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In an effort to revitalize the national tourism image and alleviate pressure on traditional destinations, Japan Central Railway Company (JR Central) has officially launched a special tourist train route. This is the first travel product specifically designed for foreign tourists, with a route that passes through the most beautiful viewpoints overlooking Mount Fuji – the sacred symbol and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Japan.
This unique route connects Mishima and Fujinomiya stations in Shizuoka Prefecture and will officially launch on March 19, 2026. This event not only marks a new milestone in JR Central's service but also demonstrates the flexible thinking of the Japanese tourism industry in channeling tourists, creating in-depth experiences instead of focusing solely on mass check-in points that are currently experiencing severe overcrowding.
The unique highlight of this train lies in its culturally rich interior. Upon entering the carriage, passengers are immediately captivated by the decorations inspired by the famous woodblock prints "36 Views of Mount Fuji" by the renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai. Classic works such as "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" are subtly recreated, transforming the journey into a mobile art appreciation experience.
To ensure that visitors don't miss any precious moments, the train schedule is thoughtfully designed. The train will travel at a slower speed than usual on sections with the clearest views of the 3,776-meter-high mountain. It even stops at several stations along the route so passengers can comfortably capture the majestic Mount Fuji without any shaking. Onboard, a team of English-speaking guides is always ready to explain the history, geology, and cultural anecdotes associated with this iconic landmark, helping international visitors gain a deeper understanding of its heritage value instead of just admiring its surface.
The journey not only offers iconic views from the artistically designed Hokusai train carriages but also incorporates tours of temples, waterfalls, and wasabi fields in Shizuoka.
Beyond simply admiring the view through the window, this tour, designed by JR Central in collaboration with JTB Global Marketing & Travel, extends to rich field experiences in Shizuoka Prefecture. After the train journey, travelers will be transported by bus to visit an ancient temple located at the foot of Mount Fuji, a place that preserves centuries-old spiritual values of the local people.
The itinerary also takes visitors to Shizuoka's "specialties," such as lush green wasabi fields beside cool streams and majestic natural waterfalls. This is a clever approach to showcasing a multifaceted Shizuoka, not only of Mount Fuji but also of traditional agriculture and abundant natural resources. Mr. Shunsuke Niwa, President of JR Central, affirmed that the company will do its utmost to ensure that every international passenger can fully enjoy the sophistication and hospitality of this region.
The introduction of a "privileged" train service for foreign tourists comes as Japan tightens regulations to address tourism overcrowding. Since 2024, and especially from March 2025, the Japanese government has implemented a series of drastic measures, such as increasing the Mount Fuji climbing fee from 2,000 yen to 4,000 yen, and erecting barriers to prevent photography at hotspots like Fujikawaguchiko town to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Even in the Gion geisha district (Kyoto), tourists have been restricted to certain private alleyways. Most recently, the cherry blossom festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park – which offers classic views of Mount Fuji – had to be canceled to avoid uncontrolled crowds. In this context, operating controlled tours (the first train trip carried only about 20 passengers) with specific schedules on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays each week is the sustainable approach.
This special train service will operate until December 22, 2026, promising to become one of the top choices for tourists who want to admire Mount Fuji in a leisurely, luxurious, and culturally rich way. Instead of crowding at free attractions, paying for a specialized service not only helps tourists create the best memories but also contributes to preserving the value of the World Heritage site for future generations.
This is Japan's effort to diversify high-end experiences and reduce tourist overcrowding at traditional hotspots.
