JR KYUSHU TRAINS
Limited Express
KAWASEMI YAMASEMI
Experience the Hitoyoshi/Kuma region like the wild birds that visit the majestic mountains and crystal clear streams.
The Hitoyoshi Basin is surrounded on all four sides by towering mountains. Once upon a time, the people of this area suffered extreme hardship forging routes to allow ships passage through Kuma River. This train is named after the wild birds, the kingfisher and crested kingfisher, that most likely travelled freely over the train tracks, even in a time when the passage of people was challenging.
Cabin interior
- KAWASEMI （Car-1）
- Relax and soak in the natural beauty, the unspoiled landscape of Japan passing by the windows from the tranquil interior finished in natural timber tones.
- YAMASEMI （Car-2）
- “YAMASEMI” offers a service corner (buffet) selling light snacks, etc. and comfortable bench seats that look like sofas.
Enjoyment
- Kuma River
- In the area between Yatsushiro and Hitoyoshi, passengers can enjoy views of Kuma River from the carriage windows. On a fine day, you will be greeted by the surface of the river sparkling in a dazzling emerald green.
- Photo services
- To create a lasting memory of your travels, we have prepared a photo panel. Please ask one of the friendly staff if you wish to take a photo.
- Commemorative ticket
- A commemorative ticket is given to all passengers on board the train. It also serves as a stamp mount to create a lasting memory of your travels.
On-board souvenirs
*Limited Express KAWASEMI YAMASEMI No.1 and 2 do not have food services on the train during weekdays.
- Kuma's Shikisai Lunch Box and Local Specialty Tsubonjiru Soup Set
- Local home cooking restaurant, "Himawari-Tei" makes this special lunch box and the soup under the theme of "Grannies' Bento made with love and local ingredients".
1,600 yen (tax included)
*Sold only on Sat/Sun/Holidays on KAWASEMI YAMASEMI No.2(Limited quantities)
*Menu changes depending on the season.
- Kuma's Sweets Box
- Two-kind Sweets Set made by local well-established shop, "Poem", with seasonal fruit from Kuma in Hitoyoshi. Only available on the trains.
*Sold only on Sat/Sun/Holidays on KAWASEMI YAMASEMI No.2(Limited quantities)
*Menu changes depending on the season.
750 yen (tax included)
With a cup of coffee 1,030 yen (tax included)
- Kuma's Treasure Box Set
- Nibbles Set for Shochu produced by local well-established shop, "Kai" which is particular about Kuma Shochu. Available only on this train.
*Sold only on Sat/Sun/Holidays on KAWASEMI YAMASEMI No.2(Limited quantities)
*Menu changes depending on the season.
900 yen (tax included)
With a glass of Shochu: 1,210 yen (tax included)
Sales dates, contents, etc. are subject to change.
- Kuriri Ice Cream
- Ice cream made by local sweet chestnuts from Yamae. 350 yen (tax included)
- Original Goods
- Clear File 2-piece Set 720 yen (tax included)
Kuma Tea 270 yen (tax included)
Towel Handkerchief 1,100 yen (tax included)
Pin Badge 2-piece Set 940 yen (tax included)
Model Train Keychain 860 yen (tax included)
- Kuma Shochu
- Kuma Shochu has 3 types - vacuum distillation, atmospheric distillation, and barrel-maturation. All types are available on the trains. Please try them all.
*Shochu changes depending on the season. a cup of 400 yen (tax included)
*Limited Express KAWASEMI YAMASEMI No.1 and 2 do not have food services on the train during weekdays.
Sales dates, contents, etc. are subject to change.
*There are some cases that the snack-bar is not open even if the train is operating on. Please be understanding in advance.
Destinations
- Kuma River (among the 3 most rapid flowing rivers in Japan)
- The Kuma River is a first-grade river of 115 km in length and empties into the Yatsushiro Sea. Since ancient times, the Kuma River was used as a means of transportation and moving goods from one place to another and is now a popular white water rafting spot. You may even have a chance encounter with the kingfishers and crested kingfishers that fly around this area from your window.
