Scenic Trains that Take You to the Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots of Kyushu
Spring is right around the corner, and so is the season of sakura (cherry blossoms)!
You may have already read about famous spots for cherry blossoms, or at least ones that circle major tourist destinations. This time, we are letting you in on some must-tries that are a bit lesser known for your sakura-hunting trip - scenic trains in Kyushu with railway passes like the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS (All Kyushu)! The more trips you take, the more you save!
Take this great opportunity to travel deep into the heart of Kyushu and admire the breathtaking scenery from the comfort of your seat on a luxury train.
1st Route: Kyudai Main Line
Bungo-Nakagawa Station × Sightseeing Train YUFUIN NO MORI (Oita Prefecture)
Photo Credit: wacky_821@Instagram
The Bungo-Nakagawa Station ahead is surrounded by so many cherry blossom trees that when in full bloom, the tracks are covered by pink flowers. Keen photographers gather around at the station to capture the scenic train going through the cherry blossom tunnel.
As a plus, the surrounding neighborhood also has many beautiful plants that bloom in spring such as peach and Nanohana (turnip rapes).
Viewing Period
- Bloom starts from Mid-March
- Peak in late March
Little Tips
- Go for the big windows in the public area for a better view!
*Yufuin no Mori does not stop at Bungo-Nakagawa Station. The driver’s seat window is your best shot for taking pictures or videos of the flowers.
Railway Information
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Name: YUFUIN NO MORI |
Railway Pass Information
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Name: JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS (All Kyushu) 3 Days Adult ¥16,000 / Child ¥8,000 *Prices and conditions may change for certain products from April 1, 2022. Where to Purchase: ・via JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS online booking official website Applicable Trains: Trains stated below within the area, including Shimonoseki: ・Local trains ・Limited Express trains ・Shinkansen (Hakata 〜 Kagoshima-chuo) Website: JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS (official) |
Alternative Route:
Kitayamada Station × Seven Stars in Kyushu (Oita Prefecture)
Scheduled every Saturday, the train tour by Seven Stars in Kyushu takes passengers around five of Kyushu’s Prefectures (including the nature lovers’ hotspot of Aso!) starting from Hakata, Fukuoka. As the train returns to Hakata on the second day, the cherry blossom trees on the way to Kita-Yamada station are sure to catch your attention once you pass Bungo-Mori station.
The quaint little station is a well-known photo spot among railway fans for captivating shots of trains shaded by pretty flowers arching over the track.
One thing about the Seven Stars in Kyushu is that its extreme popularity means tickets sell out fast. So be sure to make your reservation early if you want to hop aboard this dream ride. You can visit their official website to check the availability.
- Bloom starts from Mid-March
- Peak in late March
Little Tips
- The single-tracked platform is surrounded by many cherry blossom trees.
Railway Information
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Name: Seven Stars in Kyushu 2-Day 1-Night Journey Website: CRUISE TRAIN "SEVEN TRAINS IN KYUSHU" (official) |
2nd Route: Hisatsu Orange Railway
Minamata Station 〜 Shin-Minamata Station (Kumamoto Prefecture)
The Hisatsu Orange Railway connecting Yatsushiro in Kumamoto and Satsumasendai in Kagoshima is a popular line for both its beautiful view of East China Sea and the green countryside of Kyushu.
The view is even better in spring with blooming cherry blossoms along the way, especially the ones between Minamata Station and Shin-Minamata Station, and those near the Nodago Station.
Though the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS is not applicable, you can make good use of the discount tickets sold at the station to still enjoy a great train experience of rural Kyushu at a good deal.
- Bloom starts from Mid-March
- Peak in late March to early April
Little Tips
- Other spots like the Youhai Shrine (Toyoashihara Shrine) in between Yatsushiro and Higokoda, the Yunoura river in between Sashiki and Yunoura, and the Nodago station are great spots for cherry blossoms as well. Make a brief stop here and enjoy the beautiful flowers.
Railway Information
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Name: Hisatsu Orange Railway |
Railway Pass Information
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Name: Hisatsu Orange Railway 1-Day Pass ・Yatsushiro Station, Hinagu-Onsen Station, etc. Website: Hisatsu Orange Railway 1-Day Pass (Automated English translation feature available) |
3rd Route: Matsuura Railway Nishi-Kyushu Line
Uranosaki Station (Saga Prefecture)
Uranosaki station is the closest station to Uranosaki Port in Imari, Saga. About 90 cherry blossom trees were planted at the same time as when the station opened in 1930, giving it the title of “the Station of Sakura.”
Over the years, the trees have been taken good care of by the locals and are still in good shape. When it is blooming season, the trees branching out from both sides of the track form an impressive tunnel of cherry blossoms every year.
The station holds the Sakura no Eki Festival in late March to celebrate the flowers, and sees photographers and railway fans alike flocking in for the mesmerizing view.
- Bloom starts from Mid-March
- Peak in late March to early April
Little Tips
- You can enjoy the flowers on the train as it passes through the cherry blossom tunnel. Or you can get off at this station and take pictures or videos from the platform. (The train runs every 1 hour)
Railway Information
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Name: Matsuura Railway Nishi-Kyushu Line |
Railway Pass Information
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Name: Matsuura Railway 1-Day Pass ・Manned stations (Sasebo Station, Matsuura Station, etc.) ・On board the train Website: Matsuura Railway 1-Day Pass (official / Japanese only) |
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