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Yufuin no Mori Resort Express Review | Hakata to Beppu, Japan

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
In‑depth commentary on the resort limited‑express train Yufuin no Mori of JR Kyushu, which connects Hakata Station (Hakata) to Yufuin and Beppu: timetable, how to reserve a seat, fares, onboard sales and services, and current operating status.

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori: Train Ride Report

Hakata → Beppu

TrainLimited Express Yufuin no Mori Gen I No.3
RouteFukuoka (Hakata Station) → Oita (Beppu Station)
Time10:11 → 13:31 (Approx. 3h 21m)
SeatCar 3, Seat 8A
Fare7,740 JPY
Exterior of Hakata Station
Exterior of Hakata Station
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stationのアイコン
Hakata Station

Hakata Station, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
We will depart for Beppu on the 10:00 Limited Express “Yufuin no Mori”.

Exterior of Ganso Hakata Mentaiju on the 1st floor of Hakata Station
Exterior of Ganso Hakata Mentaiju on the 1st floor of Hakata Station
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foodのアイコン
Going downstairs to buy a bento

On the 1st floor of Ippin East Street at Hakata Station is a shop called “Ganso Hakata Mentaiju.”
I chose the “Mentaiju” bento (1,944 JPY).
With the bento in hand, I headed to platform 6.

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori No.3 arriving at Hakata Station
Limited Express Yufuin no Mori No.3 arriving at Hakata Station
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trainのアイコン
Limited Express Yufuin no Mori arriving

About 5 minutes before departure, Yufuin no Mori No.3 arrived at Hakata Station.
The theme of this train is “Yufuin from the moment you board.”
Its metallic green exterior evokes the forests of Yufuin.

Interior of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori No.3
Interior of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori No.3
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chairのアイコン
Reserved seat

The train is floor is made of wood, and the overhead luggage racks are gold-colored.
The elegant European-style interior creates a refined atmosphere.

View from the seat of Yufuin no Mori during departure
View from the seat of Yufuin no Mori during departure
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stationのアイコン
Departing Hakata Station

Departed Hakata Station on time.
Shortly after, the onboard announcements started.

Train attendant of Yufuin no Mori
Train attendant of Yufuin no Mori
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womenのアイコン
Crew member appeared in front of me

About 10 minutes after departure, a crew member came into the car.
The announcements were made verbally rather than through the PA system.
Although the sound of the train made it difficult to hear the details, their careful explanation with documents conveyed the atmosphere well.

Yufuin no Mori attendant holding a placard
Yufuin no Mori attendant holding a placard
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womenのアイコン

While running, a few minutes before approaching scenic spots, the crew would hold up a placard to guide passengers.

View of Kirikabu Mountain from the train window
View of Kirikabu Mountain from the train window
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stationのアイコン
Kirikabu Mountain

Around 11:56, about 4 minutes before arriving at Bungo-Mori Station.
From the right side window, I could see “Kirikabu Mountain,” shaped like a tree stump.

Empty seats after Yufuin Station
Empty seats after Yufuin Station
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trainのアイコン
After passing Yufuin

At 12:00, we arrived at Yufuin Station.
The car, which was almost full, became quiet as about 90% of passengers got off here.
However, many passengers boarded from Yufuin, restoring the lively atmosphere.

Bento Hakata Mentaiju bought at Hakata Station
Bento Hakata Mentaiju bought at Hakata Station
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foodのアイコン
Bento time

After departing Yufuin, I went to the free space in Car 3 for lunch.
At first, passengers were busy taking commemorative photos, but after the crowd settled, I enjoyed my meal leisurely.

Yufuin Cider bought at the onboard shop
Yufuin Cider bought at the onboard shop
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drinkのアイコン
Yufuin Cider

After lunch, I bought “Yufuin Cider” (300 JPY) from the buffet in Car 2.
It came with a bottle and a clear cup.
I enjoyed it while gazing at Beppu Bay in the lounge space of Car 2.

