My Favourite Train Rides in Japan (and Which Ones Are Worth Prioritising)

Everyone asks about the Shinkansen. It’s fast, smooth and worth doing. But the rides I remember most were the slower ones.

The short version:

• Enoden → the most charming. Slow, coastal, anime vibes.
• Odakyu Romancecar → the most comfortable way to reach Hakone.
• Hakone’s cable car and ropeway → the ropeway goes right over volcanic steam.
• Shinkansen → impressive, efficient, over quickly.
• Buses → underrated for smaller cities.

The Enoden: slow and coastal

A small, old local line around Kamakura and Enoshima. It runs close to houses, then opens up right along the sea.

The stretch around Kamakura-Kokomae was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. It felt like an anime scene. Don’t rush past it, it’s part of the day. More in my Kamakura guide.

The Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone

We went from Tokyo towards Hakone via Odawara on the Romancecar. Wide seats, big windows, relaxed pace. It turns a travel leg into part of the fun.

Hakone’s cable car and ropeway

Not trains exactly, but they’re part of the Hakone loop:

• Cable car → a steep climb from Gora to Sounzan.
• Ropeway → right over Owakudani, with steam and sulphur fumes rising below you.

More in my Hakone guide.

The Shinkansen

We took it from Tokyo to Kanazawa, and it really showed how convenient Japan’s long-distance rail is. Fast, smooth, on time.

But because it’s fast, it’s over quickly. Enjoy it for what it is, the best way to cover long distances.

Don’t forget buses

We took a bus from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Outside the big cities, buses matter more and more. They’re punctual, clean and comfortable. For limited-seat routes, book ahead. More in my guide to getting around outside the big cities.

One tip for every big train

Arrive at the station around 30 minutes early, especially if:

• You don’t know the station.
• It’s a long-distance train.
• You have luggage.
• You have a reserved seat you can’t miss.

The challenge often isn’t finding the station, it’s finding the right entrance, operator and platform. More in my guide to Japan’s giant stations.

How I’d prioritise

1. Doing Kamakura? Ride the Enoden, don’t skip it.
2. Going to Hakone? Take the Romancecar.
3. Long distances? Shinkansen, and enjoy the view.
4. Smaller cities? Check buses before assuming there’s a train.

The rides that stuck with me weren’t the fastest. They were the ones where the ride itself was the point.