As monthly searches for “Autumn in Japan” increases, Aussies looking for their next adventure can enjoy Japan’s world-renowned rail network, offering an entirely different perspective away from popular viewing spots.
These journeys glide through tunnels of crimson maples and valleys painted in gold at a contemplative pace, which begs the question: Where in Japan has the most breathtaking autumn journeys?
The experts at JR Pass analysed the country’s most scenic train routes, using factors including Instagram hashtags, reviews, and crucial seasonal weather data, to reveal Japan’s most spectacular autumn rail experiences with the best viewing conditions.
Key findings:
- The Oigawa Railway, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, claims the first spot with a score of 8.72/10.
- Three of the top five routes pass through Kyoto Prefecture (Sagano Romantic Train, Keihan Main Line, Eizan Railway), benefiting from the region’s high social buzz and 45-46 per cent sunny days throughout the autumn season – the most favourable weather among the featured regions.
- The journeys include rural routes through gorges and forests, as well as more urban options.
Ranking Japan’s most stunning Autumn Rail Journeys
Oigawa Railway, Shizuoka
Claiming the top spot is the Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture, a nostalgic steam train journey with an impressive 4.6/5 TripAdvisor rating and over 17,900 Instagram posts showcasing its scenic beauty. This heritage railway winds through the Oi River valley, where tea plantations meet forests ablaze with autumn colours. With sunny skies for nearly half the autumn season on average (43.9 per cent) and minimal rainfall (14.8 per cent), the authentic steam locomotives experience reliable conditions for capturing the traditional countryside painted in autumn hues.
Sagano Romantic Train, Kyoto
Kyoto’s famous Sagano Romantic Train secures second place, drawing massive global interest with over 30,750 monthly searches and 10,200 Instagram posts. This journey through Arashiyama bamboo groves transforms into a tunnel of golden foliage each autumn. With sunny conditions for almost half the season on average (45.6 per cent) and low rainfall (13 per cent), the open-air carriages offer excellent conditions for photographing the surrounding mountains in autumn’s finest palette.
Tadami Line, Fukushima & Niigata
The Tadami Line earns third place with a 4.6/5 TripAdvisor rating and 12,300 Instagram posts capturing its remote beauty. This mountain line offers authentic wilderness where ancient beech forests create spectacular autumn corridors. Despite more variable weather with rain on nearly a fifth of autumn days (18 per cent), sunny conditions for over a third of the season (39.4 per cent) still provide ample opportunities to capture the dramatic scenery and pristine lakes.
Keihan Railway, Kyoto & Osaka
The Keihan Main Line takes fourth place, one of the more urban routes with 7,446 Instagram posts documenting its landscapes. With excellent weather conditions, featuring sunny skies for nearly half of the Autumn period (46 per cent) and minimal rainfall (12.7 per cent), this line offers highly reliable viewing of famous temple gardens and traditional neighbourhoods bursting with seasonal colour. Its location provides dependable access to multiple autumn hotspots, from Fushimi to the historic temples of eastern Kyoto.
Eizan Railway, Kyoto
Rounding out the top five is North Kyoto’s charming Eizan Railway, with 2,572 Instagram tags capturing its beauty. The route is particularly famous for its “Momiji tunnel”, which leaves Tokyo, where maple trees create an enchanting tunnel of fiery colours, often illuminated during the peak season for evening viewing. With sunny skies for almost half the season on average (45.6 per cent) and low rainfall (13 per cent), this intimate local line offers consistently pleasant conditions amongst Japanese maples.
