In most cases, trains are used simply as a means of reaching a destination.
At the same time, there are trains in Japan that are designed so that the time spent onboard itself becomes part of the travel experience.

Scenery seen through the windows, time spent inside the train, and encounters with local culture and food can all be woven into the journey before arrival.
JR East's “Joyful Trains” are planned around this idea, offering experiences that unfold while traveling.

These trains are not designed with speed or efficiency as their primary goal.
Instead, they operate on set routes and schedules that allow passengers to experience the character of the regions they pass through while onboard.
The process of traveling itself is treated as a meaningful part of the journey.

What Are “Joyful Trains”?

“Joyful Trains” is the collective name used by JR East for its sightseeing and experiential trains.
Each service is built around a specific theme, combining scenery, onboard space, and elements of regional culture or cuisine so that the ride itself carries experiential value.

These trains are not intended to replace everyday transportation.
They run on designated routes and schedules, with careful consideration given to how regional characteristics can be experienced during the journey.

Four Examples of Trains Designed as Experiences

TOHOKU EMOTION
TOHOKU EMOTION is designed as a moving restaurant, where passengers can enjoy a course meal prepared with local ingredients while watching the scenery along the route. The interior incorporates traditional crafts from the Tohoku region, linking dining and travel into a single experience.

POKÉMON with YOU Train
The POKÉMON with YOU Train is themed around the world of Pokémon, featuring character designs throughout the train. The service began after the Great East Japan Earthquake with the aim of bringing smiles to children in Tohoku, and it continues to attract families and fans of all ages.

Koshino Shu＊Kura
Koshino Shu＊Kura focuses on the landscapes and food culture of the Niigata region. Onboard experiences are curated to reflect local traditions, allowing passengers to enjoy regional flavors while traveling through the area.

Resort Shirakami
Resort Shirakami operates along the Gono Line between Aomori and Akita, offering views of the Sea of Japan and the area surrounding the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains. The interior uses locally sourced wood, reinforcing a sense of traveling through nature.

Together, these trains demonstrate how rail travel itself can become a meaningful experience, creating new ways to engage with regional destinations.

Whether a train is used simply as transportation or experienced as part of the journey can shape how a place is perceived.
The choice affects not only where travelers go, but how they experience the spaces in between.

“Joyful Trains” offer opportunities to encounter regional landscapes and culture through the act of traveling itself, without requiring specialized knowledge or preparation.
In these journeys, time spent onboard becomes part of what is remembered.

Information on routes, operating periods, and individual services is available on JR East's official website.
For those considering rail-based travel in Japan, it may serve as a useful point of reference when planning a trip.

▶ More information
https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/joyful/