New Year is a special time in Japan with many unique traditions. There are special postcards and special foods, visits to shrines and temples, and even special trains. In this episode, see the "Hatsumode Train" operated by Kintetsu Railway which runs from Nagoya to the famous Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture so passengers can give a first prayer of the year, and the "First Sunrise Train" operated by Sanriku Railway in Iwate Prefecture. From this special train, passengers can see the very first sunrise of the New Year over the Pacific Ocean.

Amaterasu Railway was a third sector company located in Takachiho Town in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture. However, in 2005 the line was severely damaged by a typhoon causing all services to cease. Following the closure, local supporters reopened the line as a tourist spot. The main attraction of the line is a refurbished mini truck that runs through a beautiful green landscape before crossing a 105m high railway bridge (the highest in Japan). See how Amaterasu Railway has been attracting visitors from all over Japan. Then, in "Trains in Focus" join us on JR's "Umisachi-Yamasachi" tourist train that also operates in Miyazaki Prefecture.