JR Kyushu sightseeing trains are renowned for their unique designs and stunning scenery along the routes. With a wide variety of themed trains, travelers can enjoy Kyushu’s natural landscapes and cultural charm in a comfortable and immersive way.
Train Types & Features
Yufuin no Mori
Features: Luxurious interior design, specially created for travelers heading to Yufuin Onsen.
Route: Hakata – Yufuin – Beppu
Eligible JR PASS: All Kyushu Pass, Northern Kyushu Pass
Aso Boy!
Features: Ideal for family travel, featuring play areas designed especially for children.
Route: Kumamoto – Aso – Miyaji
Eligible JR PASS: All Kyushu Pass, Southern Kyushu Pass
A-Train (Take the A-Train)
Features: A blend of modern and retro design, with premium drink services onboard.
Route: Kumamoto – Misumi
Eligible JR PASS: All Kyushu Pass, Northern Kyushu Pass
Ibusuki no Tamatebako
Features: A “surprise treasure box” themed train with breathtaking window views.
Route: Kagoshima-Chuo – Ibusuki
Eligible JR PASS: All Kyushu Pass, Southern Kyushu Pass
36+3
Features: A luxury sightseeing train covering five regions of Kyushu, offering high-end dining experiences.
Route: Routes vary by operating day; please refer to the official timetable.
Eligible JR PASS: Not applicable
Daily Services & Applicable Passes
Train schedules may vary on holidays or special dates. Passengers should always check the official JR Kyushu timetable in advance.
Some trains are only available to holders of specific JR PASS types, such as the Northern Kyushu Pass or Southern Kyushu Pass.
Travel Tips
- Book Early: Popular sightseeing trains have limited seats; advance reservations are highly recommended.
- Choose the Right PASS: Select the JR PASS that best fits your itinerary to reduce travel costs.
- Enjoy Onboard Services: Many trains offer regional specialties and beverages, making the journey itself a culinary experience.
JR Kyushu sightseeing trains Routes
Kyushu has a total of 10 JR sightseeing trains, with the following main routes (major stations only):
- Yufuin no Mori:
Hakata ⇔ Kurume ⇔ Yufuin ⇔ Oita ⇔ Beppu - Aso Boy!:
Kumamoto ⇔ Higo-Ozu ⇔ Aso ⇔ Oita ⇔ Beppu - A-Train:
Kumamoto ⇔ Uto ⇔ Misumi - Ibusuki no Tamatebako:
Kagoshima-Chuo ⇔ Ibusuki - Umisachi Yamasachi:
Miyazaki ⇔ Nango - Aso / Kawasemi Yamasemi (operating until Jan 13):
Kumamoto ⇔ Higo-Ozu ⇔ Aso ⇔ Miyaji - Two Stars 4047:
Takeo-Onsen ⇒ Kohoku ⇒ Isahaya ⇒ Nagasaki ⇒ Huis Ten Bosch - 36+3:
Hakata ⇒ Kumamoto ⇒ Kagoshima ⇒ Miyazaki ⇒ Beppu ⇒ Kokura ⇒ Saga ⇒ Sasebo - ARU RESSHA:
Hakata ⇔ Yufuin - Kanpachi & Ichiroku:
- Kanpachi: Hakata ⇒ Tanushimaru ⇒ Yufuin ⇒ Oita ⇒ Beppu
- Ichiroku: Beppu ⇒ Oita ⇒ Yufuin ⇒ Kurume ⇒ Hakata
These 10 sightseeing trains are subject to different JR PASS coverage depending on the region.
Other Important Notes
- Yufuin no Mori can travel as far as Beppu (Trains No. 3 & 4). On certain dates, this extended route may be suspended—please check the official timetable.
- Aso Boy!, A-Train, and Umisachi Yamasachi operate even on Japanese national holidays.
- Aso Boy! may operate on additional dates with no onboard services and all non-reserved seating.
- After March 15, 2025, Aso Boy! will operate only two daily services and will terminate at Miyaji (no longer stopping at Oita or Beppu).
- Two Stars 4047 may suspend service for an entire month at times—always check the official timetable.
- The outbound and return routes of Two Stars 4047 stop at different stations.
- 36+3 operates from Thursday to Monday, but the route changes daily; different JR PASS coverage applies depending on the route.
- Kanpachi & Ichiroku are actually one-way services departing from different origins:
- Kanpachi departs from Hakata
- Ichiroku departs from Beppu
For more detailed information on Kyushu sightseeing trains, please refer to the route map images, which make planning a Kyushu railway journey even more convenient.
Guide for Foreign Travelers: Using JR Pass for Kyushu Sightseeing Trains
For foreign travelers, Kyushu’s JR sightseeing trains are not only a scenic journey but also a convenient way to explore multiple regions without worrying about individual tickets. Using a JR Pass is the most cost-effective and flexible way to enjoy these trains.
Why Choose a JR Pass?
- Unlimited Travel in Eligible Areas: With the right JR Pass, you can ride multiple sightseeing trains like Yufuin no Mori, Aso Boy!, and Ibusuki no Tamatebako without buying separate tickets.
- Save Money: Instead of purchasing individual tickets, a JR Pass allows you to cover long-distance routes across Northern, Southern, or All Kyushu regions.
- Easy Reservations: JR Pass holders can reserve seats in advance on most sightseeing trains, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
- Flexible Planning: Adjust your itinerary on the fly, without worrying about ticket availability for each leg of the journey.
Recommended JR Passes for Sightseeing Trains
| Sightseeing Train | Recommended JR Pass |
|---|---|
| Yufuin no Mori | All Kyushu Pass, Northern Kyushu Pass |
| Aso Boy! | All Kyushu Pass, Southern Kyushu Pass |
| A-Train | All Kyushu Pass, Northern Kyushu Pass |
| Ibusuki no Tamatebako | All Kyushu Pass, Southern Kyushu Pass |
| 36+3 | Not applicable |
Tip: Check train schedules in advance, as some trains operate on limited days or special dates.
Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors
- Book Seats Early: Popular sightseeing trains often sell out quickly. Advance reservation is highly recommended.
- Choose the Right Pass: Select Northern, Southern, or All Kyushu Pass depending on your route to maximize cost savings.
- Enjoy Local Flavors Onboard: Many trains serve regional specialties and drinks, turning your journey into a culinary experience.
- Check Timetables: Some trains have different routes or operating days. For example, 36+3 has a different route each day, and Two Stars 4047 may suspend service for an entire month.
Where to Get a JR Pass
Foreign travelers can purchase JR Passes online before arriving in Japan. This ensures a smooth start to your Kyushu adventure, with reserved seats on your first sightseeing train.
👉 Check JR Pass prices and reserve your pass here
Experience Kyushu in comfort, enjoy scenic landscapes, and travel smart with a JR Pass—your gateway to Japan’s most beautiful trains.