VOL.215 MAY 2026
[SPRING SPECIAL ISSUE] ENJOYING JAPAN’S SPRING BY LOCAL TRAINS Enjoy a relaxing journey on the Yufuin no Mori Limited Express, embodying Yufuin’s Town-Building Vision

The Yufuin no Mori Limited Express features two types of cars, known as “Yufuin no Mori I” and “Yufuin no Mori III.” Many JR Kyushu trains, including the Yufuin no Mori III in the photo, have a unified design aesthetic created by designer MITOOKA Eiji.
Photo: Kyushu Railway Company

The Yufuin no Mori Limited Express is a tourist train running through northern Kyushu that transforms travel itself into an exhilarating experience. The views of cherry blossoms and canola flowers unfolding outside the windows, the cabin space, the food and the service all gently elevate expectations on a spring trip to Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, a tranquil hot spring area.

The Yufuin no Mori Limited Express, a tourist train that runs between Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures, holds a special place in Japanese railway culture. This train, which began service in 1989, was a pioneer among sightseeing trains in Japan and has captivated both visitors from Japan and abroad for over 35 years.

Route map of the Yufuin no Mori Limited Express
The section from Hakata Station to Beppu Station is served only by Line 3 (outbound—toward Beppu Station) and Line 4 (inbound—toward Hakata Station). Other lines run from Hakata Station to Yufuin Station.

The backdrop to the train’s inception was in the late 1980s. A major challenge for Kyushu Railway Company, which was established immediately after the nationalized railways were dismantled and privatized, was to show people the value of train travel in a new way. ITO Yoshinori, in charge of Tourism and D&S at the company’s Sales Department’s Sales Section, says, “To encourage customers to actively choose train travel, we had to create trains that would make the journey itself enjoyable.”

At the same time, the destination, Yufuin, was also in transition. Yufuin is located right across the mountains from Beppu Onsen, which was already famous nationwide for having the largest number of hot spring sources and the highest spring output in Japan, while Yufuin was not yet widely known at the time. Thus, Yufuin sought to distinguish itself from major hot spring towns like Beppu Onsen, aiming to become a destination where visitors could enjoy a tranquil stay in harmony with nature. It pursued development as a highland resort focused on leisurely healing for mind and body, deliberately avoiding the creation of an entertainment district. ITO explains the train’s origins. “In planning the train, we exchanged ideas with the people of Yufuin many times. The clear concept of the ‘Highland Resort Express’ emerged from the desire to honor Yufuin’s vision — a lush, stay-and-relax hot spring resort city.”

The Yufuin no Mori Limited Express has high decker seats, which are raised a step above the floor, naturally inviting the eyes outward. The metallic, green-based colors of the exterior and interior are consistent with colors that harmonize with the forest. “From the moment you get onboard, an extraordinary journey begins,” says ITO.

The journey from Hakata to Yufuin takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The scenery outside the window changes dramatically during the trip. The train pulls out of the city, runs through the countryside, and eventually enters a valley intersected by mountains and rivers. In the section where the Kusu River meanders, the train follows the natural contours of the terrain, and the scenery of the valley unfolds in succession. Announcements and tourism information are provided for specific highlights along the route. The train slows down as it passes Jion Falls, a two-tiered waterfall that has a 20-meter upper drop and a 10-meter lower drop. Particularly in spring, the river and waterfall sparkle in the gentle sunlight, and one gets the feeling that the scenery itself is part of the “show” making this journey exciting. Moreover, at the journey’s destination, Yufuin, if the timing is right, a picturesque scene awaits: cherry and canola blossoms blooming along Mount Yufu and the Oita River.

Additionally, the onboard experience is another major attraction of this train. At the buffet, one can enjoy drinks and light snacks made with local foods, as well as pre-order-only boxed lunches, all while enjoying the scenery from one’s seat. ITO adds, “Unlike a car journey, a train trip takes you to your destination in comfort, allowing you to relax while slowly enjoying the scenery and meals along the way.” What makes train travel so appealing is the fact that it requires no driving, and gives travelers freedom to use their time as they wish.

These days, the majority of passengers on the Yufuin no Mori Limited Express are travelers from overseas, especially from Asian countries. Travel agencies outside Japan have praised the train, with some saying, “you can’t truly experience Japan’s tourist trains without riding it.” Its long-standing, unchanging train design and service have cultivated a brand value that transcends borders. The train tickets are relatively affordable; although more expensive than an express bus, it is still relatively accessible among special tourist trains. The train is also characterized by its higher usage among younger people compared with other tourist trains. ITO sums it up: “It offers a slightly special space that you can enjoy while being relaxed. This stance has won widespread support.”

The Yufuin no Mori Limited Express is much more than a means of transportation. Riding it becomes a memorable part of the journey, gradually building anticipation for the destination. This bountiful flow of time probably explains the train’s enduring popularity over the years.

By YANAGISAWA Miho
Photo: Kyushu Railway Company; KUSU-TOWN TOURISM ASSOCIATION