. It is a showcase of rare and beautiful trains and specially selected scenes. Don't miss it!

"Train Cruise" is a program taking you around Japan on train trips. The stage of this episode is Shikoku. In Shikoku, made up of 4 prefectures, there are many trains running that have distinctive characteristics. They are fun both to ride on and to look at. An American, Michael Rivas will take a 4-day trip on such trains. In Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture, Michael rides on the oldest streetcar in Japan which is hugely popular among railroad fans. And he rediscovers the charms of a retrospective train. On the Dosan Line running through a valley known as a difficult place for traffic in Shikoku, Michael enjoys the dynamic scenery to its fullest. In the warm southern prefecture of Kochi where he visits in the middle of his trip, Michael gets to eat the local specialty bonito, and is captivated by its delightful taste! Michael then uses the Yodo Line to head to the trip's final destination, Ehime Prefecture. There, he encounters a train modeled after Shinkansen bullet train which can be said the symbol of super-fast trains. There, Michael learns that the Yodo Line has other trains running that are fun to ride on, such as an original tram on which you can enjoy the surrounding scenery filled with great nature. On the trip this time, our American traveler, Michael Rivas introduces not only how to use trains for going from one place to another, but also to enjoy the train themselves as you ride on them.

This time we travel to the cold, snowy Tohoku. We first board the Akita Inland Traverse Railway Home-cooking Dining Car, where we take in the wintery landscapes, while feasting on a homemade farmers' meal. We then hop on the Resort Shirakami to catch a spectacular panorama view of the Sea of Japan. Changing to the Tsugaru Railway Hot Stove Car, we warm ourselves by the hot onboard stove while the snow storms pass by outside. We mingle with the locals and nibble on fried cuttlefish snacks.

If you have a passion for railways, do not miss this program! Our tour starts in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. We first ride on a special streetcar and an open-air tram before boarding a charming local train to the Japan Sea coast. Foodies will enjoy the snow crabs and other local gourmet specialties we encounter along the way.

A stunning train journey through central Japan, from the Japan Sea coast to the Pacific Ocean. Ride with us and enjoy breathtaking views from the Sightseeing Limited Express, and a special event on a local train. We visit famous spots such as Takayama, where evocative old wooden houses still line the streets, and the spectacular Ise-Jingu Shrine. We also visit a popular museum packed full of attractive railway exhibits, making this program more of a "must-see".

From the Kushiro Wetlands teeming with wildlife to the deep blue Sea of Okhotsk, we travel along the Senmo Line for the 160-km journey from Kushiro to Abashiri, discovering some of the most stunning panoramas of Hokkaido while autumn is in full swing.

The Oi River (Oigawa) flows through the center of Shizuoka Prefecture starting from the Southern Alps. The Oigawa Railways run a distance of 65 km along the river. They feature a nostalgic steam locomotive and a tram which climbs a steep hill. This route draws the attention of railway enthusiasts as a functioning railway theme park. Along the route, we encounter thriving traditional Japanese culture and view beautiful forest scenery from the windows of retro rail cars. Our traveler this time is Francesco Bellissimo, a food researcher from Italy. He journeys along the Oigawa Railways to discover unseen parts of Japan.

In this episode, we take you between the prefectures of Hiroshima and Yamaguchi in western Japan. In Hiroshima, we see some of the famous antique streetcars that have been gathered here from across Japan. We then follow a route linking 2 World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome, which survived the devastation of the nuclear bomb, and the Itsukushima Shrine, a magnificent temple in the sea. Reaching Yamaguchi Prefecture, we go into the mountains along small railway lines from Iwakuni, a town famous for its beautiful wooden Brocade Sash Bridge (Kintaikyo Bridge), with its graceful arches.

The stage of our train cruise this time is deep autumn in East Japan's Yamagata, Fukushima and Niigata Prefectures. Our traveler thoroughly enjoys both food created from abundant autumn crops and beautiful views of the colored leaves of autumn. In addition, our train trip touches local people's lives by exploring regional traditions. The cruise starts from Shinjo, Yamagata which is located less than 4 hours from Tokyo by train. Our traveler enjoys a boxed lunch filled with Yamagata's autumn tastes and a Shinkansen event train car called Treiyutsubasa, which is equipped with an ashiyu hot spring foot bath. The next leg of the trip takes place on the Oza-Toro-Tembo Train from Aizu Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture. Our traveler is thrilled by the beautiful colored leaves viewed from the observation car and surprised to meet a cat stationmaster. From Niigata Station, our traveler visits Sea of Japan on the Ryuto Shu*Kura where passengers can sample sake rice wine produced in Niigata, one of Japan's foremost sake brewing areas. The train cruise experience deeply touches both our traveler and the other passengers.

