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These 20 Incredible Photos of Japan’s Trains Will Make You Famous on Video Chat!

These 20 Incredible Photos of Japan’s Trains Will Make You Famous on Video Chat!

Date published: 20 July 2020

When thinking about Japan, images of cool-looking streamlined trains speeding through the countryside may come to mind. Indeed, trainspotting in Japan is a completely different sport altogether. And in the spirit of sharing stunning scenery together with trains, Live Japan was able to get unique access to some of the coolest shots offered by some of the Tokyo area’s biggest railway operators!

From the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar GSE, whose seats offer views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day, to the Seibu Railway Limited Express Train Laview, which recently was awarded one of the most prestigious train awards in Japan, here are some of the sharpest-looking backgrounds for any serious train fan!

Main image: © Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

Table of Contents
  1. Odakyu Electric Railway: Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar GSE
  2. Hakone Tozan Railway: Hakone Tozan Train
  3. Seibu Railway: Limited Express Train Laview
  4. Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
  5. Keio Inokashira Line
  6. Tokyu 7700 Series and 300 Series
  7. Keikyu 2100 Series and 1000 Series
  8. Tobu Railway Steam Locomotive SL Taiju
  9. Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)
  10. Sotetsu 8000 Series and 11000 Series (Sounyan Train)
  11. Enoden
  12. Related Articles

Odakyu Electric Railway: Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar GSE

Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar GSE. © Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar GSE. © Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

Odakyu Electric Railway's Limited Express Romancecar GSE connects Shinjuku to popular tourist destinations Hakone and Enoshima that are loved by domestic and foreign tourists. From the large train windows, you can see panoramic views of Katase Enoshima overlooking the Pacific Ocean, countryside landscapes and mountains that change from season to season - and even magnificent Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar GSE. © Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar GSE. © Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

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Other wallpaper available at: https://www.odakyu.jp/wallpaper/

Hakone Tozan Railway: Hakone Tozan Train

Hakone Tozan Train between Tonosawa Station and Ohiradai Station. © Hakone Tozan Railway Co., Ltd.
Hakone Tozan Train between Tonosawa Station and Ohiradai Station. © Hakone Tozan Railway Co., Ltd.

The Hakone Tozan Train connects Hakone-Yumoto to Gora and is one of the most authentic mountain railways in Japan, climbing the steep slopes of the mountains. From spring cherry blossoms to hydrangea and brightly colored maple leaves, you can enjoy the scenery that changes from season to season.

*As of June 2020, due to the typhoon in 2019, service for the Hakone Tozan Train is suspended between Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station. Operation is scheduled to resume at the end of July 2020.

Hakone Tozan Train between Ohiradai Station and Miyanoshita Station. © Hakone Tozan Railway Co., Ltd.
Hakone Tozan Train between Ohiradai Station and Miyanoshita Station. © Hakone Tozan Railway Co., Ltd.

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Other wallpaper available at: https://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/fun/gallery.php

Seibu Railway: Limited Express Train Laview

The Seibu Railway Limited Express Train Laview, near Ashigakubo Station. Copyright: © SEIBU Railway Co., LTD.
The Seibu Railway Limited Express Train Laview, near Ashigakubo Station. Copyright: © SEIBU Railway Co., LTD.

Chichibu is about 80 minutes from Ikebukuro using The Seibu Railway Limited Express Train Laview, which won the Blue Ribbon Award for 2020, an award given by the prestigious Japan Railfan Club, which recognized the train’s stylish features and barrier-free design. It also received the prestigious iF Design Award 2020 in the Product category - the first time in 13 years for Japanese railway rolling stock.

Surrounded by the clear stream of the Arakawa River and the Chichibu Mountains, Chichibu is a region where you can enjoy the magnificent nature such as river rafting and the Geo Gravity Park Chichibu. At the same time, it is an area where you can enjoy gourmet food such as sake, whiskey, strawberries, and more, as well as the history of the Chichibu Shrine associated with the Tokugawa family, Mitsumine Shrine established by Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, and the cityscape that makes you feel retro Japan.

The Seibu Railway Limited Express Train Laview, between Ashigakubo Station and Yokoze Station. Copyright: © SEIBU Railway Co., LTD.
The Seibu Railway Limited Express Train Laview, between Ashigakubo Station and Yokoze Station. Copyright: © SEIBU Railway Co., LTD.

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Other wallpaper available at: https://www.seiburailway.jp/fan/seibuhaikei/

Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line

Copyright: © Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
Copyright: © Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.

