Explore Choshi Electric Railway which has operated for a century with the warm support of residents. Everyone here strives to preserve the local traditions.

Travel northern Kyushu on the JR Kyudai Line that follows the course of the Chikugo River and its tributaries. Discover how residents live with the blessings and trouble the wild rivers bring.

Travel from Kushiro to Abashiri through winter scenery, and see rare cranes and other wildlife along the way. An active volcano has deep links to the railway. Drift ice floats off the Shiretoko coast.

Travel along the Kurobe River on the Toyama Chihou and Kurobe Gorge Railways in Toyama Pref. The river provides water for farms, businesses and households. Upstream, the river has carved a deep gorge.

Visit Kinpusen-ji, sacred for mountain ascetics; the Asuka ruins that are nominated for UNESCO listing; Ise Grand Shrine; and a pearl divers' village on Kintetsu Railway in Nara and Mie Prefectures.

Canadian, Nick Szasz, takes us train cruising, the best way to travel, on the Hisatsu Line in Kyushu that connects Kumamoto to Kagoshima. Known as the Treasury of Railway Heritage, this century-old line has many historic stations and bridges, and is a popular destination for rail enthusiasts. Nick travels along the Kuma River on the Steam Locomotive Hitoyoshi; transfers to the Isaburo Shinpei, which climbs slopes using a loop and a switchback; and boards Hayato no Kaze, a limited express to arrive at Sakurajima. On the way he tastes the local ekiben lunch boxes, and experiences the magnificent natural landscape.

Climb aboard the limited express that runs between Hakata and two of Japan's most popular hot spring resorts, Yufuin and Beppu. The train slows down along scenic spots to let passengers enjoy the beautiful landscape through oversize windows. Discover the local specialties and the charms of highland hot springs.

Travel Iwate Pref. from popular destination Morioka to the Pacific coast. Eat your fill of soba noodles, dive into in a fantastical world, fish with cucumbers and go spelunking.

Journey through the tranquil rustic landscape of Shimane Pref. Traditional fishermen catch clams. One temple offers blessing for eye ailments. And, residents make unusual sculptures for the deities.

Travel the Soya Line through the northern part of the island to Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost station. Disused train lines and stations remain along the way. Head to Cape Soya and gaze at Sakhalin.