- Rafting
- The perfect way to enjoy Kuma River. Rafting company, Land Earth, a long-standing and reputable operator, first starting rafting on the Kuma River in 1993.
Access: 1379-1 Watari Otsu, Kuma-mura, Kuma-gun
Approx. 3 mins walk from JR Watari Station - Hours 8:00-18:00 (bookings essential) 365 days/year
Price ½ day tours from 8,000 yen
- Isshochi Station
- Isshochi Station started operation when the Hisatsu Line first opened for service in 1908. The current station building was constructed in 1914 and the original timber structure is still standing. Taking on a name that gives good fortune, the station also sells blessed lucky entrance tickets said to bring victory to the holder.
*Local produce, including Tanada Rice, etc. is sold on the platform mainly on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
(Arrival time of SL Hitoyoshi and “KAWASEMI YAMASEMI” No. 3 & No. 4: irregular)
- Aoi Aso Shrine (National Treasure)
- Originally founded in 806AD, it enshrined the local Shinto deity of the Hitoyoshi/Kuma region. The main shrine and two-storied gate constructed using the Momoyama style of architecture display characteristics that can only be seen in the Hitoyoshi/Kuma region. It was also the first site designated a national treasure of Japan in Kumamoto Prefecture.
- Access
118 Kami Aoi-machi, Hitoyoshi-shi, Approx. 5 mins walk from JR Hitoyoshi Station
Hours 8:30-17:00 365 days/year
- Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins
(designated a national historic site) - The castle is also known as Sengetsu (meaning crescent moon) Castle from the crescent moon shaped stones excavated from its walls. The stone wall also features something known as “Hanedashi” (to repel attackers) as a means to prevent fires.
- Access
Fumoto-machi, Hitoyoshi-shi
Approx. 15 mins walk from JR Hitoyoshi Station, Approx. 3 mins walk from the “Shin-machi” bus stop on the “Juguritto” bus.
- Hitoyoshi Hot Spring (Original Spring)
- Located near the Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins, it is the perfect place to wash away the sweat while walking around the local area. The hot spring is popular for the gentle properties of the spring water.
- Access
9 Fumoto-machi, Hitoyoshi-shi
Approx. 15 mins walk from JR Hitoyoshi Station, Approx. 6 mins walk from the “Shin-machi” bus stop on the “Juguritto” bus.
Hours 6:00-22:00 (closed on New Year ’s Day)
Price 200 yen
- Kuma Shochu (Ikkiya)
- Traditional industry existing for over 500 years making rice shochu in the Hitoyoshi/Kuma region. Kuma Shochu has received certification as the original production area for geographical indication from the WTO, much in the same way as Scotch. Ikkiya, specializing in Kuma Shochu offers shochu from 28 local breweries and also offers tastings (charges apply).
- Access
15 Shin-machi, Hitoyoshi-shi
Hours 9:00-18:00 (tastings until 16:00) No scheduled holidays
Price Tastings: From 150 yen/glass
Timetable
Stops & Timetable
3 round trips a day / Daily operation
As of March 2020
*All seats in Car 2 (YAMASEMI) on the Limited Express “KAWASEMI YAMASEMI” No. 1 & No. 2 are non-reserved seats.
From No. 3 through No. 6 are reserved seats only.
Click here for timetable.(2020.3.14～2021.2.28)
Click here for connection information. *Timetables may remain valid for only a few months.
●All Limited Express "KAWASEMI YAMASEMI" in operation ●Operation only Limited Express "KAWASEMI YAMASEMI" No. 3, 4, 5, 6.
*Operation schedule after October, 2020 is not decided. It will be announced as soon as decided.
Train Configuration
*All seats in Car 2 (YAMASEMI) on the Limited Express “KAWASEMI YAMASEMI” No. 1 & No. 2 are non-reserved seats.
From No. 3 through No. 6 are reserved seats only.