Kyushu
Journey
This is two days journey around Kyushu and you can experience richness of spending time on the Seven Stars. This journey brings you relaxing moments in the changing scenery through the train windows. The sunset over the East China Sea from the Hisatsu Orange Railway will be a memorable. Communicating with local people in small coastal towns, the west and east of Kyushu, will surely warm your heart.
*Please be aware that the itinerary is subject to change.
Highlights
Day 1 A luxurious train where you can get a feeling of Kyushu
Upon departing from Hakata station, the Seven Stars heads for Kagoshima, the southern Kyushu area.
A relaxing time will be spent viewing the scenery of the glittering azure-colored sea from the train windows and there are other things to enjoy prepared on the train.
Also enjoy a day filled with the history of Kyushu and the Seven Stars through various stories by masters of the Seven Stars, who decorated the interior of the Seven Stars.
Igusa craft experience
"Igusa" (rush grasses) is one of the specialties of the Yatsushiro area in Kumamoto Prefecture, which accounts for about 90% of the nation's total production. You can try your hand at making your own igusa craft and also take the opportunity to learn directly from professional artisans.
(On-board workshop)
Wakimoto Beach
Wakimoto Beach is located in Akune City, Kagoshima, facing the East China Sea. It is a beach with shallow white sand stretching about 2.6 km and beautiful sunsets and also known as a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and stories about sea turtles and environmental preservation by a local guide.
(Optional excursion)
Day 2 Thinking about railway travel
The last part of the Cruise Train journey is along the Kyudai Main Line, with a view of Mt. Yufu.
You will build up your thoughts on the travel as scenes flow past the train windows on your way to Hakata Station, the final destination.
Nobeoka Station
Nobeoka Station became a new station building in 2017, and the complex facility “Encross” was opened in front of the station in 2018, with a space for civic activities, a reading space (TSUTAYA Library), and cafe functions. Nobeoka city has developed as an industrial city since Nobeoka is the home of Asahi Kasei Corporation, a multinational Japanese chemical company. There is also the base of the Asahi Kasei Athletics Club, which was established in 1946. Nobeoka is known for an athelete’s town that has produced many Olympic athletes.
Walk around Saiki
Saiki City, located in Oita, is blessed with history, literature and the nature of the Bungo Channel. You can enjoy walking there while feeling the season.
A marché will be opened on the platform for the Seven Stars passengers. Enjoy relaxing time and feel the warm hospitality of the local people.
(Optional excursion) *September 2025〜February 2026
Walk around Usuki
Usuki city, a former castle town located on the east coast of Oita Prefecture, is home to National Treasures such as stone statues of Buddha and a food culture that is worth preserving for future generations. During the walking tour, you will visit the former residence of the Inaba family, the lords of Usuki Domain. Enjoy the historical atmosphere and relaxed time.
(Optional excursion) *Only in September 2025.
Itinerary
Timetable / route
Operating Schedule
Cuisine
Delight in the seasonal treasures cultivated on the island of Kyushu that fill your meals over 2 days and 1 night
Accomplished chefs who represent Kyushu skillfully prepare each treasure
that has been nurtured in Kyushu's seas, mountains, and rivers.
Day 1
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Yamanaka
Yamanaka, established in 1972, has been frequented by food connoisseurs from all over Japan as a famous “Hakatamae (Hakata-style)” sushi restaurant. On the Seven Stars, you can enjoy a luxurious time with seafood and inshore fishes from the Genkai Sea and just made sushi by polished chefs. (Lunch)
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BELLE FRANCE
This is a blissful French cuisine prepared by two chefs who are a married couple from Kagoshima. Based on the solid skills they have gained through experience at restaurants both in Japan and overseas, they express the appeal of ingredients from Kagoshima and Kyushu in their dishes. (Dinner)
Day 2
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Seven Stars Head Chef
The head chef of "Seven Stars in Kyushu" uses ingredients that have been grown in the bountiful nature of Kyushu and locally processed foods that are filled with the wishes of the producers.
Enjoy the delicious breakfast by the head chef, who has worked for many years on the Seven Stars. (Breakfast)
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Wakaeya
A long-standing restaurant, established 300 years ago and located in Kitsuki City, Oita, is famous for “Ureshino”- sea bream chazuke (sea bream on rice covered in tea) made with tea and sea bream marinated in a sesame sauce crafted according to a secret family recipe. The dish derived its name from a phrase from a former lord of Kitsuki. It is said that he murmured “ureshii noo” (“I am happy”) upon eating sea bream chazuke. The flavor of this tasty dish has been passed down unchanged for generations. (Lunch)