Beppu Station signboard
Beppu Station signboard
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stationのアイコン
Arrival at Beppu Station

At 13:31, we arrived at the terminal, Beppu Station.
The station signboard included a hot spring symbol.
The approximately 3-hour train journey finally came to an end.

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori stopped at Beppu Station
Limited Express Yufuin no Mori stopped at Beppu Station
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trainのアイコン
Attention from overseas

The Yufuin no Mori, a D&S train in Kyushu, is also very popular overseas.
Inside the car, almost no Japanese was heard.
Reservations are difficult due to high demand, so when will I be able to ride it next?
Thank you for reading until the end!

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori: Train Overview

Yufuin no Mori Gen I stopped at Beppu Station
  • Train Name: Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
  • Service Start: Gen I: March 11, 1989 / Gen III: March 13, 1999
  • Number of Cars: Gen I: 4 cars / Gen III: 5 cars
  • Train Model: Gen I: KiHa 71 series / Gen III: KiHa 72 series
  • Maximum Speed: Gen I: 95 km/h / Gen III: 120 km/h
  • Capacity: Gen I: 193 passengers / Gen III: 266 passengers

The sightseeing train “Yufuin no Mori” debuted in spring 1989 as a special tourist express operated by JR Kyushu.

“Yufuin no Mori” has two types: the Gen I (KiHa 71 series, introduced 1989) and Gen III (KiHa 72 series, introduced 1999).
The Gen I has a metallic green European-style design.
The Gen III is more stylish and sophisticated.

With the theme “Yufuin from the moment you board,” the train’s exterior is deep green inspired by Yufuin’s lush forests, and its interior uses plenty of wood to create a warm atmosphere.

The design was created by JR Kyushu’s design team as the first “D&S Train” (Design & Story Train), pioneering the culture of sightseeing trains in Kyushu.

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori: Car Map

Rear view of seats inside Yufuin no Mori

▼Official Yufuin no Mori Website: Train Introduction Page

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori: Interior Guide

Train Deck

Train deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Train deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Entrance and exit doors of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Entrance and exit doors of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Voltmeter on the deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Voltmeter on the deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Trash bin on the deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Trash bin on the deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Train deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
photo by Mitemil
Train deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Entrance and exit doors of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Voltmeter on the deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Trash bin on the deck of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori

Buffet (Car 2)

Buffet in Car 2 of Yufuin no Mori
Buffet in Car 2 of Yufuin no Mori
Buffet window of Yufuin no Mori
Buffet window of Yufuin no Mori
Buffet lighting of Yufuin no Mori
Buffet lighting of Yufuin no Mori
Posters displayed in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Posters displayed in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Miniatures in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Miniatures in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Washbasin in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Washbasin in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Stamp corner of Yufuin no Mori
Stamp corner of Yufuin no Mori
Stamps of Yufuin no Mori
Stamps of Yufuin no Mori
Handkerchiefs sold in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Handkerchiefs sold in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Plarail sold in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Plarail sold in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Buffet in Car 2 of Yufuin no Mori
photo by Mitemil
Buffet in Car 2 of Yufuin no Mori
Buffet window of Yufuin no Mori
Buffet lighting of Yufuin no Mori
Posters displayed in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Miniatures in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Washbasin in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Stamp corner of Yufuin no Mori
Stamps of Yufuin no Mori
Handkerchiefs sold in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori
Plarail sold in the buffet of Yufuin no Mori

Salon / Free Space (Car 3)

Free space of Yufuin no Mori
Free space of Yufuin no Mori
View of Beppu Bay from the free space of Yufuin no Mori
View of Beppu Bay from the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Logo in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Logo in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Cosplay costumes in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Cosplay costumes in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Posters in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Posters in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Photo board for commemorative photos in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Photo board for commemorative photos in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Tourist guide files made by crew in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Tourist guide files made by crew in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Free space of Yufuin no Mori
photo by Mitemil
Free space of Yufuin no Mori
View of Beppu Bay from the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Logo in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Cosplay costumes in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Posters in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Photo board for commemorative photos in the free space of Yufuin no Mori
Tourist guide files made by crew in the free space of Yufuin no Mori

