Train Journeys in East Asia
East Asia is the global heartland of rail travel, from the pioneering bullet trains of Japan to the Trans-Mongolian’s epic steppe crossing and the highest railway on earth climbing onto the Tibetan Plateau. Trains here are not merely transport but destinations in themselves, blending engineering marvels with unforgettable scenery.
The experiences range enormously, from the clockwork precision and comfort of high-speed lines to slow, romantic journeys aboard heritage and luxury trains. Advance booking is wise on the most popular routes and seasons.
From high-speed marvels to grand transcontinental odysseys, the journeys below cover the region’s finest rail travel.
Great rail journeys#
Shinkansen, Japan The original bullet train remains the benchmark for high-speed rail, whisking travellers between Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond at extraordinary speed and punctuality, often with Mount Fuji framed in the window. A rail pass makes it the ideal way to explore Japan.
Trans-Mongolian Railway Branching from the Trans-Siberian, this legendary line crosses the vast Mongolian steppe and Gobi between Russia and Beijing. Days of grassland, desert, and yurt-dotted horizons make it one of the world’s great overland adventures.
Qinghai-Tibet Railway, China The highest railway on earth climbs across the Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa, crossing passes above 5,000 metres with carriages piped with oxygen. The journey past snow peaks, yaks, and turquoise lakes is a bucket-list rail experience.
Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan A narrow-gauge heritage line spirals up through cloud forest and tea plantations to a mountain resort famous for its sea-of-clouds sunrise. Switchbacks and towering cypress make this slow climb a scenic delight.
Korea KTX South Korea’s sleek high-speed network links Seoul with Busan and other cities in a couple of hours, offering a fast, comfortable, and modern way to traverse the peninsula. It is the backbone of independent travel around the country.
Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan A lavish luxury sleeper train touring the southern island of Kyushu, blending exquisite design, fine dining, and onsen stops. Among the world’s most exclusive rail journeys, it turns the region’s scenery into a moving hotel.
Sagano Romantic Train, Japan A charming sightseeing railway near Kyoto that trundles along the Hozu River gorge in open-sided vintage carriages. Cherry blossom in spring and fiery maple in autumn make this short, nostalgic ride one of the region’s most scenic outings.
Chengdu-Kunming Railway, China An engineering marvel threading through the mountains of southwest China via countless tunnels and bridges, once considered nearly impossible to build. The journey past deep gorges and minority villages is a dramatic slow-travel experience.
Pingxi Line, Taiwan A beloved branch railway winding through green mountain valleys past old mining towns and waterfalls, famous for the sky lanterns released along its tracks. The slow, nostalgic ride is one of Taiwan’s most atmospheric rail excursions.
DMZ train, South Korea A special service running to the edge of the demilitarised zone that divides the Korean peninsula, reaching stations and observation points near the border. It offers a sobering and fascinating glimpse of the world’s most fortified frontier.
Gono Line, Japan A scenic coastal railway hugging the wild Sea of Japan shore in the Tohoku region, its Resort Shirakami train pausing for spectacular sunsets and mountain views. It is one of the country’s most beautiful and relaxed local rail journeys.
Trans-Siberian to Beijing, China The final leg of the epic overland route from Moscow enters China through Manchuria or Mongolia, ending in the capital after thousands of kilometres. Arriving in Beijing by rail is a fitting climax to a continent-spanning journey.