The Hisatsu Orange Railway runs across the west coast of the island of Kyushu, connecting Kagoshima and Kumamoto Prefectures. Television personality Thane Camus takes a ride from Yatsushiro to Sendai Station. Along the way, he catches views of the blue sea, mingles with commuters and students, and stops off at places they recommend. From Kagoshima's samurai traditions to Kumamoto's hot springs, the trip is filled with experiences to remember.

This time, we'll travel on trains through Shimane Prefecture, a spiritual part of Japan where Japanese gods and humans have a strong bond. We ride a pink train to Izumo Taisha, a shrine where all the gods come to assemble. We start our journey asking the gods to help us connect with others. Afterwards, a wide-open trolley takes us through a mountain range home to the mythical snake beast Orochi. Using a technique called "switchback", the trolley climbs up the mountain for a breathtaking view. We then get on a train designed with kagura, a traditional form of Japanese entertainment. We experience an exciting kagura performance about the god who comes to vanquish the Orochi. Travel with us back in time to the mythical world of Japanese legends.

We start at Kansai International Airport. In the metropolis of Osaka, we ride the futuristic Rapi:t that resembles something out of a sci-fi movie, enjoy a bite at a local eatery, and travel by the latest streetcar through the suburbs. In Wakayama Prefecture, we journey through rugged terrain to Mt. Koya, 800m in altitude. Here we leave forget the everyday and experience Buddhist monastic life. Then we take local trains down toward the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, we discover a little train that hauls the local mikan harvest through mountainside orchards near the coast. We also meet an old fishing family and a feline stationmaster. Enjoy a journey to the city, mountain, and sea in Osaka and Wakayama.

Our journey takes place in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, where we travel along a figure 8-shaped route on local lines in the island's southern part. Rising amidst the railroad line is Mt. Komagatake, a stunning mountain whose different sides can be enjoyed from the train. Furthermore, we can see the high-speed Hokkaido Shinkansen, as well as experience a culinary treat indispensable to Japanese train travel, Ekiben. This 3 days 2 nights trip will delight you with Hokkaido's autumn.

The Shimabara Railway runs along the coast of the Shimabara Peninsula, which is located in Nagasaki Prefecture in Kyushu. The peninsula is dominated by massive volcanoes and is blessed with hot springs and spring water gushing out in many places. At a seaside station, there is a marvelous view of the dynamic change in the tide, and we can also enjoy a crab dish. Furthermore, there is a beautiful Japanese garden with abundant spring water. We can fully enjoy the journey on a cute single-car train.

Located in western Japan, the Seto Inland Sea is home to about 700 islands. This episode, we travel from Okayama Prefecture to Hiroshima Prefecture along the coast. The La Malle de Bois train is perfect for tourists with free Wi-Fi and outlets, while the Setouchi Marine View's huge windows allow for amazing views of the ocean. While taking in the beautiful sights, we stop at Kurashiki, Onomichi, Takehara, Kure, and finally Hiroshima, enjoying all that they have to offer.

Our journey takes place in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, where we travel to the northernmost part of the island using local train lines. The harsh Hokkaido winter scenery passes outside the windows, treating passengers to dreamy frozen landscapes bustling with wildlife. We even catch one of the few trains in Japan that runs through areas of heavy snowfall, as well as visit a travel lodge built in the style of an old train station, and even indulge ourselves with some famous eki-soba. This two-night/three-day trip will fill you with the magic of Hokkaido's winter.

Our journey takes place in Hokkaido Prefecture, the northern part of Japan. From Asahikawa Station surrounded by mountains, we head to Shiretoko-Shari Station, located on the Sea of Okhotsk and the gateway to the world famous Shiretoko Peninsula. The trains we ride pass through beautifully lit mountains covered with autumn leaves turning deep red and gold. On our way, we taste the unique local food, made with freshly harvested produce grown along the lines, and see people who have been waiting for coastal waters to become teeming with fish. We also discover a station that is in use for a limited time each year and a steam locomotive that has been preserved by local townspeople. Let's enjoy the vibrant autumn of Hokkaido!

