In 2023, Japan Railway Journal featured 10 tourist trains that run throughout Japan.

Of those 10 trains, we created a ranking, collecting data over a one-month period, beginning December 15th, 2023.

from user curated lists on a special NHK WORLD-JAPAN webpage called "Japan Railway Journal: Your Selection"

as well as data gathered from the videos played on official social media.

In this program we will be taking a look at the results.

But first, let's look back at the 10 trains nominated.

JR East's "Kairi," which connects Yamagata and Niigata prefectures, offers spectacular views of the Sea of Japan.

Running in Niigata Prefecture, JR East's "Koshino Shu*Kura" is all about Japanese "sake."

In Fukushima Prefecture, Aizu Railway's "Ozatoro Tembo Train" features trolley car seats and observation seats.

In Toyama Prefecture, Ainokaze Toyama Railway's "The Story of 13000'" gives passengers a taste of fresh fish onboard.

In Nagano Prefecture, Shinano Railway's "Rokumon" features delicious course meals from restaurants along the line.

Running between Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures,

JR East's "HIGH RAIL 1375" runs through the scenic highlands which offers views of the starry sky at night.

In Yamanashi Prefecture, Fuji-Sanroku Railway's "Fujisan View Express" features majestic views of Mt. Fuji as well as sweets.

In Hiroshima Prefecture, JR West's "etSETOra" runs along the scenic coast of the Seto Inland Sea.

In Ehime Prefecture, JR Shikoku's "Iyonada Monogatari" is enhanced by the hospitality of the people along the line.

Finally, running between Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures,

Hisatsu Orange Railway's "Orange Restaurant" offers a variety of tastes from along the line.

Yes, there is now a growing interest in Japanese tourist trains all over the world.

So I'm looking forward to seeing the results of our ranking.

Yes, indeed.

Looking at these 10 trains, once again,

it seems to me to be that these trains are all designed to make the train ride itself the purpose of the trip.

For example, the magnificent unique views from the train plus the taste of the local food on the train.

Yes. Let's have a look at the trains that placed third and second.

Coming in third place was Shinano Railway's "Rokumon."

"Rokumon" runs between Karuizawa and Nagano Stations in Nagano Prefecture,

running part of the way on the JR Line.

Onboard, passengers enjoy a course menu created by a famous chef from a restaurant along the line.

The dishes are prepared in the onboard kitchen and served by the train's attendants.

In addition to the Western-style menu, there's also a Japanese-style menu and an evening menu that features locally-produced wine.

"Rokumon" has received the following comments.

"It's a modern day Asian version of the Orient Express."

"I wish trains in the US were as nice."

"Rokumon" runs three times a day, mainly on Friday through Monday.

In second place was Hisatsu Orange Railway's "Orange Restaurant."

"Orange Restaurant" runs between JR Shin-Yatsushiro Station in Kumamoto Prefecture and Sendai Station in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Based on the concept of "good food and easy living,"

"Orange Restaurant" offers a monthly menu that focuses on locally produced, seasonal ingredients.

The passengers are treated to a variety of goodies, like "chikuwa" fish cake, a local specialty, with tea.

And they can also get off the train and enjoy the view from the observation deck.

Some days, members of a local volunteer group come dressed in costumes and holding banners to welcome the train.

"Orange Restaurant" has received the following comments.

"Nice to see friendly welcome from Japanese at the train window."

"What a treat! Wonderful menu! I love it!"

"Orange Restaurant" operates three trips per day on Fridays, weekends, and holidays.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served according to the time of day.

Now, both of these tourist trains are restaurant trains, which means they serve their own course meal on board of the train.

And what also stands out is the hospitality of the locals near the "Orange Restaurant"

because they came together to greet the train and brought a dinosaur.

And another thing that is common to both of these trains is that

these trains were designed by the industrial designer, Mr. Mitooka, who is also behind many other tourist trains all across Japan.

And the locally produced wood is used inside these trains to give the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

And this is actually very characteristic of Mr. Mitooka's design.

Now it is time to announce our top tourist train.

Are you ready for it?

Yes.

The train that ranked number one is...

JR Shikoku's "Iyonada Monogatari."

This "Iyonada Monogatari" is one of the most popular tourist trains in Japan with the ridership, almost always reaching 90%.

Now let's find out about the secret of the popularity of "Iyonada Monogatari" in our special report.

"Iyonada Monogatari" is a tourist train that runs along the coast between Matsuyama and Yawatahama Stations

in Ehime Prefecture in the Shikoku region.

