Top 3 Coolest Trains in Japan

Number 3: The New Shuttle (ニューシャトル)

The New Shuttle train might not qualify as one of the coolest trains in Japan, but what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in its story!

In the 1980s, the inhabitants of Ina in Saitama were furious over the government’s plan to build a Shinkansen line right across their town. To appease them, the mayor of Ina and the government agreed to build a train line dedicated to the town.

To save costs but still fulfill their promise, the government decided to just tack on an extra train track next to the proposed Shinkansen line.

The result is the insanely cute train you see above, flexing its tiny train cars next to the massive Shinkansen.

Today, not only does the train line operate on a profit, it also has put Ina town on the map by connecting the closest Shinkansen station to the biggest train museum in Tokyo, the Railway Museum.

I wish we could solve the problems with NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) like this more often elsewhere!

Number 2: Aso Boy

The Aso Boy is a limited express train in Kyushu that runs between Kumamoto and Miyavi to the biggest volcano in Japan, Mt. Aso!

Except for its hilarious name, the train has many unique design elements and amentias.

Not only does the train have an incredible Skydeck where you can get a full view of Mt. Aso as the train closes in on it, the cars are also equipped with a ball pit for children and a café with their own mascot, Kuro!

Number 1: The Twilight Express

The Twilight Express might not only be the coolest train in Japan, but actually the coolest train IN THE WORLD!

Its basically a Ritz Carlton on rails with amenities like private bathtubs and spacious living quarters, and the ultra-smooth journey takes you through Japan’s scenic heartlands while enjoying the finest cuisine and stopping at key sightseeing spots.

The Skydeck alone makes it look like something from the year 3,000, and each room is uniquely designed to mimic the forests and lakes the train passes.

Just to top off the extravaganza, the final suite gives an homage to the most known luxury train in history, the orient express. This train truly gives you a sense that it has everything one could ever ask for when it comes to luxury…

After all this hype, you might be inclined to jump on-board. Sadly, that will set you back at least $2,800 USD, and if you want the suite in the picture, it will set you back a whopping $5,800…