Yufuin no Mori ゆふいんの森
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Travel in North Kyushu: From Fukuoka to Yufuin and Beppu
JR Kyushu has been running the special “Yufuin no Mori” train for years, linking Fukuoka to Yufuin, a renowned mountain spa area, in a calm and soothing atmosphere, providing you a taste of the final destination before even arriving.
Traverse Kyushu, from the plains to the mountains
Traveling aboard the Yufuin no Mori is the best way to discover north-central Kyushu, amidst beautiful green landscapes, rice-field plains, valleys with flowing rivers, and mountain ranges that cut the horizon from deep green to bright blue. This special train takes passengers from Hakata Station, in the center of the large city of Fukuoka, to Yufuin, a famous onsen town in the Oita region, with its soothing hot springs and renowned therapeutic properties. Yufuin no Mori, with its delicately relaxing and comfortable ambiance, gives you a taste of the charming town.
Preparing for a memorable journey
The Yufuin no Mori train (JR series 71 or 72) makes two round trips a day to Yufuin (2h10) and one round-trip a day to the geothermal city of Beppu (3h10). It stops at Futsatachi, Tosu, Kurume, Hita, Amagase, Bungomori, Yufuin, and Oita on the way to Beppu.
Beppu is the world's most geothermal city, built on a volcano, with hot springs springing up everywhere and even used for cooking (steaming, of course!). Between the onsens, including some very special ones, and the thermal baths, this town is a must-see in the region.
The train is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, the JR Kyushu All Area Pass ,and the North Kyushu Pass. Please note that reservations are required for access to this train, so make them at the station well in advance of the train's departure to be sure of getting your seat, which is not easy as it's very popular with travelers. It is also possible to reserve a special bento before boarding the train.
At Hakata, Beppu, and Yufuin stations, train-specific hostesses will greet riders as they board!
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Making the most of your trip
The Yufuin no Mori train is designed to prepare you for your stay in one of the many ryokan in the region.
Very comfortable seats, with an elevated view to take full advantage of the landscapes you'll be passing through, or even right behind the driver if you manage to get the first seats, or in the Lounge area, freely accessible with its wooden benches facing the windows for an even more incredible travel experience.
You also have the option of reserving a 4-seater facing each other with a central table for even more fun with friends. An ambience between green and forest wood (mori in Japanese) for the floor, veneers and armrests. As soon as you step on board, the city fades away under the spell of this atmosphere of quiet luxury.
In the middle of the train, the bar car with its alluring counter and charming hostesses offers a range of products, including the train's own bento with regional specialities, and hot and cold drinks. In the warmer months, be sure to try the milk-matcha ice cream, as green as the train itself.
You can treat yourself to Yufuin no Mori 'goodies' (key-rings, badges, postcards, pens, caps, collectors' models) to make nice little gifts or bring them back to fans of special trains.