Miyazaki, located in southeastern Kyushu, is a sun-drenched prefecture facing the Pacific Ocean. In this episode, we travel 170 kilometers from north to south along its coastline, hopping on different trains named "Sunshine" or "Nichirin", which means the "sun" in Japanese. On our way, we have a spectacular view of the "Devil's Washboard", the huge wave-like rock formations on the seashore, savor sweet, delicious mangoes, and come across designer handbags and lampshades made of Japanese cedar. We enjoy the blessings from the sun and the sea in Miyazaki.

This time, we travel the Miyagi coastline across northeast Japan, an area that was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. We travel in trains with unique designs and experience a new method of transportation while indulging in delicious seafood and tasting local Japanese sake crafted to pair with the fish of this area. We also meet a famous symbol of Miyagi Prefecture that has made a major impact on recovery efforts after 2011. Don't miss this special recovery episode of Train Cruise.

Izu Peninsula is a famous hot springs area located about 1 hour by Shinkansen bullet train southwest of Tokyo. On this Train Cruise, we ride on 2 railways that travel the peninsula. On the eastern shore's Izu Kyuko Railway, we visit an attractive and mysterious area designated as a Geopark by UNESCO. On the Sunzu Line of the Izu Hakone Tetsudo, we are delighted by the train's popular animation character decorations and visit a retro unmanned station and historical temple. This is an opportunity to enjoy hot springs and taste the other attractions of Izu.

Discover modern railways and colorful local lines in Chiba Prefecture, just a stone's throw from Tokyo. We start on "Japan's doorstep", at Narita Airport, riding the Shibayama Line into Chiba City and glide through the sky on the Chiba Urban Monorail, the world's longest suspended railway. Then we cross the prefecture on the Kominato Line, passing stations and bridges built more than 90 years ago, meet the people who saved the Isumi Railway from closing, and finally arrive at a menagerie of trains.

Reporter JJ starts his journey through Kanagawa Pref. in the naval city of Yokosuka and heads to Kamakura. This ancient seat of political power is alive with samurai culture and history. From there he heads to Enoshima on the nostalgic Enoden line that lazily runs through the streets and along the Pacific coast. Then he takes to the skies for a thrilling ride on a suspended monorail. And for the climax, he rides a train into the mountains of Hakone in search of a stunning view of the heavens.

Luke Bridgford travels to eastern Kochi Prefecture in Shikoku where he embarks on his 200-kilometer long eastward journey along the Pacific coastline. He starts on the TOSA KUROSHIO Railway, exploring the epic nature of the Shimanto River basin. He then boards a Limited Express Nanpu with speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. He alights in Kuroshio -- an old fishing village. Later in the old castle town of Kochi, Luke gets around on Japan's oldest tram, the Tosaden. He reaches the eastern end of his journey on the Gomen-Nahari Line and his goal, Cape Muroto.

We travel from Osaka Station, the gateway to western Japan, through neighboring Hyogo Prefecture. We explore a rural line that was revitalized by local residents, then travel to the Seto Inland Sea to relish fresh oysters. Next, we ride the futuristic Super Hakuto. At a 400-year-old post town that has changed little over time, we hear tales about master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Further on, we travel through mountains on the Hamakaze to a bag-producing town where we meet Japan's sole wicker-trunk weaver. At our final destination Kinosaki, we relax in 1,400-year-old hot springs and reflect on the treasures Hyogo has to offer.

This time, we travel through Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures, a region that has maintained a close relationship with nearby rivers and mountains. We start off heading north alongside Japan's 6th largest river, visiting a mini steam locomotive and enjoy some river boating along the way. In the city, we find a subway train that climbs up mountains and crosses rivers, and at times offers some nice scenery. Our journey ends with a specialty tourist train and a visit to 1,000-year-old hot springs.

Our stage this time is Hokkaido Prefecture in the north of Japan. There are many sites worth visiting, such as the hills that display a colorful tapestry under blue skies, Japan's most vast flower gardens, and a serene lake perfect for canoeing. Among the trains that run along this route, the most popular might possibly be the summertime-only sightseeing train, from which you can fully enjoy the summer winds and views. There is even a nostalgic, 40-year-old diesel engine that runs on this line.

