Journey
Discover Kuju and the Legacy of Bungo-Oka
Experience a two-day journey through Kyushu aboard one of the region’s most beloved scenic railways—the Kyudai Main Line and the Hohi Main Line. In the serene Tadewara Marshlands, nestled within the Kuju Mountain Range, you can enjoy a refreshing coolness even in summer. The area is home to rare wildflowers that change with the seasons, offering a glimpse into nature’s quiet elegance. In Taketa, Oita Prefecture, you’ll explore the legacy of Okajo Castle —once considered impregnable— and uncover the refined lifestyle of the Oka Domain.
These stories are thoughtfully woven into a culinary experience that reflects the wisdom and traditions of the region. As the train glides through the countryside, magnificent views unfold outside your window. Heartwarming moments of connection with locals waving from the tracksides add a gentle touch of hospitality to your journey.
*Please be aware that the itinerary is subject to change.
Highlights
Day 1 Kuju’s silence and Yufuin’s touch, nature becomes art.
Departing from Hakata, the train travels along the scenic Kyudai Line toward Yufuin, passing mountains, valleys, and the lush Tadewara Marsh in Aso-Kuju National Park.
Enjoy a moment of stillness in nature, then take part in an onboard workshop using cotton and bamboo—materials rooted in Yufuin’s heritage—guided by local artisans.
The Tadewara Marsh
Explore the Tadewara Marsh, a pristine wetland nestled in Kokonoe, Oita—part of the Aso-Kuju National Park and a registered Ramsar site. Located at an elevation of 1,000 meters, this highland marsh offers a peaceful walk along wooden boardwalks, surrounded by seasonal wildflowers and fresh mountain air. Designed in harmony with the environment, the trail invites you to experience the quiet richness of nature and the delicate balance between people and the land.
(Excursion)
Traditional Craft Experiences from Oita Prefecture
Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Yufu City has long been a cradle of traditional crafts. Onboard, we offer seasonal craft-making experiences that reflect the region’s rich heritage.
One such experience is Yufu Cotton Crafting. Historically, cloth made from paper mulberry grown in the Yufuin Basin was called Yufu cotton, a name so deeply rooted in the area’s identity that it inspired the city’s name itself. Led by Mr. Okada, a passionate artisan dedicated to reviving this legacy, you can enjoy crafting elegant cotton coasters using locally grown cotton.
Another experience is Bamboo Crafting, a tradition deeply embedded in daily life across Oita Prefecture, known for its high-quality madake bamboo. Local bamboo artisans will guide you through creating simple yet heartwarming pieces that reflect the warmth and authenticity of rural Japanese craftsmanship.
(Onboard workshop)
Day 2 A Quiet Journey into History and Warmth
From Oita Station, travel along the Hohi Main Line to Bungo-Taketa, a town rich in historical and cultural heritage.
Here, you can explore the iconic Okajo Castle Ruins—one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles—with a local guide, or take part in a hands-on workshop making Goto Miso, a traditional fermented food deeply rooted in the history of the Oka domain, lasted for nearly 280 years, from 1594 to 1871.
This is a journey to reconnect with nature, engage with the warmth of local people, and discover the culture shaped by the land. Through all five senses, take time to reflect on what “true richness” means to you- then return to Hakata through scenic countryside.
Okajo Castle Ruins
Designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, the ruins of Okajo Castle in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, are steeped in history and poetic legacy. It is said to have inspired the famous Japanese composition “Kojo no Tsuki” (Moon Over the Ruined Castle) by Rentaro Taki.
Once the stronghold of the Nakagawa clan, feudal lords who governed the Bungo-Oka Domain during Japan’s Edo period, the castle was built atop a dramatic cliff at 325 meters above sea level.
From the ancient stone walls, you can take in sweeping views of the Kuju and Aso landscapes—scenery once admired by feudal lords.
(Excursion)
Traditional Goto Miso Workshop
Goto Miso is a traditional fermented soybean paste deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Bungo-oka Domain. It is mentioned in Myogakun, a philosophical guide passed down through the Nakagawa clan, which emphasized spiritual richness and moral teachings.
After disappearing for generations, this unique miso has been revived through the efforts of the local community. Made with care and time, and enriched with Oka Soybeans—a variety native to the region—Goto Miso offers a deep, unforgettable flavor.
During this excursion, you will learn about the legacy of Myogakun and experience the traditional process of miso-making, connecting with the wisdom and taste of a bygone era.
(Excursion)
Itinerary
Timetable / route
Operating Schedule
Cuisine
A Luxurious Culinary Journey Through Kyushu’s Seasonal Treasures
Renowned chefs from across Kyushu craft each dish with care, using treasures from the region’s seas, mountains, and rivers. In this refined setting, you are invited to discover new culinary experiences that celebrate the richness of Kyushu’s natural bounty.
Day 1
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Ishidobashi Shiratsugu
Ishidobashi historic Gokushomachi district of Hakata, Ishidobashi Shiratsugu is a sophisticated kaiseki restaurant that celebrates the Ishidobashi seasonal Japanese cuisine. Each dish is meticulously crafted to highlight the natural flavors of local Hakata ingredients, with presentation that delights both the palate and the eye.
The artistry of the plating reflects the changing seasons, transforming each meal into a moment of quiet elegance.
Enjoy a lunch that invites you into a deeper appreciation of time, taste, and tradition. (Lunch)
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Saint-Émilion
Hidden away in Kokura, Kitakyushu, Saint-Émilion is a refined French restaurant awarded one Michelin star. Chef presents each dish with heartfelt precision, using carefully selected vegetables, seafood from the nearby Kyushu coast, and even local water—sourced with deep respect for the region’s producers.
Every plate is a thoughtful expression of harmony between French culinary artistry and Kyushu’s natural bounty.
Enjoy an evening of elegant flavors and lasting impressions. (Dinner)
Day 2
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Goto Miso
Begin your day with a bowl of Goto Miso soup, a revived local delicacy from Taketa in Oita Prefecture, once mentioned in the moral teachings of the Meikakun, a historical text from the Okajo domain. Rich in flavor from sake lees, rice malt, and rice bran, this miso reflects the depth of regional heritage.
Served alongside seasonal side dishes made with local ingredients, this breakfast is a heartfelt expression of community and craftsmanship.
A quiet, nourishing start to the day—rooted in tradition and the blessings of nature. (Breakfast)
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Executive Chef of Seven Stars in Kyushu
Kyushu is a treasure trove of exceptional ingredients, nurtured by its rich natural environment. With a heartfelt desire to serve as a bridge between guests and the passionate producers who cultivate these treasures, the Seven Stars Executive Chef personally travels across the region to carefully select everything—from seasonal ingredients to artisanal seasonings.
During the one-night, two-day journey, you are invited to a special lunch at Restaurant Kasei, located on the platform of Aso Station. While the Seven Stars train rests beside you and the majestic Aso landscape unfolds beyond, enjoy a menu that brings together the flavors of all seven prefectures of Kyushu—each dish infused with the spirit of its land and the dedication of its people. (Lunch)
*All photos are for illustrative purposes only.
