The Seibu Yamaguchi Line started life in 1950 as an amusement park ride called the Otogi Ressha, or Fairy Tale Train, and officially became a railway in 1952. These unusual class B11 battery-powered trains operated on the line alongside small steam engines until 1984 when the line was converted into the rubber-tyred people mover that still operates today. This particular unit, B15, was built in 1960 and now sits on display in Tokorozawa at a newly-developed shopping mall that

This Keikyu Main Line railway bridge takes trains from Tokyo across the Tama River and into Kanagawa Prefecture. And back again.

This is quite an unusual museum. It's in the grounds of a funeral directors and it never really looks open. When I arrived, there was a small sign saying it was closed, but I could see a few people walking around the exhibits. I went into the adjacent office building and enquired at reception. A member of staff at the funeral directors cheerfully said I could go in and have a look, taking my entrance fee and then giving me a train keyring. He then gave me a bottle of water, s

Hijiri Bridge in central Tokyo is a popular spot to take photos of the red trains crossing the Ochanomizu Railway Viaduct on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. Here are some less common views from a river cruise below, with the light from the late winter sun highlighting the best bits.

Some railway stations are functional but are somewhat bland. Kami-Kumagaya Station is not like that at all. It is oozing with charm and history.

If you have a few old trains lying around, why don't you turn them into a bar?

It's always a pleasure to unexpectedly come across some railway history when travelling in Japan. I certainly didn't expect to find an old steam train on the island of Iki in Nagasaki Prefecture, especially since there has never been a railway there. Apparently, it was brought over in the 1970s to be put on display for local children to get an understanding of what a steam train is, or indeed was. It's not in a great state these days though, and undoubtedly funds to bring it

This wonderfully narrow tram, just 1.6 metres in width, can be found in a park near Hanamaki Station. It ran on the Hanamaki Electric Railway for around 50 years until 1972, taking passengers up to the numerous hot springs in the area as well as serving the morning and evening commutes.

The Ominato Line in Aomori Prefecture has some excellent scenery along the coast. When it runs through the forest, there's a chance you'll see some wildlife. On this particular trip, I was lucky enough to see a young bear on the tracks.

Along the Akita Nairiku Line, rice paddy art has been created just for the railway passengers. The train slows down for you to have a good look and take a few pics. A very interesting way to attract passengers.

Akabuchi is on the Tazawako Line in Iwate Prefecture. The local trains that stop here are few and far between. I arrived on the 16:15 from Omagari to have a walk around the area, and then take the 18:15 train onwards to Morioka. Arriving back at the station at around 17:45, I intended to take a few shots of the station and get a few shots of the Akita Shinkansen trains that pass through this station without stopping. The platform was in need of a bit of weeding, was one of my

The view from the back of the train on the Kitakami Line as the train crosses the Waga River.

In order to eliminate several busy level crossings, construction work at Higashi-Murayama Station to raise the railway will take about a decade to complete. On June the 29th, 2025, the first section of track was just about ready to go, with the start and end sections of the new track being switched over overnight and final adjustments made to the signalling. I joined the first train with passengers to go over it, leaving Kumegawa Station at 5:10am. Here's a video of the train

This railway tunnel doesn't see trains running through it any longer. Instead, it's a popular walking trail, not that far from the centre of Yokohama.

The waiting room at Kubiki Station is pretty unusual. On the other side of the station, you can find the abundant rice fields of Niigata...

This stunning train is on display next to Kaisei Station. It was used for the Romance Car services on the Odakyu Railway between 1963 and...

This lovely train used to be in operation in rural Japan, running through peaceful farming communities and providing vital transport...

The best place to see the cherry blossom in Japan is clearly from a bridge over the railway

This abandoned section of track in the countryside of Japan was pretty interesting.