Since the introduction of train travel, the idea of luxury dining to the clickety clack sound of the train tracks have held allure and glamour for many travelers. While Europe has the Orient Express, Kyoto's north coast now has a Japanese version, the Kyoto Tango Railway's Matsu train.
Named after the pine trees that line the shore at Amanohashidate, it offers luxury dining in polished wood carriages, and spectacular views of the Japan Sea on one side and green mountains on the other.
There are trains covering 3 routes, running every Friday, Saturday, Sunday as well as on public holidays. These morning and afternoon trips are a great way to have a day trip to one of Japan's top three scenic areas, connecting it with the Japan Railway (JR) stations at Nishi-Maizuru and Fukuchiyama.
Tickets cost between 4,000 and 11,000 yen with a small discount for children.
More information
To ride Kyoto Tango Railway's, Kuromatsu, Akamatsu or Aomatsu, visit the official site here (Japanese only). Tickets can be reserved 3 days before departure from the Internet and ticket booths.
