Yufuin no Mori Train: Prices, How to Book, Route Info and More

Yufuin no Mori: Explore Northern Kyushu in Style

1. The Sightseeing Train Yufuin no Mori: Introduction
2. Yufuin no Mori vs. the Limited Express Yufu
3. Route and Stations of Yufuin no Mori
4. Yufuin no Mori Timetable for 2024
5. Unique Features of Yufuin no Mori
6. How to Reserve Tickets for Yufuin no Mori
7. Tips for Reserving a Seat on the Yufuin no Mori

The Sightseeing Train Yufuin no Mori: Introduction

The Yufuin no Mori train. Photo by Pixta
Yufuin Onsen in Kyushu is a renowned hot spring destination and resort with natural beauty, traditional Japanese architecture, and gardens attracting many visitors yearly. Its popularity, especially among international tourists, is evident with many choosing the luxury express train Yufuin no Mori for travel.

Designed by the famous Eiji Mitooka, this train stands out with its distinctive green exterior and interior, making it a top Kyushu tourist attraction. Due to its global appeal, all seats are reserved, significantly amplifying the difficulty in booking.

Yufuin no Mori Ticket Prices

Without a JR PASS, the fare, along with the limited express reserved seat fee, is as follows:

From Hakata Station to Yufuin Station: 5,690 yen
From Hakata Station to Hita Station: 3,910 yen

Yufuin no Mori vs. the Limited Express Yufu

The Limited Express Yufu. Photo by Pixta
The Limited Express Yufu essentially follows the same route as Yufuin no Mori, with the endpoint set at Beppu or Oita and more stops along the way.

However, in the event that Yufuin no Mori is not operating, the timetable will feature the Limited Express Yufu model, with the same stops. Generally, there are two round trips daily between Hakata Station and Beppu, and one round trip between Hakata and Oita.

Typically, the Limited Express Yufu serves as an intercity limited express train with more stops, but on days when Yufuin no Mori is not running or seats are unavailable, passengers can board the Limited Express Yufu to reach Yufuin Station.

The main stops for the Limited Express Yufu are as follows:
Hakata Station - Futsukaichi Station - Tosu Station - Kurume Station (Kurume University Station) - (Tanushimaru Station) - Chikugo-Yoshii Station - (Ukiha Station) - Hita Station - Amagase Station - Bungo-Mori Station - Bungo-Nakamura Station - Yufuin Station - Yunohira Station - Mukainoharu Station - Oita Station - Beppu Station

*Stations in parentheses are only served by some trains, others are non-stop pass-bys.

Route and Stations of Yufuin no Mori

The main route for Yufuin no Mori comprises the Kagoshima Main Line and the Kyudai Main Line, stopping at the following stations:
Hakata Station - Tosu Station - Kurume Station - Hita Station - Amagase Station - Bungo-Mori Station - Yufuin Station - Oita Station - Beppu Station

Yufuin no Mori Timetable in 2024

Please find Yufuin no Mori's operation schedule for 2024 below. While the timings remain consistent, operating days vary each season, requiring prior confirmation when planning departures and reservations.

Interior Features of Yufuin no Mori

Regular seats in third class cars. Photo by Pixta

Yufuin no Mori, whether first class or third class, maintains an elegant atmosphere reminiscent of European long-distance trains. The first class has a wooden interior, exuding a nostalgic charm, while the third class offers a more modern aesthetic.

The design includes raised floors to allow passengers a higher vantage point for enjoying the scenery.

Picture courtesy of JR Kyushu
Each Yufuin no Mori train features a car with a bar where beverages, light snacks, and original Yufuin no Mori merchandise are sold. Even if you don't make a purchase, visiting this section is a must when on board to experience the unique offerings and atmosphere.

Photo by Pixta
The leisure car is also a must-visit, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery outside through large panoramic windows.

Photo by Pixta
If possible, riding at the front of the train is a must when traveling on Yufuin no Mori! The windows at the front not only offer a view of the skilled driver at work but also provide an unobstructed panoramic view of the scenery ahead.

Whether you are a railway enthusiast or not, experiencing this train from the front allows you to appreciate its charm to the fullest.

How to Reserve Tickets for Yufuin no Mori

Due to its popularity, it is highly recommended to make advance reservations for Yufuin no Mori. Reservations can be made either in person at the station or online.

Reservation bookings open one month before departure, so be sure to pay attention to the sales opening time!

In-Person Reservation

At Hakata and Kokura Stations, where both JR West Japan and JR Kyushu have ticket counters, visit the JR Kyushu ticket counter for in-person reservations. Be cautious not to confuse the counters.

Online Reservation with JR Kyushu Rail Pass

1. After purchasing the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, the system will dispatch your order and redemption code; ensure you retain this information.

2. When booking online, you must first register as a JR Kyushu member and then use the redemption code on the JR Kyushu online booking site to reserve your seat.

3. Present the ticket proof and redemption form at the JR Kyushu counter to exchange for your physical pass and tickets.

Tips for Reserving a Seat on the Yufuin no Mori

If your primary goal is to ride this particular train, it is recommended to reserve the section Yufuin - Beppu. As most passengers heading to Yufuin no Mori's final destination, Yufuin, are bound for Yufuin Onsen, they typically embark and disembark at Yufuin Station.

However, by examining the timetable, travelers will notice that there is a daily round trip train between Yufuin and Beppu. Most passengers heading to Beppu opt for the limited express Sonic for their journey between Beppu and Hakata, avoiding the longer route via Yufuin on Yufuin no Mori.

Therefore, reserving the segment from Yufuin to Beppu increases your chances of boarding Yufuin no Mori.

Boarding Guidelines

Catch the limited express Sonic scheduled to arrive at Beppu Station before 14:43, followed by transferring to Yufuin no Mori bound for Hakata.

Conversely, boarding a limited express train arriving at Yufuin Station before 12:30 allows you to catch Yufuin no Mori heading to Beppu.

Enjoy Your Ride on Yufuin no Mori

Yufuin no Mori, a highly popular train, is beloved by many travelers. Consider riding this scenic train on your next visit to Yufuin. JR Kyushu continuously introduces new and exciting sightseeing trains, enriching the experience of train travel in Kyushu.

Main image by Pixta