Aru Ressha is like a museum on wheels. It feels like the royal train carriage from 100 years ago.
Aru Ressha Green Car interior – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Aru Ressha, which is operated by JR Kyushu, is like a museum on wheels. It feels like the royal train carriage from 100 years ago. Running between Hakata/Fukuoka and the onsen village of Yufuin, it’s a must for any serious train enthusiast.
The green car has to be seen to be believed and you’ll be served a full course meal as you make your way through the rolling hills of northern Kyushu. Since tickets can be purchased online, it’s very accessible to ordinary travelers.
Aru Ressha Route Map
This map summarises the route taken by the Aru Ressha. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the Aru Ressha official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Aru Ressha on the rails in Kyushu – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
You can find train schedules on the official Aru Ressha website.
Aru Ressha Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Aru Ressha train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
Fares
Fares are available from ¥35,000 per person.
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
