Special FeatureTravel Japan by Train

Traveling back into the past

Above: The five-storied pagoda of Kyo’o Gokoku-ji (To-ji) Temple greets travelers on the Tokaido Shinkansen when it approaches Kyoto Station.
Left: The JR Kibi Line runs through the old Kibiji district, past a number of ancient kofun mound tombs, temples and shrines. Top right of photo: The torii gate for Saijo Inari Shrine is about 27 meters high.

Left: The JR Osaka Kanjo Line makes a loop around central Osaka. Osaka Castle is inside the loop, in the northeastern part.
Center: The popular Botchan Ressha Train is operated by Iyo Railway in Ehime Prefecture. The restored locomotive is actually now powered by diesel fuel. Matsuyama Castle is near the top of the photo.
Right: The Kotohira Line of Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railway passes by the outer moat of Takamatsu Castle, in Kagawa Prefecture.