9 scenic rides on local trains in Japan, from Tohoku to Kyushu

What happened: A qz article lists nine scenic local train rides in Japan, from Hakone and Kyoto to Tohoku, Kyushu and Shikoku, favoring mountain switchbacks, river gorges and coastal lines over bullet-train speed. Why it matters: The piece frames these routes as an alternative to high-speed shinkansen travel, highlighting slower regional rail journeys. Key numbers: 9 train trips listed.

A qz article lists nine scenic local train rides in Japan, from Hakone and Kyoto to Tohoku, Kyushu and Shikoku, favoring mountain switchbacks, river gorges and coastal lines over bullet-train speed.

The piece frames these routes as an alternative to high-speed shinkansen travel, highlighting slower regional rail journeys. Key numbers: 9 train trips listed.