You might already be aware that to the Japanese, trains are sometimes more than just vehicles that carry you from A to B. Unlike most countries in the world, Japan’s Sightseeing Trains don’t just run between the tourist attractions in the rural areas. They operate on normal train tracks between cities and prefectures, and compared to ordinary trains, they are splendidly decorated with the color themes and local specialties of the regions they run past. Light meals and desserts are served on this type of train too!
Remaining unknown to many, one sightseeing train runs from Nagano Station to Karuizawa Station and vice versa. Operated by Shinano Railway, the train named Rokumon allows you to adore the prefecture’s stunning natural scenery in a stylish manner! While you can certainly take the bullet train to get from Karuizawa to Nagano Station, taking the sightseeing train will definitely make this train trip more memorable! And interestingly, Rokumon makes longer stops at stations with designated tourist spots!
All You Need to Know About the Sightseeing Train, Rokumon
- Sightseeing Train Rokumon’s Little Profile
- Rokumon’s Train Route
- Taking Rokumon from Shinano Railway’s Karuizawa Station
- Inside Rokumon
- The Main Attractions That You Can See from Rokumon’s Window
- The Recommended Seats on the Sightseeing Train, Rokumon
- How to Reserve a Seat on the Sightseeing Train, Rokumon
- What to Do on the Day Before Boarding Rokumon
Sightseeing Train Rokumon’s Little Profile
Shinano Railway’s sightseeing train Rokumon, which connects Karuizawa with Nagano City, also passes through Ueda City (上田市) in Nagano Prefecture. This city used to be ruled by the Sanada clan in the late 16th century. So the train’s name was derived from Rokumonsen (六文銭), the Sanada clan’s family crest!
The train’s base color also relates to the Sanada clan. It is the color of the armor of Sanada Yukimura’s army in the winter campaign of the Siege of Osaka (大坂冬の陣). So if you are a fan of Sanada Yukimura, boarding Rokumon should make you very excited (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Important: Rokumon doesn’t have any plans that offer vegetarian meals.
Rokumon was designed by Mitooka Eiji (水戸岡 鋭治), who also designed JR Kyushu’s sightseeing sleeper train, Seven Stars in Kyushu (ななつ星 in 九州) and Wakayama Dentetsu’s cute Tama Densha Train (たま電車).
The Sightseeing Train Rokumon’s Train Route
Although the sightseeing train Rokumon is owned by Shinano Railway, its travel route doesn’t all belong to the company. Departing from Karuizawa, the train changes to JR’s train track at Shinonoi Station (篠ノ井駅). Depending on the plan, Rokumon might even stop at Obasute Station.
On a normal Rokumon train ride, the train will stop at Komoro Station (小諸駅) for 15 minutes for you to make a brief exploration. While in Japanese only, you will be given a simple handwritten information sheet about what you can do around the station. The train’s departure time is also printed on that sheet of paper.
There is a nice little garden/park outside of Komoro Station (the 4th to the 7th photo in the IG post). You can also get some fresh produce from the station shop (the 2nd photo in the IG post). If you collect station stamps, you can get one from the station’s office.
Taking the Sightseeing Train Rokumon from Shinano Railway’s Karuizawa Station
Like all the sightseeing trains in Japan, Rokumon’s speed isn’t fast. While it only takes 30 minutes to travel from Karuizawa Station to Nagano Station by bullet train, you will have 2 hours on Rokumon to enjoy the scenery along the train track.
Unlike the more modern JR Karuizawa Station, Shinano Railway’s Karuizawa Station is a reproduction of the old Karuizawa Station, completed at the beginning of the 20th century and demolished when the Shinkansen opened. On the 2nd floor of the station, there is a Rokumon Lounge where the sightseeing train’s passengers can relax while waiting for the train’s departure.
If you take Rokumon from Nagano to Karuizawa, you can utilize the lounge upon arrival.
The classic Western-style lounge and a drink in your hand will set your mood right before you board Rokumon. And don’t forget to check out the Happōnirami Daihōō-zu (八方睨み大鳳凰図) painting on the wall (refer to the 4th photo in the IG post). It is a replica of the one painted by the famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎) on the ceiling of the Ganshoin Temple in Obuse Town, Nagano.
Important: The Rokumon Lounge is only open to those who have booked a meal plan.
Remember that we mentioned Rokumon’s design is inspired by the Sanada clan? The samurai element doesn’t stop at the train’s design.
The announcement of departure is made by the train attendant blowing a conch. It is like a little war departure ceremony is held before you board the train!
Tips:
☛ Remember to use the drink voucher to exchange a cup of coffee or juice at the station’s cafe given to you at Shinano Railway’s reception.
☛ If you want to see the conch-blowing performance, head down to the platform early. It starts soon after the train arrives at the platform.
Inside Rokumon
Rokumon consists of 3 carriages, each having a different layout. Carriage 1 is for the Reserved Seat Plan, and Carriages 2 and 3 are for plans including meals.
