There are six remote places you can reach by train in Japan.

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🤗 Tsubojiri Station, Shikoku

The station is located in the mountainous area of the Shimayama Line, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As a typical “hikyo eki” (secret station), Tsubokiri Station is of particular interest to railroad fans and off-the-beaten-path railroad enthusiasts.

From Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen, take the Seto-Ohashi Line to Tadotsu Station for about 45 minutes, then transfer to the Dosan Line to Tsubojiri Station for about 50 minutes.

Why not travel in style on the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen (below, Shikoku Mannaka Sennen), a sightseeing train? This luxury tourist train entertains guests with wooden interiors, colorful dishes made from local ingredients, local sake and snacks, and first-class hospitality.

🤗 Okuoikojo Station, Shizuoka Prefecture

Ooi Lake City Station is located deep in the mountains of Shizuoka Prefecture on a narrow railroad that crosses a high bridge over Lake Yukigusa. It sits on a lake with mountains nearby and is a popular station for hikers to get off and explore. The breathtaking scenery changes with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in the spring, lush, vibrant greens in the summer, warm colors in the fall, and in the winter, the area is often covered in snow.

From Kanaya Station on the JR Tokaido Line, take the Oigawa Main Line to Ieyama Station (about 35 minutes). Due to construction work, there is a substitute bus from Ieyama Station to Senzu Station (about 45 minutes). From Senzu Station, take the Ikawa Line to Okuoikojo Station (about 50 minutes).

🤗 Kushiro Shitsugen Station, Hokkaido

Enjoy a unique railroad adventure through the Kushiro Shitsugun Norokko National Park in eastern Hokkaido on the Kushiro Shitsugun Norokko sightseeing train from Kushiro Station to Toro Station. The 50-minute journey passes through marshlands, forests and rivers, offering spectacular panoramic views for everyone on board. The long-distance journey allows you to explore some of Japan's rarest wildlife, including red-crowned cranes, deer and a variety of birds, from the comfort of your carriage.

🤗 The Gono Line, Aomori and Akita Prefectures

The Gono Line runs along the coastline of the Sea of Japan, stopping at several unmanned stations and passing through forested areas and remote fishing villages where you can enjoy ocean views. The line runs between Kawabe Station in Aomori Prefecture and Higashi Noshiro Station in Akita Prefecture, passing through 43 stations along the way.

Akita-Shirakami Station provides access to the southern entrance of the Shirakami Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other must-see attractions along the way include the Senjishiki Coast in Fukura, which is accessible from Senjojiki Station; the red hot springs and ocean views of Fenro Fuji Onsen; and the blue waters of Aoike (Blue Pond), which is accessible from Shirakami Station. --The Twelve Lakes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Twelve Lakes of the Shirakami Mountain Range.

🤗 Hakubi Line, Okayama to Shimane Prefectures

The Birbee Line runs between the mountainous Okayama Station (Okayama Prefecture) and Matsue Station (Shimane Prefecture), passing through narrow valleys, remote forests, and roads along the route that offer breathtaking views of the peaks of the mountains (which are often snow-covered in winter). river and through the countryside.

Along the Hakubi Line, you can visit Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle, often referred to as the Mountain Castle in the Sky because it appears to float above the sea of clouds, accessible from Bitchu-Takahashi Station. Next, at Ikura Station, you can walk a short distance to Ikura Cave and explore the labyrinthine corridors and caves, whose ceilings reach 90 meters high. Alternatively, you can get off at Yonago Station, which is considered the gateway to Oyama and is not far from the coastal town of Yonago, known for its seafood and hot springs.

🤗 Narai Station, Nagano Prefecture

This station provides access to Narai-juku, a well-preserved post station on the Nakasendo Road. Nestled amongst the mountains, Narai-juku is a collection of Edo period houses, and you can stroll through the narrow streets lined with wooden buildings and visit some of the town's cultural sites and landmarks. Highlights include the Merchant's House, Nakamura Residence, Shizume Shrine and Kiso Bridge - an iconic wooden bridge spanning the Nara River.