Japan by rail: five journeys worth taking

15 May 2026

The rail network in Japan makes it easy to shape a trip around the kind of experience you want, rather than following a single fixed route. One day you can be in the middle of a busy food district, the next you’re watching the landscape open out into mountains or coastline. These journeys aren’t about rushing through a checklist, but about choosing routes that naturally link places together and give each stop a bit more meaning.

Japan by rail: five journeys worth taking

Osaka to Hiroshima for food and changing cityscapes

Starting in Osaka, the focus is firmly on food and atmosphere. In areas like Shinsekai and Dotonbori, it’s easy to spend time trying local dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki while getting a feel for the city’s energy. When you board the Shinkansen towards Hiroshima, the pace shifts quickly. Hiroshima has a quieter feel, where time is often spent around the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Just across the water, Miyajima Island offers a change of scene again, with the Itsukushima Shrine standing just off the shoreline.

Tokyo to Kanazawa for a balance of modern and traditional

Leaving Tokyo by train, the transition from city skyline to open countryside happens gradually, making the journey part of the experience. Arriving in Kanazawa, the pace feels more measured. Kenrokuen Garden is a highlight, but the smaller details stand out just as much, from the narrow streets of the Nagamachi samurai district to the teahouses in Higashi Chaya. It’s a place where older traditions still sit comfortably alongside everyday life.

Kyoto to Nara for an easy step into history

Kyoto has plenty to hold your attention, but stepping out of the city is just as rewarding. After visiting sites like Fushimi Inari Taisha or the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the short train ride to Nara feels like a natural extension rather than a separate trip. Nara Park is open and spacious, with deer moving freely through the grounds, and Todaiji Temple provides a clear focal point with its large bronze Buddha. It’s a simple journey that adds a different perspective without needing much planning.

Nagoya to Takayama for a slower pace in the mountains

From Nagoya, the train journey north begins to feel quieter as the scenery changes to rivers, forests, and small towns. By the time you reach Takayama, the difference is clear. The Sanmachi Suji district, with its wooden buildings and narrow streets, gives a sense of how the town has been preserved over time. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, visit local sake breweries, and try regional dishes like Hida beef without feeling rushed.

Nagano to Matsumoto for open views and fresh air

Heading into the Japanese Alps, this journey is less about major landmarks and more about the setting itself. Nagano offers a starting point with Zenkoji Temple, before the route continues to Matsumoto, where the original castle stands out against the surrounding mountains. From here, it’s easy to explore further into the alpine landscape, whether that’s taking a ropeway for wider views or simply enjoying the quieter atmosphere that comes with being further from the main cities.

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Japan by rail: five journeys worth taking

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