The Belles Montagnes and Mer train offers a rare rail immersion in the Hokuriku region of northwestern Japan. On board a classic train with retro charm, the trip runs along Toyama Bay and opens onto the reliefs of the Tateyama Massif. In just over an hour, this tourist train turns a simple journey into a true cultural and gastronomic experience, ideal to enrich a route in the Japanese Alps and on the coast of the Japanese Sea.
An exceptional train in the heart of the Hokuriku region
The Belles Montagnes et Mer runs on two emblematic local lines of Toyama Prefecture.
On Saturday, he takes the Johana line, connecting Takaoka or Shin-Takaoka to Johana. This journey crosses rural landscapes punctuated with rice fields, vast agricultural plains and green hills with, in the background, the Tateyama massif.
On Sundays, the train runs on the Himi line, connecting Shin-Takaoka or Takaoka to Himi. This route runs along Toyama Bay and offers spectacular views of the coast of Amaharashi, known for its unobstructed view of the sea and the Onnaiwa Rock, a sculptural rock formation that seems to float on the water surface.
This alternation between mountain and sea gives all its meaning to the name of the train and allows to discover two complementary faces of the region.
An intimate and panoramic row
The Belles Montagnes et Mer consists of one car, which can accommodate thirty-nine passengers. This limited capacity strengthens the exclusive and peaceful atmosphere on board.
Interior design is designed to enhance the landscape. On one side, box chairs with central table allow groups of four people to travel face to face, in a friendly setting. On the other side, individual seats and window-facing countertops offer an optimal panoramic view, ideal for travellers alone or photography enthusiasts.
A separate space with longitudinal bench and high round table allows you to move and observe the landscape from another angle. The ensemble promotes contemplation and relaxation, far from the agitation of high-speed trains.
All seats are necessarily reserved, which guarantees a controlled and comfortable atmosphere.
An interior inspired by local craftsmanship
The design of the train is one of its main attractions. Old-fashioned wooden seats, tables and countertops made of noble materials, as well as foam green velvet coatings create a warm and elegant atmosphere.
The files and partitions are decorated with traditional sculptures from Inami, a renowned craft from the city of Nanto. The motifs include gassho-style thatched houses, mountains, wildflowers and local dance scenes. These decorative elements transform the space into a real travelling art gallery.
The leather handles are decorated with pieces from Takaoka’s dining room, famous for its copper work. At the back of the train, a showcase displays various artisanal objects from the Tonami area, such as wooden bowls from the Shogawa work or cups shaped according to the Ecchu Sansuke tradition.
The journey thus becomes a concrete introduction to Toyama’s cultural heritage, well beyond just a rail trip.
A gastronomic experience on board
Le Belles Montagnes et Mer is also distinguished by its culinary offer. Close to a sushi counter, chefs prepare specialties based on fresh fish caught in Toyama Bay.
Passengers can enjoy assortments of sushi and other marine dishes, highlighting the quality of local products. The region is known for the freshness of its seafood, especially in winter, when some species reach their full season.
Regional sakes can accompany these tastings, allowing to discover the local breweries while admiring the maritime or mountainous landscapes.
Special menus require prior reservation and are not included in the price of the seat ticket. In planning a trip, it is therefore essential to anticipate this step to fully enjoy the gastronomic experience.
Unmissable landscapes on the Johana line
The journey to Johana offers a preserved rural setting. The agricultural plains spread widely, punctuated by traditional farms and villages.
From Johana, it is possible to organize an excursion to the village of Gokayama, registered as a World Heritage Site for its houses with a gassho-zukuri-style thatch roof. These houses, adapted to heavy snowfalls, are a valuable testimony of Japanese rural architecture.
In Takaoka, the Zuiryu-ji temple, classified as a national treasure, deserves a thorough visit. Its zen architecture and beautifully preserved wooden buildings illustrate the historic importance of the city.
Nearby, the tulip park of Tonami attracts in the spring with its vast colorful fields. The integration of the train into a circuit combining nature, heritage and craftsmanship makes it possible to optimize a stay in the region.
The maritime panoramas of the Himi line
On Sunday, the Himi line highlights the Amaharashi coast. This area is considered one of the most beautiful views on Toyama Bay.
In clear weather, the contrast between the sea, pine-lined beaches and the tops of the Tateyama massif in the background creates a striking landscape. The Onnaiwa Rock, isolated offshore, is an iconic visual landmark.
The city of Himi is also famous for its seafood and local markets. A stop allows to extend the gastronomic experience started on board.
This trip is particularly suitable for travellers wishing to combine coastal panoramas and culinary discovery.
Hours, operation and practical information
The beautiful mountains and sea travel twice a day on each line, with one departure in the morning and another in the afternoon. Schedules are fixed but may change depending on the season or specific events.
On specific dates, such as anniversaries linked to the train, additional traffic can be scheduled on national holidays.
The reserved seat ticket costs 530 yen for an adult and 260 yen for a child. This rate corresponds to the reservation surcharge. The basic ticket must also be paid for the line concerned.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at JR counters called Midori no Madoguchi or via travel agencies. Due to the capacity limited to 39 places, it is recommended to reserve as soon as the route is set.
Anticipation is particularly important in spring and autumn, periods popular for the beauty of landscapes.
Integrating the train into a route in Japan
The Toyama region is accessible from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which facilitates the integration of the Beautiful Mountains and Sea into a wider circuit including Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go or the Japanese Alps.
A stay of two to three nights in the region combines the train, the discovery of Kanazawa, the traditional mountain villages and the coast of the Japanese Sea.
For a coherent route, it is advisable to articulate the visits around the day of traffic corresponding to the desired line. The choice between the mountain on Saturday or the sea on Sunday influences the overall organisation of the stay.
Planning should also take into account local rail connections, which can be more spaced than on high-speed main lines.
The Belles Montagnes et Mer is a refined railway experience in the heart of Hokuriku. Through its maritime and mountain landscapes, on-board crafts and local gastronomy, it embodies an immersive way to discover Toyama Prefecture. Well integrated with a route and reserved upstream, this train becomes one of the highlights of a trip to Japan, combining contemplation, culture and regional flavours.
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