Highlighting JAPAN

Destination Trains

On JR Kyushu’s Design & Story trains, getting there is half the fun.

Aru Ressha (Running between Sasebo and Nagasaki)
In 1906, the private railroad company Kyushu Railway imported a certain train from the United States. It was the most luxuriously decorated train in Japan at the time. However, before the train could be put into operation, the company was nationalized. Aru Ressha resurrects the spirit and design of that train. The body is painted in gold and decorated with black arabesque designs. The spacious coaches are lined with a variety of woods, carpeted, and furnished with wide tables and armchairs. A sweets menu is served that includes local delicacies such as chestnuts and strawberries.

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori (Running between Hakata and Beppu)
The bright green design of the Limited Express Yufuin no Mori was inspired by the lush forests of the Kyushu mountains. The interior of the train is furnished in warm wood and other fittings that lend it a classic atmosphere. Passengers can enjoy the views from the train window or head to the lounge to relax and pick up some information from the train attendant about destinations along the route.

Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi (Running between Miyazaki and Nango)
Umisachi-Yamasaki runs along a coastline with a view that is characterized by the bright blue of the sea and the greenery of the mountain valley, depending on which side of the carriage you sit. The train comprises just two cars: the Umisachi car and the Yamasachi car. Beautifully scented Obi cedar, a specialty of Nichinan, is lavishly used in the exterior and interior of both coaches, which are fitted with sofa-type seats. On this train an attendant tells the ancient legend of Umisachi and Yamasachi using picture cards.

SL Hitoyoshi (Running between Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi)
SL Hitoyoshi is a steam locomotive that was made about 100 years ago and which puffs along the scenic Kuma-gawa river. The passenger cars are decorated in a chic classical style using wood, fabrics and genuine leather. The two observation cars afford alternative views of the passing countryside. The nostalgic atmosphere aboard this train is only accentuated in the Snack Bar, where passengers may choose to order the Ogottsuo Bento, a boxed lunch exclusive to the SL Hitoyoshi, or settle for a shochu ice cream made with the local Kuma Shochu distilled liquor.

Limited Express Ibusuki no Tamatebako (Running between Kagoshima Chuo and Ibusuki)
Ibusuki no Tamatebako is a tourist train which runs along the coast of the Satsuma Peninsula. Its theme is the folk legend of the Sea God’s Palace. The exterior of the coach is divided into two parts, left and right, the divide running straight down the middle. One side is painted white, the other black. When the train arrives at a station and the door opens, a white smoke-like mist drifts out from the top of the door, evoking that fateful scene in the Sea God’s Palace legend when Urashima Taro, the protagonist, disobeys instructions and opens the beautiful casket.