The 10 Best Train Lines to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan
- Publié le : 19/02/2026
- Par : Joshua
- Youtube
Paleo Express
@Salam091 on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
A trip on rail is more than just a way of getting from point A to point B in Japan. During springtime, many trains traverse through gorgeous nature with beautiful views of cherry blossom trees—a scene out of movie or anime! Take a look at some of the best train lines in Japan to enjoy sakura!
In Japan, spring is synonymous with cherry blossoms! A true national event, the flowering of the cherry trees is a moment eagerly awaited by the people of Japan, who do not hesitate to travel all around the archipelago to admire the most beautiful nature has to offer.
And especially by train, which remains the most used means of transport in the country! In order to take full advantage of this season, Japan Experience introduces you to our favorite train lines that will allow you to admire the cherry blossoms throughout the archipelago!
Kanto
Mooka Railway
The Mooka Railway runs between Ibaraki and Tochigi Prefectures, just north of Tokyo. This railway line is famous for the stunning views of light pink cherry blossom trees contrasting with the bright yellow of nanohana fields.
For more than two hours, it allows you to discover the eastern Kanto countryside. Connecting Shimodate Station in Ibaraki Prefecture to Mogi Station in Tochigi Prefecture, this line runs along the surrounding rivers as well as the rapeseed fields whose yellow contrasts wonderfully with the pink of the cherry trees.
Very popular in the spring, we advise you to leave early to hope to get a ticket! Indeed, the locomotives only run on weekends and public holidays, once a day and it is impossible to book tickets in advance.
La ligne Mooka à Ibaraki
Flick/ Shutter Chimp:Im back!
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased at the departure station.
Times: Departure from Shimodate at 10:35 am, departure from Mogi at 2:26 pm.
The Toden-Arakawa Line
Tokyo's last streetcar, the Toden-Arakawa Line, has connected Waseda Station to Minowabashi Station in Arakawa Ward since the 1920s.
Nicknamed the “ cherry tree tram," this small wagon passes through 30 local stations, including Ojiekimae station, which overlooks Asukayama Park, very popular with the Japanese in this season for its many cherry trees.
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased on the tramway.
Times: Frequent departures throughout the day.
Toden-Arakawa Line
@rawpixel/ Public Domain
The Paleo Express
A 1970s steam locomotive, the Paleo Express connects Kumagaya and Mitsumieguchi stations in the Chichibu region.
Passing through the plains as well as the small surrounding mountains, it offers very beautiful views to all photo enthusiasts!
This small locomotive has only four wagons and only runs once a day; we suggest booking your tickets in advance!
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased at the departure station or reserved at all JR East stations.
Times: 10:12 a.m. departure from Kumagaya, 2 p.m. departure from Mitsumieguchi
Le Paleo Express de Chichibu
Flick/ Az_shijimi
Chubu
Oigawa Railway
The Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture is a great detour to take if you’re passing through, either to see Mt. Fuji or visit some hot springs. Many of the train tracks are lined with cherry trees, but you can also stop at Ieyama Station, from which a “cherry blossom tunnel” is just a short walk away!
Connecting Shin-Kanaya Station to Senzu Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, this 1930s steam locomotive is one of the most popular attractions in the country. In this season, the banks of the Oi River and the cherry blossom tunnel at Ieyama Station are the pride of the Oigawa line.
Useful information
Tickets: Available for purchase at the departure station or to be reserved on the Oigawa Line website.
Departure times: Timetable available on the Oigawa Line website.
Oigawa Railway
@ウツダー on Wikimedia, CC BY 2.1
The Hakone Tozan Line
Connecting Hakone-Yumoto station to Gora station in 40 minutes, the Hakone Tozan is one of the best-served lines in the region.
With a train approximately every ten minutes, the Hakone Tozan is not only a good way to get around Hakone City quickly but also to do sightseeing at a lower cost.
Small mountains, valleys or even forests—it is a city with multiple facets that you will discover with this small railway line.
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased at the departure station.
Departure times: Frequent departures throughout the day.
Hakone Tozan Line
@Wikimedia
Nanao Line
Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Nanao Line connects Tsubata Station to Anamizu Station in two and a half hours.
Very popular this season for its scenic route, which offers gorgeous views of the cherry blossoms, it notably passes through the "Noto Sakura Station" and the Noto-Kashima Station, which houses a cherry blossom tunnel.
Also note that a day pass is available for this line. Allowing free travel on Saturdays and public holidays throughout the Koto network, this pass also entitles you to discounts for museums and onsen in the surrounding area. It is therefore the bargain not to be missed!
Noto-Kashima Station
@SONIC BLOOMING on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased at the departure station or at all Ishikawa Railway terminals in the region.
Departure times: Frequent departures throughout the day.
The Nagaragawa Line
Along the Nagara River, the Nagaragawa Line connects Mino-Ota Station in Minokamo City to Hokuno Station in Gujo City.
Three times a week, this small line in the Gifu area still uses trains from the 1920s! From Friday to Sunday, it is therefore aboard an old steam locomotive that you can admire the cherry trees of the region.
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased at the departure station.
Departure times: 3 departures a week, departing at 10:40 am from Mino-Ota Station.
Kansai
Sagano Line
Sagano Scenic Railway Train
Name @Pang Yu Liu on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Nicknamed "The Sagano Romantic Train," the Sagano Line locomotive offers a 25-minute trip along the banks of the Hozukyo ravine, from Saga Torroko station to Kameoka Torroko station.
A must for all flower lovers, this little train passes through the middle of the region's mountains and allows you to admire the cherry trees in spring as well as the momiji in autumn.
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased at the departure station or at any JR station in the region.
Departure times: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., once an hour.
Ikoma Cable Car
Linking Toriimae Station to Ikoma-sanjo Station in Nara Prefecture, this little tram has a rather special design: that of a children 's story!
The reason? He ends up in Ikoma-sanjo's playground. Cute and cheap, its circuit is also populated by cherry trees. A perfect means of transport for the whole family!
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased at the departure station.
Departure times: Frequent departures throughout the day.
Tohoku
The Tsugaru Line
Ashino-Koen Station
＠掬茶 on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Crossing Aomori Prefecture, the Tsugaru Line connects Tsugaru Goshogawara and Tsugaru Nakazato stations.
For over 45 minutes, it offers a nice trip to the heart of Tohoku, which allows you to discover the landscapes of the region under a background of cherry blossoms. Stopping at several small stations, it notably passes through the Ashino-Koen Station, known for its 1,500 cherry trees!
Useful information
Tickets: To be purchased at the departure station.
Departure times: Frequent departures throughout the day.
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