Travel the verdant countryside of Nagano Prefecture in early summer. Our journey starts at a hot-spring town on the Ueda Line where the conductor plays harmonica for passengers. Trains rattle through rustic, hilly terrain along Nagano Electric Railway. The Shinano Line gives new life to colorful, old trains. The JR Shinonoi Line has a view of 1,500 terraced rice fields. The JR Oito Line runs along the foot of the majestic Northern Alps. We peek into the lives of the residents who live each day with thanks to nature.

We depart on our 120km journey from Mojiko in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Pref. Its grand station built in 1914 has been restored to its former glory. We travel through the world's first undersea tunnel to Shimonoseki, whose specialty is blowfish. After feasting on seafood, we head east along the stunning, azure seas of the Sea of Japan coast bound for Hagi, Yamaguchi Pref. We visit unusual sea stacks, feel the power of a millennium-old tree, and talk to the locals who live along these tempestuous seas.

The Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan's most beautiful. Running for 72.1km north-south along the stream is the Nagaragawa Railway. The run takes about 2 hours and includes 38 stations. The people who live along the line have intimate relationships with the river. A highly skilled boatwright who uses ancient techniques to build wooden river ships. A middle-aged couple celebrates the river and mountain scenery at their country inn. A man refocuses his life on the river after giving up on his dream of making music overseas.

Traverse the sublime winter wonderland in the northern reaches of Honshu on local lines. Tsugaru Railway is famous for the coal-fired stove on its train. Wonder at the rugged coastline along the Sea of Japan on the JR Gono Line. The Konan Railway is a lifeline for local residents. Visit the old temples, sake breweries, and wooden buildings designated as important cultural properties, and savor the local dishes. Enjoy a slow journey through tranquil snowscapes and sense the passing of time.

Kyle Card embarks on a 250-kilometer train journey from the Seto Inland Sea in Okayama Prefecture to the Sea of Japan in Tottori Prefecture. While it's a bicoastal train ride, Kyle spends his time discovering the inland, mountainous area that was opened up when the tracks, he travels on, were completed more than 100 years ago. His trip kicks off on the sightseeing train, "La Malle de Bois," which affords spectacular views of the Seto area. But he soon parts from the water taking first the Tsuyama Line and later the Inbi Line to explore the inland area. As he heads deeper into the mountains he feels like he slips back in time. At Tsuyama, he visits an old railway depot and heritage museum. At Chizu he stays with a family in their farm-inn, learning about the local way of life, which is deeply connected with nature. From Tottori Station, he takes another sightseeing train, the "Ametsuchi" to the Sea of Japan ... his goal.

Starting from Hachioji in Tokyo's west, our journey takes us to Mt. Fuji, then into the mountains of Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures. We watch traditional puppet theater. We alight at Mt. Fuji Station on the Fujikyu line, the closest railway to the peak, and enter a spiritual lava cave in the bowels of the mountain. As we make our way north, we stop by a Buddhist temple with a vineyard and a colossal radio telescope. Discover amazing scenery and sights deep in the mountains outside Tokyo.

The Sanriku Railway Rias Line runs 163km the length of Iwate Pref. in Japan's northeast, from Kuji Station in the north through Sakari Station in the south. The only way to conquer the rugged coastline was to go through it, with no fewer than 80 tunnels. Brilliant scenery and the sea awaits when you exit each tunnel. Travel the Sanriku Railway that was the beacon of hope for the region's quick recovery after the Sanriku coastline suffered much damage during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

We travel from Kyoto Prefecture along the western coast of Lake Biwa and beyond to Tsuruga on the Sea of Japan. Admire the late fall scenery on the cable car and rope way to the peak of Mt. Hiei, where we catch a glimpse of Japan's largest lake. We visit vestiges of the locally funded, now-defunct Kojaku Railway, and we meet a blacksmith, an antique shop owner and a cooper who all relocated to the area. We arrive at Tsuruga, once the international train's boat connection to the Trans-Siberian Railway.

We travel the Matsuura Railway through Nagasaki and Saga Prefectures in western Kyushu, where trade between Japan and Europe first began 500 years ago. Remote from the historical economic and political centers of Japan, the region absorbed Western trends and culture which still hold strong today. We go in search of customs and crafts that evolved over centuries in a region that was once at the forefront of culture in Japan.

