Japan, a land renowned for its harmonious blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation, captivates travelers with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and, of course, its unparalleled culinary scene. While the country offers a plethora of ways to explore its wonders, one experience stands out as particularly unique and immersive: a culinary train tour.
If you’ve ever set foot in Japan, you’ve likely been amazed by the country’s exceptional and ever-present train system. Whether it’s the incredibly convenient subway rides around Tokyo or the exhilarating experience of traversing the country at 200 mph on the Shinkansen bullet train, the locomotives of this Asian nation are both ubiquitous and spectacular. But Japan’s trains offer so much more than just a means of getting from point A to point B. They are an integral part of the travel experience, a reflection of the country’s commitment to efficiency, comfort, and even entertainment.
Beyond the standard commuter trains and high-speed marvels, Japan boasts a diverse array of specialized trains designed to cater to various interests and passions. From whimsical themed trains like the Pokémon train and the Hello Kitty-designed locomotive to the delightful Thomas the Tank Engine train, there’s a locomotive to spark joy in travelers of all ages. However, among these specialized trains, the culinary-themed ones stand out as a particularly delightful way to experience Japan, combining breathtaking sightseeing with the country’s unrivaled food culture.
The concept of dining trains in Japan dates back to 1899 when the privately owned Sanyo Railway introduced the first dining car service in the country. Ayumi Utagawa, the deputy director of tourism for East Japan Railway Company (JR East), explains that with the increase in train speed, the development of onboard sales, and the popularity of ekiben (station box lunches) and ekinaka (in-station food facilities), people began to prefer eating at their seats rather than going to a dining car. Despite this shift, the allure of dining on a train never truly faded, and in recent years, culinary train tours have experienced a resurgence in popularity.
Today, JR East and other railway companies across Japan operate a diverse selection of culinary trains, each offering a unique and immersive experience that combines culture, food, history, and tourism. These trains range from small, intimate carriages that meander slowly through the countryside to high-speed behemoths that whisk passengers away on multi-day adventures. Regardless of their size or speed, these culinary train tours offer an unforgettable way to discover the regional flavors and cultural gems of Japan.
JR East’s "Joyful Trains" are specifically designed to make the train ride itself as enjoyable as reaching one’s destination. These trains are thoughtfully designed to allow passengers to fully appreciate the culture, experiences, and local hospitality of the regions they travel through. Operated in close cooperation with local communities, the "Joyful Trains" provide a platform to showcase the unique charm and character of each region.
A key aspect of these culinary train tours is their dedication to using local ingredients, local cuisine, and local beverages. Chefs from famous restaurants and ryotei (traditional inns) along the train lines prepare dishes in "live" kitchens, allowing passengers to witness their culinary artistry firsthand. As Utagawa notes, watching a sushi chef at work on the train is a truly captivating experience.
If you are looking for One of the Best Ways to Visit Japan Is Through a Culinary Train Tour, then you should prepare to hop aboard for some of Japan’s most interesting and tastiest rides around the country.
Journey on the Coast
One of JR East’s "Joyful Trains," the Kairi train, offers passengers a captivating journey along the Sea of Japan, allowing them to delve into the distinctive cuisines of Niigata and Shonai. The Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, known for their abundant seafood and mountain produce, boast unique culinary traditions that are showcased on the Kairi train.
Departing from Niigata, passengers can savor a Japanese box lunch from a long-established and renowned ryotei restaurant in the Niigata Furumachi Hanamachi district. The itinerary also includes an "edible jewel" of Shonai Italian cuisine, supervised by a top Japanese chef who focuses on native crops and cultivates strong ties with local producers who have been working the land in the Shonai region for generations.
Eat Like a King
For those seeking a high-end luxury dining and train experience, the Seven Stars train on the island of Kyushu is an unparalleled option. As its name suggests, Seven Stars offers an exceptional experience that transcends the ordinary. The train offers a range of itineraries, from one to three nights, as it traverses all seven prefectures of Kyushu.
While the scenery and accommodations are undoubtedly luxurious, the food is the highlight of the journey. The cuisine is always seasonal, with Kyushu chefs seamlessly blending Japanese, French, and Italian styles while incorporating flavors from Hakata, Satohama, Unzen, Shippoku, and other regions of the island. A full bar (included in the price) and a tea room are also available on board, ensuring that passengers are pampered throughout their journey. Due to its immense popularity, applications for the Seven Stars train fill up almost instantly, so it’s essential to plan ahead.
Drink Like a Fish
Another JR East train, the Koshino Shu*Kura, is dedicated to the appreciation of sake, Japan’s iconic rice wine. Niigata Prefecture is renowned for its sake producers, and the train offers a five-course sake tasting to allow passengers to experience the breadth and depth of the region’s sake offerings.
The train’s name, Koshino ShuKura, pays homage to the journey itself, evoking the image of Echigo’s sake breweries and rich natural landscapes. (Koshino = Echigo, Shu = sake, Kura = brewery, = rice, snow, flowers.) To complement the sake tastings, guests are provided with small bento boxes filled with snacks. One of the Best Ways to Visit Japan Is Through a Culinary Train Tour especially when it is centered around Sake tasting.
Sushi on the Go
The Belle Montagne et Mer (beautiful mountain and sea) is a JR West train that travels along the Toyama Bay and through the mountains of Toyama. What sets this train journey apart is its daily-changing sushi menu, which is based on the freshest catches from the bay.
Passengers can opt for the Petite Toyama Bay Sushi Set, which includes five pieces of sushi and local Himi tea, or combine it with the Tipsy Set, which features different snacks from cities along the line and a choice of local sake. The sushi is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the pristine quality of the seafood and the artistry of the sushi chefs.
The Sweetest Way to Travel
Fukushima Prefecture, located north of Tokyo and bordering the eastern coastline, is known for its abundance of fruit. The FruiTea train, operated by JR East, celebrates the region’s sweet bounty with a menu that showcases the freshest seasonal fruits.
The menu varies depending on the season, but pastry chefs create original desserts using local fruits such as grapes, peaches, apples, and pears. The sweet sets include dessert, fruit juice from the region, and tea or coffee. The FruiTea train offers a delightful way to indulge in the flavors of Fukushima and appreciate the region’s agricultural heritage.
These are just a few examples of the many culinary train tours available in Japan. Each train offers a unique and immersive experience that combines breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and a glimpse into the local culture. One of the Best Ways to Visit Japan Is Through a Culinary Train Tour for a truly unforgettable travel experience. These unique journeys offer an opportunity to savor the flavors of Japan while immersing oneself in the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
