A railway operator in western Japan has invited people to ride a new sightseeing train that links Tottori and Shimane prefectures on the Japan Sea coast.

The "Ametuchi" train will be put into service by West Japan Railway Company from July 1st. The train will run between Tottori and Izumoshi stations on the Sanin Line.

People from the tourist industry and others were given a chance to test ride it on Saturday.

The cars are painted in blue and silver in the image of the region's coast and mountains.

The interior of the 2-car train is decorated with traditional local crafts, including pottery and Japanese washi paper.

Some window seats have outside views.

Passengers on Saturday enjoyed the scenery of the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen.

Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai said he hopes many people will come and travel by the Ametuchi, which shows the many charms of the Sanin region.

The new train is planned to make one round trip a day, and will run 150 days a year mainly on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.