We travel the Aizu Railway and JR Tadami Line through mountains in the Aizu region of Fukushima Pref. in Japan's northeast. Cruise with us from Aizu-Tajima Station, through an area known to receive a meter of snow in a single day during the winter. In spring, flowers bloom as the snow melts, and emerald green valleys come to life. Aizu is famous for its ultramarine pottery, and traditional red craftwork believed to repel evil. Enjoy the samurai history and scenery of Aizu in the early spring.

We start our journey at Fukuchiyama, a transport hub in central Kyoto Prefecture, and head north through valleys to the Sea of Japan and Toyooka, across the border in Hyogo Prefecture. The Kyoto Tango Railway boasts various carriages, with attractive interiors, operating on its 3 lines. We stop to admire the spectacular view of the sea, learn about the culture and history from local residents, and visit places that appear in legends.

The imperial steelworks established 120 years ago in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Pref., on the southern island of Kyushu, drove Japan's modernization. And coal mined in the nearby Chikuho area fueled this industry. We visit old ironworks and coal mines along the railways that transported the coal, and eat a bento that has delighted travelers for a century. We meet a retired mechanic working to invigorate the area with railroad history and an ex-coal miner preserving its coal mining past for posterity.

We travel Japan's northeast on the JR Hachinohe Line and Aoimori Railway, stopping at port towns along the way to experience the energetic culture and nature of Iwate and Aomori Prefectures. Feel the earth's power at an expansive, natural lawn on the coast. Browse the 300 stalls at a bustling, morning market and wonder at the range of products on offer. Get a rush from the exciting musical style of the Tsugaru shamisen. And, view the impressive Nebuta Festival of lights, which draws one million spectators.

We travel south from Sapporo on the Hakodate Line, one of Japan's earliest rail lines, to visit a museum that preserves railroad history and a distillery known around the globe for its whisky. Rail fans will not want to miss a rare experience at one of its remote stations. At Oshamambe, customers enjoy crab bento while savoring the joy of travel, without boarding a train. Leisurely journey through an area where new winds will blow when the Shinkansen starts operations in the future.

We start at Hiroshima, the largest city in the Chugoku region, and journey pastoral landscapes through the Chugoku Mountains to Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. The towns along the way are alive with myths and legends from ancient times. Tales of the Kappa and other supernatural creatures defy scientific explanation. Kagura, which draws its stories from Shinto mythology, is performed in dedication to the deities. Japanese swords that are crucial in traditional events are still being made in the area.

We journey the Tazawako and Akita Nairiku Lines into the heart of Akita Pref. in Japan's north. Warm yourself in the milky white waters of a secluded, hot spring and admire lustrous, traditional items made from bark. Visit the Matagi bear hunters who continue to practice an indigenous faith and its rites. Deeper into the mountains, marvel at the night sky and visit UNESCO-designated ancient ruins. The villages these rail lines connect offer a glimpse into the seasonal mountain life of Akita.

Travel through one of the largest calderas in the world at Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Pref. The caldera has fertile ground to sustain crops and livestock.

We journey the JR Hakushin and Uetsu Main Lines of Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures in search of traditional food culture in one of Japan's major rice-producing regions. At Niigata Station we sample sake from the dizzying array on offer. We visit an old brewery that has converted one building into a tourist attraction. One sightseeing train—so popular it's always fully booked—offers spectacular views of the Sea of Japan. Along the way we try exquisite salmon dishes and other culinary delights.

We start our journey from Fukuyama in southeastern Hiroshima Prefecture bound for Kurashiki in southwestern Okayama Prefecture via JR and the Ibara Railway. The area once prospered on cotton cultivation and textile production. The traditional weaving techniques are used today to make denim, and brocade items for temples and shrines. We also visit historic townscapes dating back to the 16th through 18th centuries, and taste some local sweets. At our destination, we encounter masterpieces of art.

We journey from Gunma Pref., northwest of Tokyo, through Niigata Pref. and marvel at the colors of early summer. Glide along the Tone River through fresh verdure. Explore an art installation in a 750m tunnel and become part of the art in a mirrored shaft that reflects the gorge outside. Admire carvings by Japan's Michelangelo at a 500-year-old Buddhist temple. Try the local, pastel-colored sugar candies. Hover between blue sky and sea at a station on the Sea of Japan. Find your favorite color.

