Train Varieties
ASO BOY!
Let' s go see the Aso caldera! The train will take you there as you play with "Kuro"
Let' s go see the Aso caldera! The train will take you there as you play with "Kuro"
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_resort-train-map.png)
The train's mascot "Kuro" will welcome you! You will enjoy spectacular views of Aso from the panoramic seating at both ends of the train. In Car 3 you will find seating for families as well as a cafe and children's playroom.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_resort-train-map.png)
NOTICE
【Additional operations are being conducted with Non-reserved seating.】
While we typically operate with all Reserved seats, we are currently offering additional services with Non-reserved seating, primarily on weekdays. Please refer to the operating schedule for more details.
*Please note that services such as onboard sales will not be available during operations with Non-reserved seating. We appreciate your understanding.
Cabin interior
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_cabin-interior-carousel01.jpg)
Lounge (Car-4)
This is a common area where passengers can relax on a spacious sofa or sit on a bench that faces the window so as to enjoy the view.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_cabin-interior-carousel02.jpg)
Panorama Section (Car-1, Car-4)
Passengers will enjoy a spectacular view of Aso through the wide front windows. The 1 x 2 seat configuration provides for spacious comfortable seating.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_cabin-interior-carousel03.jpg)
White "Kuro" seat
This is a unique seat for an adult and a child sitting together. The child seat is always on the window side.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_cabin-interior-carousel04.jpg)
Kuro Cafe
A variety of snacks and original goods are available for purchase while on the train. A low counter for children is also available.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_cabin-interior-carousel05.jpg)
Japanese-style Room
Children can play on the floor.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_cabin-interior-carousel06.jpg)
Wood-filled Pool
Children can play in a pool filled with wooden balls.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_cabin-interior-carousel07.jpg)
Book Collection
This is a collection of picture books. You can also find the original Kuro picture books.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_cabin-interior-carousel08.jpg)
Coach seats
Seats are covered with a colorful fabric.
Google Street View
Google Street View
Take a look at the Kyushu Shinkansen and D&S Train Interior.
Enjoyment
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_enjoyment-carousel01.jpg)
A cabin attendant and young passengers
A cabin attendant is always by the Wood-filled Pool to watch and play with children.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_enjoyment-carousel02.jpg)
A view from the Panorama Section
In addition to views of Aso, if you are interested in seeing the switchbacks from Seta to Tateno and Akamizu, a panorama seat is perfect.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_enjoyment-carousel03.jpg)
Commemorative Card
All passengers will receive this card. It also has space for a stamp that will help you memorialize your trip.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_enjoyment-carousel04.jpg)
The train is decorated with Kuro illustrations both inside and outside. There is Kuro in 101 different poses on the exterior of the train.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_enjoyment-carousel05.jpg)
The train is decorated with Kuro illustrations both inside and outside. There is Kuro in 101 different poses on the exterior of the train.
Bento box reservation service
In-train bento boxes and some sweets are available by advance reservation only. Please make your reservation well in advance before boarding.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/bento/aso1.png)
![](/lang/assets/img/train/bento/aso2.png)
Destinations
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_destinations-carousel01.jpg)
Nakadake Volcanic Vent
This is one of the must-see sites in Aso. Feel the power of the earth.
Nakadake is a fully active volcanic vent. You can get close to the smoking vent. A tour with an experienced and knowledgeable guide is recommended.
*The volcanic vent area may not be accessible depending on volcanic activity alert level and weather.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_destinations-carousel02.jpg)
Aso Torimiya
“Baroquette” is a croquette made with a salty-sweet horsemeat center.
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_destinations-carousel03.jpg)
Stationmaster Kuro’s Office
Kuro welcomes you at the Aso Station. Feel free to come in the office. Kuro’s panel is available here for photos.
Timetable
Station Stops and Time Table
1 round trip a day
As of January 2024
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_station-list_pc.png)
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_station-list_sp.png)
Kumamoto ⇒ Miyaji / Beppu
Only major stops are listed.
For Miyaji/Beppu | Kumamoto Lv. |
Higo-Ozu Lv. |
Aso Lv. |
Miyaji Lv. |
Bungo-Taketa Lv. |
Oita Lv. |
Beppu Ar. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASO BOY! | 9:11 | 9:44 | 10:32 | 10:39 | 11:17 | 12:26 | 12:37 |
For Miyaji/Beppu | ASO BOY! |
---|---|
Kumamoto Lv. | 9:11 |
Higo-Ozu Lv. | 9:44 |
Aso Lv. | 10:32 |
Miyaji Lv. | 10:39 |
Bungo-Taketa Lv. | 11:17 |
Oita Lv. | 12:26 |
Beppu Ar. | 12:37 |
Beppu / Miyaji ⇒ Kumamoto
Only major stops are listed.
For Kumamoto | Beppu Lv. |
Oita Lv. |
Bungo-Taketa Lv. |
Miyaji Lv. |
Aso Lv. |
Higo-Ozu Lv. |
Kumamoto Ar. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASO BOY! | 15:06 | 15:23 | 16:28 | 17:08 | 17:14 | 17:56 | 18:27 |
For Kumamoto | ASO BOY! |
---|---|
Beppu Lv. | 15:06 |
Oita Lv. | 15:23 |
Bungo-Taketa Lv. | 16:28 |
Miyaji Lv. | 17:08 |
Aso Lv. | 17:14 |
Higo-Ozu Lv. | 17:56 |
Kumamoto Ar. | 18:27 |
*ASO BOY! will be out of service when KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU 81, 84 are in service. Please see the calendar for details.
*KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU 2, 3 and Aso 1, 2 operate daily.
Operation Schedule
- ASO BOY! in operation
-
・Additional service days due to operational reasons
*There is no in-car service by cabin crew. All seats in Car will be used as non-reserved seats.
-
2024 May.
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 -
2024 June.
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 -
2024 July.
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 -
2024 August.
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 -
2024 September.
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
*Timetables may remain valid for only a few months.
Train Configuration
All seats on this train are reserved seating. Smoking is prohibited on this train.
- R Reserved
- Car number
ASO BOY!
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_configuration01_pc.png)
![](/lang/assets/img/train/asoboy/img_configuration01_sp.png)
Purchase a Rail Pass
You can purchase JR Kyushu Rail Passes and reserve seats on popular Kyushu trains.
One-way and
round-trip tickets
Purchase one-way and round-trip tickets, reserved seats, and early discount tickets from the JR-KYUSHU Train Reservation page.
Train Lineup
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