New D&S (Design & Story) train “Kanpachi Ichiroku”
Concept: “A train journey designed to immerse passengers in the unique ambiance of the Yufu Kogen Line[1]”. “Embracing the essence of the region, including its climate, terrain, local cuisine, customs, and picturesque landscapes, passengers can indulge their senses in the rich tapestry of the area.”
Behind the name: The name of this new D&S train is derived from the names of two historically significant figures, Mr. Aso Kanpachi and Mr. Eto Ichiroku. They played pivotal roles in both the realization of the full opening and formation of the current Kyudai Main Line.
Background: In conjunction with the Fukuoka and Oita Destination Campaign (April to June 2024), JR Kyushu will launch this new Limited Express D&S train on April 26 2024. See design press release for design details.
Route information: departing Hakata Station, the train will make one daily trip on the Yufu Kogen Line via Yufuin to Beppu Station, taking around 5 hours (note: the train does not operate on Thursdays). The fare includes the one-way ticket on the train, and a luxurious bento box meal, made from local Fukuoka and Oita restaurants (contents differ by day of operation).
| Train name | Main Stations | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| Limited Express “Kanpachi” | Hakata ⇒ Yufuin/Oita/Beppu | ✔ | ✔ | No run | ✔ | |||
| Limited Express “Ichiroku” | Beppu/Oita/Yufuin ⇒ Kurume/Hakata | ✔ | No run | ✔ | ✔ |
How to book: online (currently Japanese language booking site), or through a travel agent.
Boarding/alighting stations:
Kanpachi: boarding at Hakata only, alighting possible at Yufuin, Oita or Beppu.
Ichiroku: boarding at Beppu, Oita or Yufuin, alighting possible at Kurume or Hakata.
Fare info (per person)
| Stations | Seat type | Max occupancy | Min occupancy | Adult fare
(Child fare) |
Car info |
| Hakata/Kurume ⇒Yufuin/Oita/Beppu | Sofa | 3 | 2 | 18,000 yen
(15,000 yen*) |
Car 1 |
| Box | 2 | 1 | Car 3** | ||
| 3 | 3 | Car 3 | |||
| 4 | 3 | Car 1, 3 | |||
| 6 | 5 | Car 1 | |||
| Tatami semi-private room | 6 | 4 | 23,000 yen
(19,000 yen) |
Car 1, 3 |
*Child fare is for children aged 6-12 years of age.
** There is a single-use surcharge for using the double box seat in car 3 of 10,000 yen.
Designer: IFOO
Limited Express Kanpachi (Mon, Wed, Sat) Hakata ⇒Yufuin/Oita/Beppu
12:19 depart from Hakata Station
– event at Tanushimaru Station at 13:22 (about 12 mins)
– event at Era Station at 14:52 (about 16 mins)
15:41 arrive at Yufuin Station
16:39 arrive at Oita Station
16:59 arrive at Beppu Station
Limited Express Ichiroku (Tue, Fri, Sun) Beppu/Oita/Yufuin ⇒Kurume/Hakata
11:09 depart from Beppu Station
11:22 depart from Oita Station
12:27 depart from Yufuin Station
– event at Amagase Station at 13:17 (about 9 mins)
– event at Ukiha Station at 13:58 (about 20 mins)
14:57 arrive at Kurume Station
15:47 arrive at Hakata Station
Also known as “Kyudai main line”.
*Note: it is not possible to alight at an event station (event Stations is where guests can interact with the locals at these stations)
** Note: the JR Kyushu rail pass cannot be used for this train.
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