Journey through eastern Hokkaido Prefecture, where spring arrives last in Japan. First, head east from Obihiro through the expansive fields of the Tokachi Plain, which produce much of Japan's food, then along the Pacific Ocean where you can savor the fresh, local produce and seafood. Visit a closed railway that is popular with rail fans, then roll through vast marshlands, a rarity in Japan, and observe the spring wildlife frolicking outside your window as you steam toward your final stop in Nemuro.

We take a trip on the JR Yosan Line through the local history and culture of Ehime Prefecture. Learn modern history at a railroad museum featuring exhibits you can touch and a theme park located on the former site of a copper mine. Dive into an age-old culture at a hot spring town where Geiko entertainers delight guests. A beloved tourist train with dining cars takes us right along the sea and stops at a popular lookout. Experience Gagaku Imperial Court Music at an ancient Shinto shrine.

We journey through the snowy landscapes of northern Fukui Prefecture in central Japan on the Echizen Railway. The local trains, which are a lifeline for residents, operate over a total distance of 53 kilometers and provide access to many sightseeing locations. Visit the 770-year-old Eiheiji and practice zazen meditation, sip locally brewed sake and dine on Echizen crab, as we train cruise through the natural winter wonderland of the old Echizen Province on the Sea of Japan.

We travel the Hisatsu Orange Railway from Yatsushiro in Kumamoto Prefecture to Akune in Kagoshima Prefecture. Much of the line hugs the coast, framing beautiful ocean vistas in the windows. Sea breezes nurture the regional specialty, Amanatsu citrus fruit, while billowing white sails lend traditional fishing vessels the nickname, "ladies in white dresses." One artisan crafts colorful fishing vessel banners for bountiful hauls. Meet a local culture fostered by the sea and the residents who eek their living from it.

The Kumano Kodo was designated UNESCO World Heritage in 2004. Travel the JR Sangu and Kisei Lines along the trails on the Iseji route between Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture and Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture.

Travel the Soya Line through the northern part of the island to Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost station. Disused train lines and stations remain along the way. Head to Cape Soya and gaze at Sakhalin.

Journey through the tranquil rustic landscape of Shimane Pref. Traditional fishermen catch clams. One temple offers blessing for eye ailments. And, residents make unusual sculptures for the deities.

Travel Iwate Pref. from popular destination Morioka to the Pacific coast. Eat your fill of soba noodles, dive into in a fantastical world, fish with cucumbers and go spelunking.

Explore Choshi Electric Railway which has operated for a century with the warm support of residents. Everyone here strives to preserve the local traditions.

Visit Kinpusen-ji, sacred for mountain ascetics; the Asuka ruins that are nominated for UNESCO listing; Ise Grand Shrine; and a pearl divers' village on Kintetsu Railway in Nara and Mie Prefectures.

In 1945 at the end of WWII, an atomic bomb hit Nagasaki. We enjoy the stunning scenery, but more importantly we talk with those who survived and remember those who lost their lives.

The streetcar that survived the atom bomb and still runs today is a symbol of Hiroshima's recovery. Travel 20 km to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Jinja.

Late April, spring has arrived in northern Japan. Travel the JR Ou and Gono Lines, discovering cherry blossoms, hiking a lush beech forest, soaking in a seaside spring and trying fermented soybeans.

Travel Kagoshima Pref. on the Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line, JR's southernmost line. Discover a 400-year pottery tradition, walk around a samurai neighborhood, and admire views of an active volcano.

We travel through the mountainous area 100km northwest of Tokyo, covering Tochigi, Gunma and Saitama Prefectures. We focus on timber and meet local residents who appreciate the blessings of nature.

Travel the Iga Railway and Kintetsu Railway lines through Iga in Mie Prefecture, one of the Japan's leading ninja regions. Experience their traditions and training, and taste their portable rations.

Travel northern Kyushu on the JR Kyudai Line that follows the course of the Chikugo River and its tributaries. Discover how residents live with the blessings and trouble the wild rivers bring.

Travel from Kushiro to Abashiri through winter scenery, and see rare cranes and other wildlife along the way. An active volcano has deep links to the railway. Drift ice floats off the Shiretoko coast.

Travel along the Kurobe River on the Toyama Chihou and Kurobe Gorge Railways in Toyama Pref. The river provides water for farms, businesses and households. Upstream, the river has carved a deep gorge.