The irresistible world of “JR Kyushu” for train-spotters
In Japan, the number of trainspotters have increased, leading to
them being called "Tetsu-chan" or "Tetsuko" ("tetsu" being derived
from "tetsudou," or railroad). Among Japanese transpotters, the
railways especially treasured are those of JR Kyushu. This is a
choice selection of trains that you might want to ride in order to
examine the car body and the interior more closely.
14, 2014
The irresistible world of JR Kyushu for train-spotters
“Primarily manage and control one part of the railroad route in the
Kyushu region and Yamaguchi Prefecture. They also develop the
travel, real estate, and agricultural industries.”
“They draw a line separating themselves from the other JR groups
and have their own special way of management. Before the Kyushu
Shinkansen lines opened, they aired a commercial for a large-scale
event called “Celebrate! Trans-Kyushu Wave.” They also have a
number of personalized railcars designed by Mitooka Eiji, and
conceived the first incredible cruise train Seven Stars in Kyushu.
They don’t limit themselves to just real estate, train station
buildings, railways, and other businesses, but also manage
businesses in the shipbuilding, pharmaceutical, and izakaya
industries. On top of that, they also carry on a wide agricultural
enterprise. Because they grapple with such individual businesses,
they have been featured in media and economics magazines.”
ja.wikipedia.org
“JR Kyushu”‘s full formal name is
“Kyushu Passenger Railroad.” They’ve successfully repainted
railroad travel as a fun place, and railroad fans bathe in the
details. Please make reservations on any of these.
Seven Stars in Kyushu
ja.wikipedia.org
There are seven prefectures in
Kyushu, and the train is made up of seven carriages, so it was
given the name “Seven Stars in Kyushu.”
In order to fully enjoy a high-class adult trip, outside of your
private room, a dress code is enforced.
There are multiple courses. For one day, 2 nights, it’s \280,000
for one person, and \155,000 per person for two. For 2 nights, 3
days, 1 person is \620,000 and \391,000 per person for
two.
However, if you lodge on the train during your trip (it’s possible
to stay elsewhere), like a high-class hotel most of the food is
prepared on board, so the total price probably isn’t
shocking.
The interior is completely designed with top-class
materials.
The reservations are almost always completely full. You should
constantly check pamphlets and the homepage.
Limited Express Yufuin Forest
www.jrkyushu.co.jp
This is the Yufuin Forest strain
that travels between Fukuoka, Oita, and Beppu.
The railcars are beautifully painted in London Green with gold
trim.
The interior is decorated in dark brown wood, leading to a calm
atmosphere.
You can reserve a box seat for 3-4 people, so you can enjoy the
trip with a small number of people.
Cars 3 and 4 are the buffet cars, so you can enjoy a light
meal.
Because there are no spare cars, sometimes on inspection you may
find a “Yufu” car as a substitute.
It’s necessary to check this out.
SL Hitoyoshi
www.jrkyushu.co.jp
The SL Hitoyoshi takes about two
and a half hours between Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi.
The interior of the railcars is decorated in a “retro Taisho” feel
that works well, so you can fully enjoy your short trip.
Inside, there’s a corner called “the Mini SL Library” where you can
see all sorts of SL models on display, so it’s a totally
irresistible area for trainspotters.
Usually there’s one round trip a day from Friday to Monday, but
there can be changes in the schedule, so please check ahead.
Limited Express Umisachi Yamasachi
www.jrkyushu.co.jp
It takes about two hours from
Miyazaki to Nango.
Built with the concept “a resort train like a wooden toy,” the
interior is arranged with bright toned “Obisugi” Japanese cedar
wood.
Because 60% of the route is on the coastline, it drops speed in
order to properly sight-see sights like “The Devil’s Laundry Rock”
and “Seven Rocks”.
It runs in the middle of Saturdays and Sundays.
Limited Express Aso Boy!
www.jrkyushu.co.jp
This is definitely a train marketed
towards children.
The JR Kyushu mascot Shiroi Kuro-chan is printed everywhere, and
there is a library full of nicely-arranged picture books. There’s
also a “Tree Pool” full of wooden balls that you can play with. The
desire to play is completely fulfilled.
It takes about an hour and a half from Kumamoto to Miyagi. It’s in
service on Saturdays and Sundays.
Trans-Kyushu Limited Express
www.jrkyushu.co.jp
Travels from Beppu to Hitoyoshi
(through Aso) in about 5 hours.
Both the inside and outside of the rail car is chic and with a
plain image, but it’s an extremely user-friendly trip.
While there’s no way to go from Oita to Kumamoto without a
transfer, its renewal in August 2013 is cause for excitement. There
are four round trips a day.
Please enjoy your railroad trip while watching the scenery of Mt.
Aso and the Kuma River.
Sonic
www.jrkyushu.co.jp
The Sonic links Oita and Fukuoka in
about two hours.
While in the photo it’s a metallic blue, there’s also railroad cars
in service popularly called “the White Sonic”.
It’s also listed that way on the timetable.
While the interiors are different, the blue Sonic has a pop feel,
and the White Sonic was finished with a chic image.
As of January 20th, it will go round trip but a reservation is
necessary.
Because the body is built pendulum-style, it doesn’t slow down as
it turns a curve, so you can feel a slight swaying.