Running four times a day, mainly on weekends and holidays,

the train offers a variety of meals and views that change depending on the time of day.

We asked the train's designer, Mr. Matsuoka from JR Shikoku, to tell us about the features of "Iyonada Monogatari."

We've combined Western and Japanese elements to create a nostalgic, retro-modern atmosphere.

The wood-grained floors and tables create a calming atmosphere.

The spaces between the windows were designed to resemble Japanese "shoji" paper screens,

while the blinds are reminiscent of traditional bamboo blinds.

The lights along the car are shaped like mandarin oranges, a specialty of Ehime.

This train has amazing sea views so the seats on that side face out.

The seats on the mountain side are slightly raised

and angled toward the sea

so the passengers on that side can also enjoy the view.

This is the Fiore Suite, an exclusive car available only for private charter.

The deep rich tones of this stylish car emanate from the cherry wood which is used throughout.

The tables are finished with a mirrored surface to reflect the scenery outside.

The corridor leading past the galley to the private car has another unique feature.

The corridor is narrow so we installed mirrors along the wall.

They make the corridor appear wider and reflect the people

along the line who wave at the train as it passes.

The dishes served onboard vary depending on the time of day.

This is the breakfast served on the morning train.

This mini French course is served for lunch.

And this light meal is served on the afternoon train.

All of the dishes were devised by chefs from famous restaurants along the line using local ingredients.

The tableware, cups, and pots are made of Tobeyaki ware, traditional ceramics from Ehime Prefecture.

Tobeyaki ceramics, which date back approximately 240 years, are characterized by traditional hand-painting.

Tobeyaki ware, created especially for "Iyonada Monogatari," is used not only for the tableware but also for the washbasins.

From the train cars, to the food, to the tableware, "Iyonada Monogatari" offers a taste of the history and culture of Ehime Prefecture.

Another charm of "Iyonada Monogatari" is the hospitality provided by the attendants.

There are eight attendants onboard the three-car train.

The food, which is prepared in the onboard galley, is brought to each seat.

The attendants also help passengers take pictures with a commemorative board on the train and at stations along the way.

And while the passengers are off the train enjoying their time outside,

the attendants onboard cover their food and drinks with plastic wrap to protect them from dust and debris.

It's thoughtful details like these that create a lasting impression for the passengers.

The excellent service is very friendly and comforting.

We want to ensure every passenger enjoys the charms of Ehime and their trip to the fullest

so we welcome them warmly and provide meticulous service.

Perhaps the best part of the "Iyonada Monogatari" is the view.

Looking out through the train's large windows,

the passengers are able to relax as views of the sea and the natural landscape pass them by.

And at scenic points along the line, the train slows down, allowing passengers to fully take in the scenery.

The melody playing now is "Iyonada Monogatari" warning sound.

The melody is played in and around the train whenever it arrives and departs, and as it slows down at scenic spots along the line.

The idea is to surround the passengers and the area around the train with the world of "Iyonada Monogatari."

This is Shimonada Station, the most popular spot along the line.

Here, the train stops for about 12 minutes so the passengers can enjoy the sunset.

Boarding "Iyonada Monogatari," passengers are surprised by the warm welcomes they receive from the station staff,

as well as the locals waiting to greet them along the line.

Locals first started coming out to welcome the train and its passengers voluntarily around 10 years ago, when the train started operation.

Now, their presence is one of the attractions of "Iyonada Monogatari."

As we pass Goro Station on the left, you will see a number of locals who've come to welcome us.

Here at Goro Station, the locals dress as "tanuki", raccoon dogs to greet the passengers.

They are dressed this way because wild raccoon dogs are often seen near the station.

This is Mr. Inoue. He started greeting the train like this by himself 9 years ago.

Usually, he runs a barbershop near the station, but on the days "Iyonada Monogatari" is in operation,

he leaves his work to his family and heads to the station to welcome the passengers, which he does four times a day!

Beginning seven years ago, local children began joining him, dressing up as little raccoon dogs.

The passengers onboard are delighted by their adorable appearance.

And this is where the mirror in the suite's corridor comes into play.

It all began with the idea that we had to support the train.

It's fun. It makes the passengers smile.

I think they have made a wonderful train.

Now, local greetings like this can be seen all along the line.

Everyone has their own way of welcoming the train and its passengers.

This is Ozu Castle, one of the sightseeing spots along the line.

Rebuilt with a wooden structure in 2004, this castle is a regular spot to see people welcoming "Iyonada Monogatari."

