"BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train schedule, fares, and how to buy tickets.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR West sightseeing train "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER", which runs on the Johana Line and Himi Line starting from Takaoka Station in Toyama Prefecture. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. The train's name means "beautiful mountains and sea" in French, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
"BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" is a JR West sightseeing train that debuted in October 2015, running on the Johana Line (Takaoka Station to Johana Station) and the Himi Line (Takaoka Station to Himi Station). It operates as a single-car train converted from a KiHa 40 series diesel railcar, and the interior design was handled by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. The train's name means "beautiful mountains (montagne) and sea (mer)" in French, and was named after the spectacular views of both the Tateyama mountain range and Toyama Bay visible from the train's windows. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. It debuted in 2015 to coincide with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa, and has also played a role as secondary transportation from the Shinkansen to the Johana and Himi Lines. Even now, nearly 10 years after its launch, it remains a popular attraction driving tourism promotion in western Toyama Prefecture.

What is "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER"?

"BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" is a sightseeing train that runs along the Johana Line and Himi Line in western Toyama Prefecture. On a clear day, passengers can enjoy the majestic Tateyama mountain range from the mountain-side windows and the Noto Peninsula across Toyama Bay from the sea-side windows. As the French name of the train suggests, its greatest appeal is that passengers can enjoy "beautiful mountains and sea" at the same time. Both the Johana Line and Himi Line depart from Takaoka Station. Along the Johana Line, there are many historical temples, such as Zuizenji Temple, a branch temple of the Shinshu Otani sect, and passengers can also experience the culture of Inami, known as a town of wood carving. To allow passengers to enjoy the different attractions of the two lines, each course has its own dedicated timetable and guided tour.

Train features and popular points

The charm of the "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train lies in its warm and inviting interior, made with abundant use of wood, where passengers can relax while enjoying the scenery of Toyama Bay. Car 1 features an exhibition and sales space showcasing local specialties and traditional crafts, making the ride itself an opportunity to discover the charms of Toyama. This train, which allows passengers to enjoy the fantastic scenery of Toyama Bay, often called the jewel of the Sea of Japan, is popular with many tourists. Local guides sometimes provide commentary along the route, allowing passengers to deepen their understanding of Toyama's nature and culture as they travel. If you're lucky, you might even encounter a mirage-like scene from Amaharashi Coast, where the Tateyama mountain range and the sea appear simultaneously. Along the route, there are also places where seasonal flowers bloom, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery of each season.

Timetable for "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER"

*The "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train operates mainly on weekends and holidays. Different timetables are set for the Johana Line and the Himi Line.

Downbound (towards Johana and Himi) timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Takaoka)

The "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train operates several times a day on both the Johana Line and Himi Line routes, mainly on weekends and holidays. Some services may also run on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway Line, departing from and arriving at Toyama Station.

Important information regarding operating days and days when the service is suspended.

"BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days. Additional cancellations may occur due to regular vehicle maintenance, etc. As it is a popular train, we recommend checking and booking early if you have a specific date in mind. During winter, delays may occur due to heavy snowfall typical of the Hokuriku region, so we recommend allowing extra time in your itinerary.

Operating Section of "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER"

Main Sections

• Takaoka Station to Johana Station (Johana Line)
• Takaoka Station to Himi Station (Himi Line)
• Toyama Station to Takaoka Station (Ainokaze Toyama Railway Line, some trains)

Johana Station is the gateway to the World Heritage site of Gokayama and the townscape of Johana, known for its float festival. Himi Station is the central station of Himi, a port town famous for its yellowtail fishing port and also known as the birthplace of Fujiko Fujio A. Gokayama is known for its gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof) villages, which are registered as a World Heritage site and can be reached by bus from Johana Station. The Amaharashi Coast near Amaharashi Station is a scenic spot where Matsuo Basho is said to have stopped by, and it is also a historical spot with legends related to Yoshitsune.

Stations on the "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" line

Main Stops

• Takaoka Station
• Shin-Takaoka Station (some trains)
• Johana Station (Johana Line)
• Amaharashi Station (Himi Line)
• Himi Station (Himi Line)

*The stops vary depending on the route and operating day.

Fare for "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER"

Representative Section Fare

* "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" is a fare system that adds a special car fare equivalent to a Green Car fare to the basic fare ticket.

Breakdown of tickets and fares

The fare for "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" is the sum of the basic fare to the destination and the reserved seat fare. Because all seats are reserved and all cars are ordinary reserved seats, a different fare system applies than that of regular local trains. This fare system is the same as that of other JR West sightseeing trains (such as "HANAYOME NOREN"), and is priced to match the high quality of service.

Photo spots at Amaharashi Station

The area around Amaharashi Station on the Himi Line is known as a scenic spot offering breathtaking views of the Tateyama mountain range across Toyama Bay, and is also a popular photo spot for the "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train itself. If the weather is good, you can enjoy the rare and spectacular sight of snow-capped mountains across the sea. At Himi Fishing Port, fresh seafood, mainly wild yellowtail, is landed and, along with Himi udon noodles, is a popular local delicacy. Himi city also has a museum dedicated to Fujiko Fujio A, the creator of Ninja Hattori-kun and Doraemon, which can be enjoyed as well.