Tokyo Metro operates an extensive network of subways in the Tokyo area. With 180 stations and trains carrying around 7.55 million passengers daily, it is also one of the world's top-class subway systems. With its first section completed in 1954, the Marunouchi Line, whose subway cars are shown above, is Tokyo’s second-oldest after the Ginza Line. The Marunouchi Line in particular curves through Tokyo's center, including many of the city's popular tourist areas, like Ikebukuro, and Ginza, Tokyo, and Shinjuku.

Copyright: © Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
Copyright: © Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.

・Tokyo Metro wallpaper available at: https://www.tokyometro.jp/enjoy/wallpaper/background/index.html

・Note that the Tokyo Metro wallpaper website is only available in Japanese.
・For details on how to set a virtual background in your web conferencing software, please refer to the help pages of the respective software.
・Images in the download link are copyrighted by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. and provided as-is for use as web conferencing backgrounds and other personal-use applications; they may not be sold, re-distributed, or used commercially, in any way, without permission from Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.

Keio Inokashira Line

A rainbow of Keio trains lined up at a Train Inspection Facility near Fujimigaoka Station (Keio Inokashira Line). Copyright: © Keio Corporation
A rainbow of Keio trains lined up at a Train Inspection Facility near Fujimigaoka Station (Keio Inokashira Line). Copyright: © Keio Corporation

Operated by private railway company Keio Corporation, the Keio Inokashira Line runs through the western side of Tokyo, connecting Shibuya with the scenic suburb of Kichijoji - a city that often tops lists of Tokyo’s most livable areas, and which is a particularly popular destination for day trips.

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Other wallpaper available at: https://www.keio.co.jp/keioroom/

Tokyu 7700 Series and 300 Series

Series 7700 stopped at Togoshi-ginza Station. (Photographed in 2017) Copyright: © TOKYU CORPORATION
Series 7700 stopped at Togoshi-ginza Station. (Photographed in 2017) Copyright: © TOKYU CORPORATION

Tokyu Railways operates a series of major train lines running to the west of Tokyo and connecting Shibuya to the city of Yokohama to the south. Many of these lines run through popular tourist destinations, including Togoshi-ginza, home to Tokyo’s longest shopping street, and Miyanosaka, whose nearby Gotokuji Temple is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko.

The 7700 Series train (pictured above), which ran along the Ikegami Line, was popular with many rail fans; it has since been retired, with service now conducted new 7000 Series.

The 300 Series "Lucky Maneki-Neko Train” departing from Sangenjaya Station on the modern-day Setagaya Line. Here you can feel the nature and liveliness of the train up close. Copyright: © TOKYU CORPORATION
The 300 Series "Lucky Maneki-Neko Train” departing from Sangenjaya Station on the modern-day Setagaya Line. Here you can feel the nature and liveliness of the train up close. Copyright: © TOKYU CORPORATION

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Other wallpaper available at: https://www.tokyu.co.jp/railway/data/train_info/

Keikyu 2100 Series and 1000 Series

2100 series train in mid-February between Miura Kaigan Station and Misakiguchi Station. Copyright: © Keikyu Corporation
2100 series train in mid-February between Miura Kaigan Station and Misakiguchi Station. Copyright: © Keikyu Corporation

Keikyu Electric Railway runs from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo (including to Ginza and Asakusa), and south from Yokohama down the Miura Peninsula to the cities of Miura and Misaki, where you can eat delicious (and often freshly caught) tuna. In the middle of February you can see the beautiful scenery of Kawazu cherry blossoms and rape blossoms, so be sure to add this colorful day trip from Tokyo to your list!

1000 series train in mid-February between Miura Kaigan Station and Misakiguchi Station. Copyright: © Keikyu Corporation
1000 series train in mid-February between Miura Kaigan Station and Misakiguchi Station. Copyright: © Keikyu Corporation

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Tobu Railway Steam Locomotive SL Taiju

Steam Locomotive SL Taiju between Shimo-imaichi Station and Kinugawa-onsen Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. Copyright: © TOBU RAILWAY Co., LTD.
Steam Locomotive SL Taiju between Shimo-imaichi Station and Kinugawa-onsen Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. Copyright: © TOBU RAILWAY Co., LTD.

Tobu Railway runs between Tokyo and Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture, about two hours north. Nikko is renowned for being one of the oldest tourist destinations for Westerners, and for its famous Toshogu Shrine. The SL Taiju is a steam locomotive that runs along a line close to Nikko, between Shimo-imaichi Station and the famous hot spring resort town of Kinugawa-onsen and operates primarily on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. When sightseeing in Nikko, be sure to give the SL Taiju a ride - it’ll make the perfect memory of your trip to Japan!