Although the flooring, tables, and chairs in Rokumon are all made from Nagano Prefecture’s wood, the type of wood used differs in each carriage.
Tip: Sit at the seats on the right to adore the magnificent Mt. Asama if you travel from Karuizawa towards Nagano Station.
The carriage that suits those traveling with their families and friends should be carriage 1. In addition to sofa seats, the carriage also has boxed seats, which are perfect for a delightful group chat or family time. There is even a wooden bowl pool to keep the young children entertained!
Tip: If your seat is in Carriage 1 in the sightseeing train Rokumon, bring some snacks, drinks, or even a bento box to make your train ride more like a picnic! You can also purchase sweets and drinks, including coffee and alcohol, from the bar counter.
Carriage 2 in the sightseeing train Rokumon has a lounge-like interior with counter-seats and sofas in front of the wide windows. In other words, this is Rokumon’s best train carriage for scenery. Moreover, the carriage is where you can get commemorative photos and a stamp.
Note that only those who have chosen the bento box plan can sit in carriage 2. Your bento box would have been left on the table when you board the train.
If you value privacy, carriage 3 of the Rokumon train, which is divided into several 2-person private spaces, is perfect for you. Once the Japanese paper sliding doors are closed, you will have complete privacy. As the aisles and toilets are wide enough, wheelchair users can enjoy what Rokumon has to offer too!
Note that only those who have ordered a lunch/dinner course plan can sit in carriage 3. Staff will start serving you once the train departs. A variety of alcohol menu is available, too!
Of course, Rokumon merchandise and local specialties along the train line are sold. So remember to check them out in the first carriage!
The Main Attractions That You Can See from Rokumon Train’s Window
Traveling in the direction from Karuizawa to Nagano, below are a couple of spots that you will see. When something special is visible from the window, the staff will inform you through an announcement, albeit in Japanese only.
- Komorojō Castle Ruins (小諸城) will be on your left soon after the train departs Komuro Station (小諸駅).
- The train attendant might conduct a mini tour while Rokumon stops at Komuro Station.
- Uedajō Castle (上田城) will be on your right soon after the train
- Because the Sanada clan was once the feudal lord of Uedajō Castle, it was where a part of the Japanese periodic drama, Sanada-maru (真田丸), was filmed.
As shown in the video we took, the scenery from the Rokumon’s window is mainly Nagano Prefecture’s beautiful countryside landscape. While it may not be particularly exciting if you aren’t a railfan who likes to take trains, you will certainly be touched and welcomed by those who wave at the train!
You might even run into a couple of Shinano Railway’s station staff dressed in dark red armor at Ueda Station!
The Recommended Seats on the Sightseeing Train, Rokumon
Below are the best seats to admire the scenery outside the train window.
- For trains departing for Karuizawa
- 6A and 12A in Carriage 1
- 7B, 18B, and 110B in Carriage 2
- 2C, 16C, and 110C in Carriage 3
- For trains departing for Nagano
- 17A and 123A in Carriage 1
- 7B, 18B, and 110B in Carriage 2
- 9C, 13C, 117C in Carriage 3
How to Reserve a Seat on the Sightseeing Train, Rokumon
You can reserve a seat on Rokumon online, at Shinano Railway’s ticket office, or by phone. Depending on what plan you want to reserve, the reservation starting date differs.
- For the Reserved Seat Plan (excluding meals), reservations open for the following month on the 1st at 10 am.
- Reservation closes the day before the train’s departure date.
- For all other plans, reservations are open on the 1st of each month for the following 2 months.
- Reservation closes 7 days before the train’s departure date.
If Rokumon isn’t fully booked, you can purchase the ticket on the day.
For more information and to reserve, refer to Rokumon’s official website HERE!
Note: English reservation is only taken through kkday at the moment.
Important: If you want to go for the plan without meals, what you pay upon reservation is a reservation fee. A separate train ticket needs to be purchased when you get your reserved seat ticket.
What to Do on the Day Before Boarding Rokumon
Please head to Shinano Railway’s ticket office when you get to your departure station. You will get your actual ticket from the staff after showing them your reservation confirmation email.
As there might be a queue, please allow enough time to board the train.
Discover Karuizawa, One of Japan’s Japan’s Top Highland Resorts
Karuizawa, one of Japan’s leading highland resorts, is a great place to stay for a day or an overnight trip from Tokyo. Besides its rich natural surroundings, the traditional township has several Western-style villas and amazingly designed churches. So if you have a day or two to spare, consider visiting Karuizawa.
For more information about the tourist spots in the town, refer to our Guide to Karuizawa article!
Visiting Togakushi, Where the Main Attractions in the Region Are Located
After you get off Rokumon at Nagano Station, how about allocating a few days here to explore the attractions that can be reached from the station? Togakushi, which receives around 150 thousand visitors annually, can be a great destination for a day trip.
For more information, refer to our article on Togakushi to discover the best restaurants for mouthwatering soba noodles, how to improve your ninja skills, and more (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
