Kyushu’s trains are different from every other railway in Japan. While other regions focus on speed and efficiency, JR Kyushu decided to make trains that are beautiful. The credit goes almost entirely to one man: Eiji Mitooka, an industrial designer who transformed Kyushu’s railways from ordinary commuter lines into rolling works of art.

The Designer Trains of JR Kyushu

Yufuin no Mori (ゆふいんの森)

Route: Hakata (Fukuoka) → Yufuin → Oita Time: 2h 15min to Yufuin JR Pass: ✅ Covered Reservation: Required (free with JR Pass)

The most popular sightseeing train in Kyushu. A retro-green exterior with a wooden interior that feels like a European mountain lodge. High-deck panoramic windows provide elevated views of the mountains. A buffet car sells local beer, wine, and Yufuin sweets.

The destination: Yufuin is one of Japan’s most charming onsen towns — art galleries, cafes, a lake with a view of Mt. Yufu, and excellent hot springs. Less crowded and more atmospheric than Beppu.

Ibusuki no Tamatebako (指宿のたまて箱)

Route: Kagoshima-Chuo → Ibusuki Time: 50 minutes JR Pass: ✅ Covered Reservation: Required

Named after the Japanese folk tale of Urashima Taro. Half the exterior is white, half is black — representing the moment the Tamatebako (treasure box) is opened and the young man turns old. When the doors open, white smoke puffs out — a theatrical touch that delights every passenger.

Inside: wooden interiors, bookshelf wall, and rotating sofa seats facing the ocean. The Kagoshima Bay views with Sakurajima volcano smoking across the water are spectacular.

The destination: Ibusuki is famous for its sand baths (砂むし温泉) — you are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand on the beach. A uniquely Japanese experience.

A-Train (A列車で行こう)

Route: Kumamoto → Misumi Time: 40 minutes JR Pass: ✅ Covered Reservation: Required

Named after Duke Ellington’s jazz classic “Take the ‘A’ Train.” The interior is a 1960s jazz lounge — stained glass, dark wood, and a bar car serving Dekopon (local citrus) highballs. Jazz music plays throughout the journey.

The route follows the Ariake Sea coast through fishing villages. The final stop, Misumi, has a historic port and ferry connections to Amakusa islands.

SL Hitoyoshi (SL人吉)

Route: Kumamoto → Hitoyoshi Time: 2h 30min JR Pass: ✅ Covered Reservation: Required

A real steam locomotive (Hachiroku, built in 1922) pulling restored wooden carriages along the Kuma River valley. The route is one of Japan’s most scenic — the river gorge, mountain tunnels, and rural stations are Japan at its most picturesque.

Note: Currently suspended due to flood damage. Check JR Kyushu website for restoration updates.

Aru Ressha (或る列車)

Route: Various Kyushu routes Time: 3-4 hours depending on route JR Pass: ❌ Not covered (separate premium ticket ~¥25,000) Reservation: Required (lottery system for popular dates)

The most luxurious day-trip train in Japan. Gold and black exterior inspired by a phantom train car from 1906 that was built but never ran. Inside: opulent gold-leaf walls, crystal chandeliers, and a full-course sweet course (dessert tasting menu) prepared by a famous pastry chef.

This is not transportation — it is a 3-hour rolling dessert experience through Kyushu’s countryside.

36+3 (ろくもん さんぷらすさん)

Route: 5 different routes around Kyushu (one per day, Thu-Mon) Time: 5-8 hours per route JR Pass: ✅ Base fare covered (meal plans extra ~¥10,000-15,000) Reservation: Required

Kyushu’s newest sightseeing train, named for Kyushu being Japan’s 36th-largest island +3 special experiences. Five themed routes cover different parts of Kyushu on different days of the week:

DayRouteTheme
ThursdayFull Kyushu loopThe gold route
FridayFukuoka → Kumamoto → KagoshimaSouthern coast
SaturdayKagoshima → Miyazaki → OitaEastern coast
SundayOita → HakataNorthern route
MondayHakata → NagasakiWestern route

Each route includes local food, sake tasting, and cultural experiences at stops along the way.

Kawasemi Yamasemi (かわせみ やませみ)

Route: Kumamoto → Hitoyoshi (currently on alternate routes) JR Pass: ✅ Covered Reservation: Required

Named after two species of kingfisher (kawasemi and yamasemi). Two cars — one in kingfisher blue (kawasemi), one in kingfisher green (yamasemi). Interior uses local Hitoyoshi cedar wood. A standing bar serves Kuma shochu (local spirit) and local snacks.

Umisachi Yamasachi (海幸山幸)

Route: Miyazaki → Nango Time: 1h 30min JR Pass: ✅ Covered Reservation: Required

Named after a Japanese myth of two brothers — one from the sea, one from the mountains. The train’s exterior is made from Obi cedar (飫肥杉), a local specialty wood. The route runs along the stunning Nichinan Coast with subtropical vegetation, wave-cut rock formations, and the famous Aoshima Island shrine.

How to Ride Kyushu’s Design Trains

With JR Kyushu Rail Pass

The most cost-effective way to ride multiple design trains:

PassPriceCoverage
All Kyushu 3 days¥17,000All JR Kyushu lines
All Kyushu 5 days¥18,500All JR Kyushu lines
Northern Kyushu 3 days¥9,500Fukuoka, Oita, Kumamoto area
Northern Kyushu 5 days¥11,000Fukuoka, Oita, Kumamoto area

Reservation Tips

  1. Reserve early — sightseeing trains have limited seats (some have fewer than 50)
  2. Weekends fill fast — weekday rides are easier to book
  3. Reserve at JR Kyushu stations or through the JR Kyushu website
  4. Window seats fill first — book early if you want one

Suggested 5-Day Kyushu Train Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Fukuoka

Day 2: Hakata → Yufuin → Beppu

Day 3: Beppu → Kumamoto

Day 4: Kumamoto → Kagoshima

Day 5: Kagoshima → Fukuoka

Design trains ridden: 3 (Yufuin no Mori, A-Train, Ibusuki no Tamatebako) Approximate JR cost without pass: ¥25,000+ 5-day Kyushu Pass: ¥18,500 — clear savings plus unlimited riding