I have a goal to ride all the sightseeing trains nationwide, and I have ridden about 20 of them alone so far, but this time I was impressed by riding the Koto Koto Train. The dishes served were carefully made, highlighting the deliciousness of the vegetables and the exquisite tenderness of the beef cooked at low temperatures. The BGM on the train also played wonderful Showa era songs, creating a great atmosphere. The attendants were attentive to every detail, making it a truly enjoyable day. I definitely want to ride again with my family next time.

You can enjoy a scenic train ride from Chokubo Station to Yukuhashi Station while dining on French cuisine. The food was delicious and the staff were friendly with great service. There are no toilets on board, so the train stops at intermediate stations for breaks. I also shared a video about it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6ITedfVwIcM

Introducing the delicious French dishes served on the Koto Koto train, which boasts as "the most relaxing, delicious, and enjoyable train in Japan." The dishes are supervised by Chef Takashi Fukuyama, the owner of the French restaurant La Maison de la Nature Goh in Nakasu. Nature Goh has been selected as one of the "Best 50 Restaurants in Asia" for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019, and also received a Michelin star in the 2019 Michelin Guide. The theme for this journey is "delicious," featuring six French dishes made with local ingredients representing the region. As we settled into our seats, Chief Sato welcomed us and provided an overview of the Koto Koto train. We ordered the unique "Pale Ale TAGAWA Genki Beer" offered exclusively on the train, which had a rich flavor and aroma. My wife opted for the "Fukuchi Town Kitty (non-alcoholic)" made with red wine-soaked figs from Fukuchi Town and ginger ale. The menu and drink selection were presented on a paperweight made of real coal, a fitting touch for the Chikuho region. The first course, "Koto Koto Box - With the Feelings of 9 Cities and Towns," was served in a lunch box wrapped in an original hand towel from Hishiya Dyed Goods Store in Nogata. The dishes showcased local produce from nine municipalities along the route, allowing us to enjoy a taste of the region while on board. Each dish had its own unique flavor, but the rolled pie of cutlassfish and the chestnut coffee syrup stood out as favorites. The second course began with a glass of red wine, and we were served the "Local Buttercup Squash Mousse," featuring a sweet buttercup squash mousse topped with sea urchin and snow crab, sandwiched between consomme jelly. The smooth texture and layered flavors of the mousse and jelly were delightful, enhancing the rich taste of the sea urchin. The third course, "Coal Risotto with Sauteed Abalone," featured a risotto inspired by coal, with a subtle sweetness from squid ink. The dish was complemented by the aroma of burnt butter and tender, juicy abalone sauteed to perfection between shiitake mushrooms. The buttercup squash mousse and risotto were so delicious that we wanted seconds. After the wine, we ordered the "Tagawa Tonic," a cocktail made with Tagawa-produced shochu, Fukuchi Town honey lemon sorbet, and tonic water. My wife chose the "Fukuchi Town Honey Lemon Ginger," a refreshing ginger ale. The main course of the day was the "Papillote of Japanese Beef Cheek," served piping hot as requested by Chef Fukuyama. To ensure the dishes stayed hot until served, a steam convection oven was installed at Kanada Station for the Koto Koto train. The beef cheek, slow-cooked to perfection, was tender and rich, easily falling apart with a fork. The Staub cocotte contained a gratin of potatoes and penne, which I gladly finished for my wife who was already eyeing the dessert. Chief Sato poured us coffee after the meal. The dessert, a cold sweet served in a Kusugiku (Chrysanthemum) masu, was the "Masu Parfait - Landscape with Roasted Sweet Potatoes." The parfait had layers with different textures and flavors, all presented beautifully in the Kusugiku masu.

Heisei Chikuhō Railway operates a special restaurant train called "Kotokoto Train" from Nogata Station to Yukuhashi Station. Starting from March 21, 2019, this train operates on weekends and holidays, offering a French course meal while enjoying the scenic countryside at a leisurely speed of 15-40km/h. The cost is 14,800 yen for adults and children, with free admission for children under 6 years old, including a 6-course French meal. Reservations can be made on their website. The train features a unique design by the artist Itohachi and the French cuisine is supervised by Chef Fukuyama from La Maison de la Nature Goh. The train has a capacity of 48 passengers and includes table and sofa seating. The journey takes passengers through picturesque landscapes and local towns, offering a unique dining experience on board.