I have very vague memories about this book, but I have been searching forever, and I simply refused to believe i dreamed up this whole thing:
The book was about a child that was living on an island (I am quite sure),. He ends up getting access to this magical train, taking a fantastical train journey. The train can ride anywhere, across the ocean and any sort of place like this.
He visits many fantastical places, like deseerts with fatamogana (This is a long segment involving this, where they run out of water and see many fatamoganas that brings them off course etc), and an asian inspired city, and also a volcanic landscape. I dont remember exactly what the objective is, but he is fighting some sort of evil. There is also dragons and many fantastical creatures involved.
I remember the story being quite upbeat and positive.
He also had several companions on his journey, one potentially being an animal?
I have reach the conclusion that it could be:
"The Iron Dragon's Daughter" by Michael Swanwick
But this one seems too depressive, and many things doesnt fit in with how i remember it. But i am fully aware my memory might be spotty on this, it is at least 20 years since I read it.
"Night on the Galactic Railroad" – Kenji Miyazawa
This one could be potential, but i dont remember it being specifically asian.. I also believe the boy was conductor of the train either himself, or had a companion doing it for him.
I remember the island quite clearly, which doesnt seem to feature in this work.
I feel like neither of these really comes close. The series was very upbeat in nature and had a child/young adult spin I would say. It also has to have been written before 2000 at the earliest.
Sorry for my explanation being so horrendous, but I am obsessed, and I cant come it closer for now.
by No-Pipe-6941