All seats on the "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train are equipped with amenities equivalent to those of a Green Car, and the fare includes the basic fare ticket plus a special car fare.

How to buy tickets for "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER"

e5489 (Internet reservation)

JR West's online reservation service "e5489" allows you to purchase reserved seat tickets using a credit card. Because it's a popular sightseeing train, seats often sell out immediately after going on sale, so early booking is recommended.

 

 

Reserved seat ticket machines and ticket counters

You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's ticket vending machines or at the Midori-no-madoguchi.

travel agency

Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seat tickets for "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER".

How to buy for foreign tourists

The "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" is a JR West train, so it may be eligible for the JR Pass. However, since all seats are ordinary reserved seats, an additional fare may be required with a regular pass. Please also note that the section that runs on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway Line is operated by a third-sector railway and is therefore not covered by JR Passes. The JR West sections (Takaoka to Johana, Takaoka to Himi) are covered by the pass.

*The types of passes and applicable routes may change.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Even if you book through online services such as "e5489," in most cases you will need to pick up your ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station before boarding.

*Whether or not ticket issuance is required depends on the type of reservation service.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

When riding the "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train, you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the special car fare. Some sections of the Johana Line and Himi Line may be outside the IC card usage area, so please check the availability before boarding. The special car fare cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card and must be purchased as a separate ticket in advance.

On the routes served by "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER," contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot ride using only an IC card. A separate special car fare is required. Some sections of the Johana Line and Himi Line may be outside the IC card usage area.

Seating Information for "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER"

Seat type (All seats reserved, equivalent to Green Car)

The "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train is operated using a specially modified KiHa 40 series diesel railcar, and all seats are ordinary reserved seats. There are no unreserved seats.

Distinctive seating

The train's interior features a calming design with extensive use of wood, and on the Himi Line route, some cars have seating arrangements facing Toyama Bay. In Car 1, passengers can enjoy light meals and drinks while gazing out the window at the counter seats. The seat fabric uses calming blue tones inspired by the waves of Toyama Bay. A large table is installed by the window, allowing passengers to enjoy food and drinks while admiring the scenery. The train is equipped with large windows, designed to provide an open and unobstructed view of the scenery even while in motion.

Large luggage storage area

There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.

Barrier-free facilities

For the latest information, please check Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

*Details of seating arrangements may vary depending on the train configuration.

 

 

Enjoy bento boxes and in-train gourmet food on the "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train.

On the "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train, some services offer meal plans that require advance reservations (such as bento boxes featuring Himi yellowtail and seafood from Toyama Bay). Local specialties and original goods can be purchased in the sales area of Car 1. Onboard, sweets made with Toyama's famous white shrimp and limited-edition products featuring Himi's specialties are sometimes sold. On the Johana Line route, local crafts such as chopstick rests adorned with Inami wood carvings can sometimes be purchased on board.

*Meal plans and in-car services may vary depending on the train service and time of year.

Points to note when riding "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER"

The "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, we recommend checking the operating days and making a reservation well in advance. The fare and travel time differ between the Johana Line course and the Himi Line course, so please check which course you are taking before boarding. If you plan to get off at Amaharashi Station to enjoy photography, it will be helpful to check the time of the next train service in advance. Both the Himi Line and the Johana Line have a limited number of trains running each day, so it is advisable to plan your itinerary carefully in advance.

If you wish to book a meal plan, you will need to make arrangements early, along with your basic fare ticket reservation. Since some sections of the Johana Line and Himi Line are outside the IC card usage area, we recommend purchasing your basic fare ticket in advance.

Summary

The "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" is a JR West sightseeing train that runs on the Johana Line and Himi Line, starting from Takaoka Station. As its name, which means "beautiful mountains and sea" in French, suggests, it allows passengers to enjoy the spectacular views of the Tateyama mountain range and Toyama Bay at the same time. Since its launch in 2015, it has been a popular train that allows passengers to rediscover the charm of Toyama in a high-quality space with all ordinary reserved seats. Since the operating days are limited, it is important to check in advance. It connects with the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Shin-Takaoka Station, making it a sightseeing train that is easily accessible from outside the prefecture. It is a valuable opportunity to rediscover two local lines with different charms, the Himi Line and the Johana Line, in the form of a sightseeing train. With good access from Takaoka Station, it is a sightseeing train that can be fully enjoyed even on a day trip and is chosen by many travelers. Be sure to compare both courses and discover the diverse charms of Toyama.

Enjoy a special trip through western Toyama Prefecture aboard the "BELLES MONTAGNES ET MER" train, where you can savor two breathtaking views—the Tateyama mountain range and Toyama Bay—from the train window.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.