By: Alex
As late March arrives, cherry blossoms across Japan’s Kanto region gradually enter full bloom. If you’re a photography enthusiast lucky enough to be in Japan, don’t miss this rare opportunity. If you find plain landscapes too dull, consider using interesting or distinctive subjects—such as girls in kimono, temples, or torii gates—as your focal points. For train enthusiasts, head to the countryside and capture the charm of spring with adorable mini trains set against a backdrop of cherry blossoms, creating photos rich in Japanese aesthetics.
▲ Tsugaru Railway Asanuma Park in Aomori Prefecture (photo by ayane7628/Instagram)
Mini trains primarily operating in rural areas usually have only one or two carriages and feature a rather cute design, often becoming popular subjects for photographers. If you’re starting from Tokyo, the nearest mini train routes are the Koizumi Railway and the Isumi Railway in Chiba Prefecture.
▲ Urauchi in Saga Prefecture (photo by kazuhiroyamasaki/Instagram)
The Koizumi Railway runs from Goi Station in Ichihara City to Katsutadai Station in Tadami Town, Isumi District, with a total of 18 stations spanning 39.1 kilometers. The route is lined with pastoral scenery, and the most picturesque section lies between Katsuraushi and Yoro Valley Station, prompting many visitors to purchase the cost-effective one-day pass.
▲ Hita City, Oita Prefecture – Nakauchigawa (photo by nao_k__/Instagram)
At the Koizumi Railway’s terminal station, Katsutadai, you can transfer directly to the Isumi Railway and head straight to Ōhara Station on the outer lines. This line stretches 26.8 kilometers with a total of 14 stations. In spring, the mini trains gliding through the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms and rapeseed fields often attract numerous photography enthusiasts.
▲ Urauchi in Saga Prefecture (photo by ramumi8/Instagram)
▲ Yunohara Onsen in Fukushima Prefecture (photo by kotankotankotan182/Instagram)
▲ Isumi Railway in Chiba Prefecture (photo by kotankotankotan182/Instagram)
▲ Isumi Railway in Chiba Prefecture (photo by kotankotankotan182/Instagram)
▲ Isumi Railway in Chiba Prefecture (photo by mai_y718/Instagram)
▲ Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture (photo by allabout_japan/Instagram)
▲ Minato Line in Ibaraki Prefecture (photo by allabout_japan/Instagram)
▲ Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture (photo by manaryu_love323/Instagram)
▲ Koizumi Railway Iinuma (photo by kytnc1397706/Instagram)
▲ Hita City, Oita Prefecture – Nakauchigawa (photo by astrailor_jp/Instagram)
▲ Kyūdai Main Line in Oita Prefecture (photo by puraten10/Instagram)