Steam Locomotive SL Taiju between Shimo-imaichi Station and Kinugawa-onsen Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. Copyright: © TOBU RAILWAY Co., LTD.
Steam Locomotive SL Taiju between Shimo-imaichi Station and Kinugawa-onsen Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. Copyright: © TOBU RAILWAY Co., LTD.

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Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)

Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) at Minowabashi Station. Copyright: © Bureau of Transportation. Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) at Minowabashi Station. Copyright: © Bureau of Transportation. Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) is a streetcar managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation. This train runs parallel to regular vehicle traffic in some sections, a unique and unusual sight now rarely seen in Tokyo. Because of the many cherry blossom sights visible along the railway line, it is popularly nicknamed the Tokyo Sakura Tram.

The Minowabashi stop is among the top 100 most scenic stations in the greater Tokyo area and is known for its retro atmosphere and elegance. Along the line, some 140 types of roses (around 13,000 in all) bloom in mid-spring and early autumn, and the Minowabashi Station is a popular photography spot.

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Sotetsu 8000 Series and 11000 Series (Sounyan Train)

8000 Series train with Mt. Fuji, photographed between Izumino and Izumi-chuo Stations. Copyright: ©Sagami Railway Co., Ltd.
8000 Series train with Mt. Fuji, photographed between Izumino and Izumi-chuo Stations. Copyright: ©Sagami Railway Co., Ltd.

Sotetsu’s railway lines cover an area west of Yokohama, connecting the urban center with the quiet suburbs. There are few tall buildings along the Izumino Line, opening up the skyline for breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji right from the train. Yumegaoka Station is especially famous for the view of Mt. Fuji from the platform; it’s especially magnificent in winter. Sotetsu also offers a very fun souvenir for rail fans known as the "Yumekibo Ticket (Dream-Hope Ticket)." This is a special auspicious ticket that’s typically purchased as a good luck charm for examinations and job hunting! Be sure to check it out when you are in town. (Details at https://www.sotetsu.co.jp/goukaku/ - in Japanese)

11000 Series train (Sounyan Train) at Yayoidai Station (Izumino Line). Copyright: ©Sagami Railway Co., Ltd.
11000 Series train (Sounyan Train) at Yayoidai Station (Izumino Line). Copyright: ©Sagami Railway Co., Ltd.

At Yayoidai Station on the Izumino Line, there is a cherry blossom tunnel that surrounds the platform. In spring, it is lit up and you can enjoy the soothing spectacle of cherry blossoms even at night. And at "Petal de Sakura", a French restaurant adjacent to the station, you can enjoy authentic cuisine while gazing out at the tunnel of cherry blossoms. It’s an Instaworthy scene that’ll make you the envy of all your followers.

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Enoden

Enoden at Kamakurakokomae Station, with Enoshima Island in the background. ©Enoshima Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Enoden at Kamakurakokomae Station, with Enoshima Island in the background. ©Enoshima Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

The Enoden connects the coastal city of Fujisawa with the popular tourist destination of Kamakura. Along the Enoden, you can enjoy a variety of scenery depending on the section of track, such as going between private houses, alongside temples, or winding along the coast. Sunset over the coastline makes for a particularly fantastic landscape, and on clear days you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Enoden between Gokurakuji and Hase Stations. ©Enoshima Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Enoden between Gokurakuji and Hase Stations. ©Enoshima Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

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The next time you visit Japan, be sure to explore some of the incredible places these train lines run through! We’re sure you will discover a new side of Japan that you never knew existed.


Disclaimer: The images in this article and in the download links have been prepared with the permission of the respective copyright holders and provided as-is for use as web conferencing backgrounds and other personal-use applications. They may not be sold, re-distributed, or used commercially, in any way, without permission from the respective copyright holder.
・Websites linked from this article may contain information available only in Japanese.

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Written by:
Timothy Sullivan
Timothy Sullivan

Chief English Editor

LIVE JAPAN

Timothy Sullivan is a senior English editor who has worked with LIVE JAPAN since 2017. Originally from New York, USA, he has over two decades of experience in Japan and more than 15 years in the digital media sphere. Timothy has played pivotal roles in assisting Japanese enterprises and regional authorities connect with international audiences. When he isn’t traveling, he is helping producing polished copy for LIVE JAPAN, one of Japan’s largest tourism platforms. He received a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the State University of New York College at Geneseo.

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