Large Storage Area (Cars 1 & 4) / Luggage Rack

Large storage area of Yufuin no Mori
Large storage area of Yufuin no Mori
Luggage rack of Yufuin no Mori
Luggage rack of Yufuin no Mori
Large storage area of Yufuin no Mori
photo by Mitemil
Large storage area of Yufuin no Mori
Luggage rack of Yufuin no Mori

Unisex / Women’s Restroom (Cars 1 & 4)

Door of womens restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Door of womens restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Door of unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Door of unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Inside of unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Inside of unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Mirror in unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Mirror in unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Door of womens restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
photo by Mitemil
Door of womens restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Door of unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Inside of unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Mirror in unisex restroom of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori: Onboard Sales Menu

Drinking Yufuin Cider in the free space of Yufuin no Mori Gen I
Snacks toggle icon

Item Description Price
Milch Kraffen (Plain) Baked donut 200 JPY
Hot Coffee Set Milch Kraffen + Original Blend Coffee 500 JPY

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Souvenirs toggle icon

Item Price
Original Candy 350 JPY
Premium Bottled Shochu (Barley) 3,700 JPY

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Drinks toggle icon

Item Price
Original Blend Coffee 350 JPY
Aso Tea Shop Yufuin Green Tea 150 JPY
Yuzu Honey Juice 400 JPY
Yuzu Honey Squash 400 JPY
Yufuin Cider 300 JPY
Hita Tenryosui Tea 250 JPY
Alkaline Ion Yufuin Hot Spring Water 200 JPY

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Alcohol toggle icon

Item Price
Yufuin Beer (Local Beer, Bottle) 700 JPY
Asahi Super Dry 450 JPY
Sparkling Plum Wine 400 JPY

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Snacks / Appetizers toggle icon

Item Price
Oita Kanjidori Sausage 550 JPY
Charcoal-grilled Kabosu Pepper Chicken 650 JPY
Mori-no-Kobo Polinto (Yuzu Pepper) 400 JPY

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Original Goods toggle icon

Item Price
D&S Train Keychain 2,200 JPY
3D Keychain 1,000 JPY
Acrylic Keychain 900 JPY
Rubber Coaster 1,000 JPY
Gen III Pin 700 JPY
Train & Logo Pin 700 JPY
Gen III Handkerchief 1,300 JPY
Original Towel 1,500 JPY
Towel Handkerchief 700 JPY
Masking Tape 400 JPY
Rubber Magnet 800 JPY
Plarail (Yufuin no Mori) 2,800 JPY

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▼Menu of Yufuin no Mori Gen I
https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/trains/yufuinnomori/pdf/menu_yufumori-02.pdf

▼Menu of Yufuin no Mori Gen III
https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/trains/yufuinnomori/pdf/menu_yufumori-03.pdf

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori: Route Map & Travel Time

TrainSectionTravel Time
Cars 1,2,5,6 (Gen III)Hakata → YufuinApprox. 2h 14min
Cars 3,4 (Gen I)Hakata → BeppuApprox. 3h 21min

Depending on the season, only Gen I or only Gen III may operate on certain days.
For the latest schedule, please check the official JR Kyushu website.

Limited Express Yufuin no Mori Timetable

Yufuin no Mori Timetable

Down: Hakata → Beppu

StationTrain 1Train 3Train 5
HakataDep 09:17Dep 10:11Dep 14:38
TosuArr 09:42
Dep 09:43
Arr 10:36
Dep 10:37
Arr 15:03
Dep 15:04
KurumeArr 09:50
Dep 09:51
Arr 10:45
Dep 10:48
Arr 15:11
Dep 15:12
HitaArr 10:36
Dep 10:37
Arr 11:31
Dep 11:32
Arr 15:53
Dep 15:56
AmagaseArr 10:49
Dep 10:49
Arr 11:45
Dep 11:45
Arr 16:08
Dep 16:09
Bungo-MoriArr 11:04
Dep 11:04
Arr 12:00
Dep 12:00
Arr 16:23
Dep 16:24
YufuinArr 11:31Arr 12:27
Dep 12:32
Arr 16:50
OitaArr 13:18
Dep 13:20
BeppuArr 13:31
*Information as of August 22, 2025.

