Famous for its tonkotsu ramen, volcanos, greenery, and hot springs, the Japanese island of Kyushu is a destination where warmth and inspiration are at every corner. It is the country’s third-largest island and is home to such places as Fukuoka and Nagasaki. Its most famous attractions are the volcanic terrains of Fukuoka, the world-renowned Beppu Onsen in Oita, the lush Mount Karakuni, the smoking Sakurajima, and Mt. Aso, an active volcano with a caldera that’s among the world’s largest.

Some of these attractions can now be visited via a luxury sleeper train, the Seven Stars. Sleeper trains are back in fashion and Japan knows how to make it memorable. This might be one of the best train rides as it takes passengers to some of the island’s most famous spots, all the while enjoying good food and luxurious accommodation. As they say, traveling is not always about the destination but the journey, and with this excursion train, passengers will have a tour that’s one for the books.

Operated by Kyushu Railway Company, the coaches of the Seven Stars trains look like the destination themselves – with their panoramic windows, sophisticated design, and premier comfort. All that work together to invigorate tourists as they need that energy to explore Kyushu’s stunning attractions. Beautiful inside out, that’s what passengers will expect with Seven Stars.

General Information

The Seven Stars was named as such because it represents the seven prefectures of Kyushu and the island’s seven popular attractions: cuisine, nature, hot springs, train travel, history and culture, friendliness, and power spots.

This sleeper train is proud of its interior design, which combined traditional decorations and modern styling. The lounge car has a bar counter, elegant sofas, rotating chairs, and panoramic windows -- perfect while listening to the pianist and sipping that sake. The dining car also has comfortable chairs plus a standup tea room. With such luxury, sleeper train etiquette comes naturally. Sightseeing has never been this good.

Accommodations

The Seven Stars in Kyushu has 12 standard suites and two deluxe suites. Each passenger compartment of the seven-car train has a shower room and wash basin, all decorated with cypress wood and ceramics. What takes the cake, however, is the end car’s Deluxe Suite A which has a 5-foot panoramic window. Wherever the passengers stay, though, they’ll have majestic views even when lying down. The cruise train is designed to carry not more than 30 passengers, so anyone aboard need not worry about the crowds and just focus on enjoying the views.

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The Itineraries

Tourists who want to experience the magic of Seven Stars in Kyushu have two itinerary options: a two-day or a four-day trip. Whatever they choose, they’ll experience nothing but luxury and stunning scenery.

Two-Day Trip (Southern Kyushu)

The two-day journey starts with a welcome ceremony at Hakata Station in Fukuoka. From there, passengers will pass through scenic greenery until they reach Kumamoto Station. Yatsushiro Station follows, leading tourists to stunning views of the sea until Ushinohama Station. Along the way, passengers can try their hands at local craft production before dinner. More stunning views await guests as the train reaches the southern stations of Sendai and Kagoshima-Chuo.

The next morning starts at Miyakonojo Station, then Miyazaki, where from the East China Sea, passengers will be welcomed by Pacific waters. From Miyazaki Station, the train will navigate its way to the athlete town of Nobeoka, where tourists can be active. Saiki Station follows, and travelers should not miss strolling the city and buying stuff at the market. A lunch at Oita Station follows before reaching Yufuin. From there, it's back to Hakata but not before the farewell event prepared by the crew of Seven Stars.

  • The standard suite costs ¥650,000 for two people or ¥900,000 for a solo traveler.
  • The Deluxe Suite B costs ¥800,000 for two people or ¥1,400,000 for a solo traveler.
  • The Deluxe Suite A costs ¥900,000 for two people or ¥1,500,000 for a solo traveler.

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Four-Day Trip (Unzen)

The four-day journey also starts with a welcome ceremony at Hakata and will let guests enjoy the rural scenery as the train passes along Hita and Yufuin. Once in Yufuin, passengers should not miss the chance to stroll around before dinner. Oita Station follows, then it’s a good night's sleep.

The next day starts at Bungo-Taketa Station, followed by Aso, where tourists can visit the Taisho-ji Temple. The second day is also a chance for passengers to experience creating miniature landscapes, visiting Ryotei Hanzuiryo, and stargazing.

The third day will let guests enjoy cuisine from the Shimabara Peninsula, highlighted by native vegetables. While traversing the Shimabara Railway, passengers will enjoy checking out the views of Mt. Unzen and the Ariake Sea. Shirakumo Lake should not be missed, too, because it offers peace to the already calming journey. Those who want to have a dip in hot springs can do so, too.

The fourth day will take passengers to the Kunisaki Peninsula, where they will see its rich agriculture. As the train continues its journey west, tourists will enjoy catching a glimpse of Mt. Yufu. Before reaching Hakata, there will be a farewell event, the best time to reminisce about the satisfying trip.

  • The standard suite costs ¥1,150,000 for two people or ¥1,700,000 for a solo traveler.
  • The Deluxe Suite B costs ¥1,500,000 for two people or ¥2,200,000 for a solo traveler.
  • The Deluxe Suite A costs ¥1,600,000 for two people or ¥2,400,000 for a solo traveler.

Kyushu is one scenic island, and thanks to the Seven Stars, enjoying its attractions is made even more memorable.

(Current ¥-US$ exchange rate: ¥1: US$0.0075)