Fifteen minutes before the train arrives, an announcement is made encouraging people to wave their banners to greet the train.

"JR's tourist train ‘Iyonada Monogatari' will soon pass by."

"Here at Ozu Castle, we wave banners to welcome the train."

"If you would like to join in, please gather in the castle keep."

On this day, around 20 people joined in welcoming the train.

As it approaches the bridge in front of the castle, "Iyonada Monotogatari" slows down.

The participants vigorously wave banners as the train passes by.

In return, the passengers onboard wave back toward the castle.

I waved slowly. I'm not sure if they could see me but I enjoyed it!

We had fun. We rarely get to do something like this.

It's a good experience, not only for the passengers but for our visitors.

They came at the right time. It will add to their memory of Ozu Castle.

It's very elegant.

The atmosphere and scenery are something that can only be experienced on this train.

I love this tourist train. Now I know a lot more about Ehime Prefecture than I did before.

All of us, including our staff and attendants, would be delighted to see

people from overseas riding our train.

Cathy, Professor Takagi, you are welcome anytime. You will truly feel at home.

Thank you Mr. Matsuoka.

Now "Iyonada Monogatari" really stands out for its hospitality for the great design and also for the wonderful interaction with the locals.

Also, Mr. Matsuoka is an employee of JR Shikoku who used to be in charge of the architectural design like those for station buildings.

And he later became part of the design work for vehicles including that for the "Iyonada Monogatari."

And this fact gives the "Iyonada Monogatari" another unique feature

because most other tourist trains in other parts of Japan are designed by the designers who are not the employee of the railway operator.

Let's have a look at the final outcome of our ranking.

Now Ryo, what do you think?

Each train has its own charm and I do admire the people in charge for making it happen.

But if I may say so, one of the most important keys to success would be to offer good food on the train.

Now we have uploaded the 10 videos of these 10 trains on our different official social media accounts in different languages.

And the results we got for the Chinese language, Hindi and Portuguese were different from the ranking you just saw.

So let's have a look.

Among viewers of the Chinese language version, the first place went to...

Aizu Railway's "Ozatoro Tembo Train."

The "Ozatoro Tembo Train" runs between Aizu-Wakamatsu and Aizu-Tajima stations in Fukushima Prefecture.

The two-car train has three types of seating: Ozashiki "tatami" room seats, observation seats, and trolley train seats.

In the mountainous areas, where there are many tunnels, the passengers are entertained by "tunnel theater."

This special attraction is for the trolley train cars, which have no windows or walls to block the projection.

The "Ozatoro Tembo Train" operates three times a day, mainly on weekends and holidays from April to November.

And, for viewers of the Hindi version, the most popular train was...

Fuji-Sanroku Railway's "Fujisan View Express."

"Fujisan View Express" runs in Yamanashi Prefecture between Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station, the gateway to Mt.Fuji.

Touted as the closest railway to Mt. Fuji, the attendants let the passengers know when the best view spot on the line is approaching.

In Car 1, which offers a "Sweets Plan," passengers can enjoy original sweets made by patissiers from hotels along the line,

including chocolates mousse resembling a snow-covered Mt. Fuji.

The "Fujisan View Express" makes two round trips per day, but the "Sweets Plan" is only available on weekends and holidays.

Among viewers of the Portuguese version, the number one train was...

JR East's "Kairi."

"Kairi" runs along the Sea of Japan coast between Sakata Station in Yamagata Prefecture and Niigata Station in Niigata Prefecture.

The food, which is prepared in the kitchen space in Car 3, is served in Car 4, the dining car.

Along the way, the train slows down as it passes scenic spots such as inlets, reefs, and uniquely shaped rocks.

"Kairi," which offers spectacular views and food, makes one round trip per day, mainly on weekends and holidays.

As you can see, the "Ozatoro Tembo" train ranked first,

that might also be because it is beloved by a lot of Taiwanese tourists who come to ride and enjoy the train.

I see. And don't you think that the "tunnel theater" has also contributed to that?

Maybe it has.

And in the case of "Fujisan View Express," it'll be the view of Mt. Fuji from the train.

And also in the case of "Kairi," it would be the view of the Sea of Japan from the train.

So a view from the train is also the key to success, I think.

Well, looking at our ranking for this time, a recipe for success seems to be great views,

but also tasty meals and the hospitality provided by the staff on board and the locals in the area.

I agree with you.

And we are looking forward to presenting you the best and most exciting tourist trains Japan has to offer here on Japan Railway Journal.