Hot Springs × Railway: Japan’s 4 Great Onsen Sightseeing Train Journeys
Last updated 2026-09-25 — Winter is the season of hot springs. Amidst the rising steam, immerse yourself in the unique onsen town atmosphere of Japan. Railways are another iconic theme in Japanese travel—riding uniquely styled trains allows you to capture the diverse landscapes of Japan...
Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
Winter is the season of hot springs. Amidst the rising steam, immerse yourself in the unique onsen town atmosphere of Japan. Railways are another iconic theme in Japanese travel—riding uniquely styled trains allows you to capture the diverse landscapes of Japan and store them in your memory’s treasure box. This winter, plan a Japanese onsen railway journey and fulfill your desire to indulge in traditional Japanese charm.
What kind of images does a hot spring train journey evoke? Please see the next page.
JR Uetsu Main Line – MINORI Resort Train
Crossing the Ou Mountains and connecting Miyagi and Yamagata, the most popular train on the JR Uetsu Main Line is the MINORI. In Japanese, “MINORI” means “harvest,” symbolizing the bountiful rice ears, numerous hot spring towns, and mountains ablaze with autumn foliage along this route. Riding this train also enriches your journey with plentiful rewards. The endless pastoral scenery and the majestic Ugo Gorge are must-see natural sights along this line. Passing through multiple onsen towns, this section is also known as the “Ouchi no Sodoke Yukan Line.”
The exterior of the MINORI Resort Train combines the yellow of rice ears and the red of maple leaves, reflecting the landscape features of the JR Uetsu Main Line. (Image provided by Monthly Editor Department)
The retro-styled MINORI features an exterior woven with the yellow of ripe grain and the red of maple leaves, creating a simple yet endlessly evocative railway image. Inside, the train boasts chair covers adorned with autumn leaf patterns and large observation windows, offering a strong sense of vacation ambiance. At the very front of the train, just behind the driver’s seat, there’s also a free-seating area where passengers can view the railway scenery from the driver’s perspective.
The free seats in front of the driver’s cab offer views of the scenery from the driver’s viewpoint. (Image provided by Monthly Editor Department)
Not only are the natural sights along the MINORI route delightful, but visitors to the Maizuru Castle Site can also see Japan’s oldest surviving school building. The thatched-roof shoin-style structure and its garden have been designated as a National Historic Site and Scenic Beauty Spot, making it a must-visit for history buffs exploring the footsteps of the warlord Date Masamune. However, the main draw for most passengers on the JR Uetsu Main Line is the hot spring pilgrimage. About one hour and thirty minutes from Sendai, the train arrives at Dogo Onsen. As soon as you step off, you’re greeted by the faint scent of sulfur carried on wisps of steam. Narrow alleys are lined with specialty shops, and you’ll see people in yukata and geta sandals moving between various baths, foot baths, and hand baths—the hot spring atmosphere is palpable. For a soak, the Dogo Onsen Honkan offers one of the most classic hot spring experiences, with both indoor and outdoor baths. Alternatively, you might discover the lesser-known but highly popular public bath, Gero Onsen Yubatake, nestled within the area.
The attendants on the MINORI Resort Train wear retro uniforms, adding to the vacation vibe. (Image provided by Monthly Editor Department)
Before arriving at Dogo Onsen, the scenery from Sendai is mostly flat farmland and rice fields. To enjoy mountainous landscapes, the stretch from Dogo Onsen to Shinjo is ideal. The most unique part is between Dogo Onsen and Nakayama-Daira Onsen, where a railway bridge spans Ugo Gorge. As the train slowly leaves Dogo Onsen and enters a tunnel, passengers hold their breath—not because the tunnel is frighteningly dark, but because for about two seconds as the train crosses the Ugo Gorge, you can catch a breathtaking glimpse of the canyon’s grandeur before entering another tunnel. It’s so fleeting that railway enthusiasts jokingly call it the “mysterious scenery.”
Before departing from Sendai, you can purchase a bento box at the station to enjoy on the train, adding to the railway travel experience. (Image provided by Monthly Editor Department)
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