Borders are finally open! Here are the 7 most scenic train routes with gourmet food in Japan

From October 11, the Japanese borders are finally open to tourists again, and there are two things Japan excells in more than any other country: Trains & food!

Therefore, I have created this spectacular list of the 7 most interesting sightseeing train-routes that also offers gourmet food!

1st: The Mt.Fuji View Limited Express / Chubu

Let’s start off with the most accessible train route for most of you: This line is dubbed "The closest railway to Mt.Fuji".

The line was designed by popular train designer Eiji Mitooka, and it’s a modern vermilion car that runs from Otsuki Station in Yamanashi Prefecture to Kawaguchiko Station at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

The highlight food of this ride is the “sweets plan”, which is a set only available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays for the special car No. 1 (a special fee is required).

You can enjoy special sweets made by the patissiers from the theme-park resort Fuji-Q Highland’s Official Hotel.

The interior of the car, which uses plenty of wood, has a bright and peaceful atmosphere, and of course many amazing views of Mt. Fuji.

Address: 1-1 Otsuki, Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture to Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture ( Map )

2nd: The food-lover’s dream train: “52 Seats of Happiness” / Kanto

Another super-accesible trains for anyone going to Tokyo. This is an elegant and delicious train trip that can be easily accessed from the city center.

The restaurant in the train is operated by Seibu Railway and the train connects Ikebukuro Station or Seibu Shinjuku Station with Chichibu.

The dishes are supervised by chefs from famous restaurants all over Tokyo and are authentic in both appearance and taste. The food is cooked in the train kitchen car and served fresh. One of the attractions is the stylish and luxurious interior designed by the architect Kengo Kuma.

The exterior, which expresses the four seasons of Chichibu and the water of the Arakawa River, was also designed by Kengo Kuma.

The unique name of the line comes from the fact that it only has a capacity for 52 people. This is truly a luxury-foodie’s dream-train…

Address: Between Ikebukuro Station and Seibu-Chichibu Station, between Seibu-Shinjuku Station and Seibu-Chichibu Station, etc. ( Map )

3rd: Go old-school with the hardest train to pronounce on this list: The Bell Montagne et Mer (Belmonta) / Chubu

This is Toyama's most famous sightseeing train! A classic train decked out with art that offers fresh seafood from the surrounding nature.

A sightseeing train that runs from Takaoka Station in Toyama Prefecture on the Johana Line on the mountain side or the Himi Line on the sea side.

The long name, which means "beautiful mountains and sea" in French, expresses the wonderful scenery along the line, and is affectionately known by locals as "Belmonta."

Meals and local sakes are sold inside the train, and there is even a service where a sushi chef will board the train and prepare the seafood from Toyama Bay for you. You can buy it on the day in limited quantities, but advance reservations are recommended.

Based on the concept of a “running gallery,” the large windows are designed like picture frames.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the sight of a beautiful landscape that looks like a single painting flowing through the train window.

Address: Shimonoseki Town, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture (Johana Line/Himi Line) ( Map )

4th: The sexiest Limited express train that travels around Kyushu

The train is designed to look like a running jazz bar. The interior of the car is decorated with wooden interiors and stained glass, creating a nostalgic and mature atmosphere.

It runs from Kumamoto Station to Misumi Station, and the highlights include the Okoshiki Coast of the Ariake Sea.

The most famous thing on the menu is the “A Highball”, a highball made with local Dekopon (a type of super sweet Japanese orange), to accompany you on your trip. This drink can be enjoyed in the highball bar in the train.

In the shared space of car 1, there is a counter bar named "A-TRAIN BAR", decked out with benches and sofas. Here you can relax and enjoy the scenery from the train window buzzed from local sakes and whiskeys.

Address: Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture ( map )

5th: Fruit-lovers heaven: the Fruitia train in Fukushima / Tohoku

A café-like sightseeing train where you can enjoy the famous“Fruit Kingdom” cakes from Fukushima.

For foreigners, Fukushima might be more known for the Fukushima Nuclear disaster than a sightseeing area. However, Fukushima actually has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Japan.

This is a sightseeing train that’s very famous in Fukushima, where fruits such as peaches, grapes, and pears from the local farmers are it’s special menu. You should definitely have the sweets set, using fruits produced in Fukushima, on-board. The passenger car with white box seats has an atmosphere like a real cafe.

The sweets set comes with two original sweets produced by a popular local store, a bottle of fruit juice made in Fukushima, and free refills of coffee or tea (hot or iced).

There are also counter seats where you can sit freely in the café counter vehicle. There are two operating routes, one between Koriyama Station in Fukushima Prefecture and Kitakata Station, and the other between Koriyama Station and Sendai Station in Miyagi Prefecture, which varies depending on the season.

Address: 195 Hiuchita, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture ( Map )

6th: A thousand year old relic in the middle of Shikoku

Enjoy a trip to Shikoku based on the Japanese concept of “adult leisure”

No children allowed on this train that crosses the Shikoku mountains from Tadotsu Station in Kagawa Prefecture to Oboke Station in Tokushima Prefecture.

Along this route there are historical spots along the line that have been around for more than a 1,000 years.

The interior of the car is a calm space with a motif inspired by a Japan long-gone. Some vehicles are equipped with bench sofas with a length of about 7m, which are recommended for group trips.

Along the way, you can enjoy meals made with local ingredients (reservations are required and a separate fee is required).

You can feel the beauty of Japan in this uniquely Japanese food selecton wrapped in a gorgeous wooden box called a “jubako”.

Address: Sakae Town, Tadotsu Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture ( Map )

7th: The most blinged-up train you have ever seen: The Aru train / Kyushu

The coolest train on the list: Embark on a superb journey on the revived "Phantom Train"

In the Meiji period, Kyushu Railway ordered a luxury train from an American company, but it was never used, until now! This is the sightseeing experience with the revived the phantom train called the "Aru train".

Designed by Mr. Eiji Mitooka, the carriage has a classical space reminiscent of the Meiji period and is gorgeous both inside and out. As of March 2022, the serviced section is between Hakata Station and Yufuin Station.

What you can enjoy inside the train is a course meal prepared by Mr. Yoshihiro Narisawa, the chef of the world-famous restaurant "NARISAWA" in Minami Aoyama, Tokyo.

Address: Hakata Station - Huis Ten Bosch Station, Saga Station - Nagasaki Station, Nagasaki Station - Sasebo Station ( Map )