Kyushu has a lot of cool tourist trains to hop on to.
Operated by JR Kyushu, they’re called “D&S trains” (short for Design & Story trains); the “D” stands for special “Design,” and the “S” refers to the “Story” of the local area, including its history and legends. In other words, they are “trains with design and a story” to tell.
We hopped on the nostalgic SL Hitoyoshi, and the swanky Kawasemi Yamasemi Express for a return day trip from Kumamoto Station to Hitoyoshi Craft Park.
SL Hitoyoshi
SL Hitoyoshi is a steam locomotive train with a nostalgic feel both inside and out.
The greatest feature of this train was the observation lounge; because it’s at the back of the train, the view as it ran through nature was amazing.
This cute little branded van follows us along beside us 😀
We bought a Kumamon lunch box from the cafe bar inside the train, and before we knew it, we were at Hitoyoshi Station about 2.5 hours later.
The “SL Hitoyoshi,” running powerfully through Kyushu with an overwhelming presence as Japan’s longest-serving steam locomotive, exudes a nostalgic atmosphere with its retro passenger cars pulled by the steam engine “Hachiroku” that has been active since the Taisho era. Its appearance, chugging out steam as it runs through the great nature, makes it feel like you’ve slipped back in time.
Translated from SL Hitoyoshi official website
Inside the train, the warm ambiance of maple and rosewood surrounds passengers, creating a sense of nostalgia. The seat designs vary depending on the car, and the spacious salon of the observation lounge is a distinctive feature. The train is a romantic experience, offering a “running museum” with exhibits like the “SL Museum” and “SL Library,” showcasing a collection of historical locomotives.
What to do at the destination
Kawasemi Yamasemi Express
On the way back from Hitoyoshi, we caught the Kawasemi Yamasemi Express.
I instantly fell in love with the train; the exterior looked like a normal train but the interior was so pretty.
It had bar seating where you could look out the window as you ate and drank, as well as booth seating with extendible tables.
The details including the light shades were memorable.
We bought a bento box (still available on the 4.30pm train) and beer from the cafe bar, and snacked on it while we watched nature go past.
Since we caught the last train back to Kumamoto station, the train was practically empty. I bought the Kawami Yamasemi pin badges to add to my hat 😀
The name “Kawasemi Yamasemi” is derived from two small birds that inhabit the Kuma River basin: “Kawasemi” (Kingfisher) and “Yamasemi” (Mountain Cicada). The exterior of the train is designed to resemble the emerald color of the Kuma River, with the first car, “Kawasemi,” being blue, and the second car, the “Yamasemi car,” being green.
Translated from Kawasemi Yamasemi Express official website
Passengers can experience a luxurious and warm atmosphere while enjoying the natural scents of local Hinoki and Cedar from Hitoyoshi-Kuma and Igusa (rush grass) from Yatsushiro.
Conclusion
I absolutely loved the Kawasemi train, and there are lots more Design & Story Trains that can take me to places I haven’t been before.
If I’m planning to go to Kyushu, I’ll definitely take a look at what cool train I can catch; so the D&S Trains are a 🥈(=worth a detour) on #myrevisitlist.
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