Japan’s latest shinkansen (bullet train) starts 23rd September linking Nagasaki…and a new tourist train “Futatsuboshi (Two Stars)”…
The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen opens 23rd September 2022, linking Nagasaki and Takeo Onsen, cutting 30 minutes of the current journey time from Hakata (Fukuoka).
Unfortunately, you still will not be able to get a shinkansen all the way between Fukuoka and Nagasaki, instead a special “relay” limited express train will run between Hakata and Takeo Onsen.
The new shinkansen will be called “Kamome” (Sea Gull) and journey time from Fukuoka (Hakata) to Nagasaki will be aprox 1 1/2hrs compared to just over 2 hours previously by limited express.
For more information click here (redirect to JR Kyushu site)
and a new tourist train “Futatsuboshi 4047” 「ふたつ星4047」to explore Saga and Nagasaki Prefectures…
Although the shinkansen is good to get you to your destination speedily, it is not always the best way to explore the the country… so JR Kyushu have introduced a new tourist train.
The new train (it is actually a completely refurbished old train) is called Futatsuboshi 4047. ” Futatsuboshi” means two stars.
This tourist train travels between Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki making a circle that includes the coastal routes along the Ariake Sea on the Takeo Onsen->Nagasaki morning leg and Omura Bay on the Nagasaki->Takeo Onsen afternoon leg.
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As well as admiring the scenery, passengers can also purchase local food snacks and drink, including an exclusive Futatsuboshi obento (lunch box). This train is also a great way to get to the Huis ten Bosch, Dutch Theme park in Sasebo.
experience Japan’s culture as well as seeing places off the beaten track…
Japan has around 70 tourist trains and they are a great way to explore Japan and experience its culture.
For more information (sorry in Japanese) click here (redirect to JR Kyushu site)
For Rail Fans
Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen
The new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen is a 66km route between Takeo Onsen to Nagasaki. The plan was and still is to connect it to the Kyushu Shinkansen at Shin Tosu. Unfortunately there is disagreement between JR Kyushu, the central government and Saga Prefectural government on how this should be done.
New trains based on JR Tokai’s new N700S trains will be used on the new line, the external livery and inside the train will be different however. The trains will be 6 car long.
A relay limited express service will operate between Hakata and Takeo Onsen. These trains will use JR Kyushu 885 and 787 series trains. The 787 series units have been increased to 8 cars. Some Relay Kamome trains will, as now split with one section going to Sasebo / Huis Ten Bosch.
Futatsuboshi 4047
The Futatsuboshi 4047 train is converted from KiHa40 & KiHa47 DEMU stock, hence the “4047” in the name. The train though has been completely rebuilt internally and to some extent externally.
From a rail enthusiast and tourism point of view the introduction of this new train by JR Kyushu is good news and a good indicator that the company still sees potential operating trains in this area.
What will happen to conventional services?
Part of the Nagasaki Main Line between Kohoku and Nagasaki will be taken over by a third sector company (Saga-Nagasaki Railway), who will own the infrastructure (track, stations, etc.) as a type 3 operator. Trains, however, will continue to be operated by JR Kyushu as a type 2 operator. Additionally between Hizen-Hama and Nagasaki the line will be de-electrified with only diesel services operating. The tourist train 36 Plus 3 will no longer run to Nagasaki from 23rd September 2022.
for rail enthusiasts: See our dedicated Rail Fan site
Travel Information
JR Rail Passes (All Japan, Kyushu and Northern Kyushu passes will be valid on the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen and the Futstsuboshi 4047 train.
Nagasaki is one of the areas that was open to foreigners during Japan’s closed period, which like other such areas has shaped its history. It has also been a centre for ship building and also under sea coal mining, although the latter has long finished.
It also was the second city to suffer the horrors of an atomic bomb.
For more information on Kyushu see how to Explore Japan by Rail – Kyushu Page Click here
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