Up: Beppu → Hakata

StationTrain 2Train 4Train 6
BeppuDep 14:43
OitaArr 14:55
Dep 14:57
YufuinDep 12:01Arr 15:44
Dep 15:56
Dep 17:17
Bungo-MoriArr 12:32
Dep 12:32
Arr 16:23
Dep 16:24
Arr 17:44
Dep 17:44
AmagaseArr 12:46
Dep 12:47
Arr 16:37
Dep 16:38
Arr 17:58
Dep 17:59
HitaArr 12:59
Dep 13:00
Arr 16:50
Dep 16:52
Arr 18:11
Dep 18:12
KurumeArr 13:45
Dep 13:46
Arr 17:35
Dep 17:36
Arr 18:53
Dep 18:54
TosuArr 13:54
Dep 13:55
Arr 17:43
Dep 17:44
Arr 19:01
Dep 19:02
HakataArr 14:19Arr 18:10Arr 19:28
*Information as of October 2025.

The Limited Express Yufuin no Mori operates only 3 round trips per day.
Routes and departure/arrival times vary by season.
Please always check the official website for the latest timetable before boarding.

Access to Major Stations

Exterior of Beppu Station
Access to Hakata Station toggle icon

From Fukuoka Airport (Train: ~5 min / 260 JPY)

Departure Arrival Duration / Fare
Train Fukuoka Airport Station Hakata Station Approx. 5 min / 260 JPY

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Access to Beppu Station toggle icon

From Oita Airport (Bus: ~57 min / 1,600 JPY)

Departure Arrival Duration / Fare
Bus Oita Airport Beppu Station Approx. 57 min / 1,600 JPY

From Oita Station (Train: ~12 min / 340 JPY)

Departure Arrival Duration / Fare
Train Oita Station Beppu Station Approx. 12 min / 340 JPY

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Limited Express Yufuin no Mori: Fares

Yufuin no Mori Gen I Ticket from Hakata to Beppu
SectionFareLimited ExpressTotal
Hakata – Hakata
Hakata – Tosu660 JPY1,780 JPY2,440 JPY
Hakata – Kurume870 JPY1,780 JPY2,650 JPY
Hakata – Hita1,930 JPY2,230 JPY4,160 JPY
Hakata – Amagase2,420 JPY2,230 JPY4,650 JPY
Hakata – Bungo-Mori2,420 JPY2,830 JPY5,250 JPY
Hakata – Yufuin3,300 JPY2,830 JPY6,130 JPY
Hakata – Oita4,180 JPY3,230 JPY7,410 JPY
Hakata – Beppu4,150 JPY3,230 JPY7,740 JPY
*Information as of October 2025.

How to Calculate Fare (Hakata → Yufuin)

Fare (3,300 JPY) + Limited Express (2,830 JPY) = 6,130 JPY

Please check the official website for the latest timetable and fare information.

How to Reserve the Limited Express Yufuin no Mori

View of Beppu Bay from the free space in car 2 of Yufuin no Mori Gen I
Online ReservationVia the official JR Kyushu website (JR Kyushu Official Reservation Site)
Or via travel agencies (Hankyu Travel / Club Tourism)
Membership registration is required for online booking.
Phone ReservationNot available

▼JR Kyushu Official Reservation Site
https://train.yoyaku.jrkyushu.co.jp/jr/pc/Top

Seating on the Limited Express Yufuin no Mori

Interior of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Interior of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Regular seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Regular seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Wheelchair accessible seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Wheelchair accessible seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Box seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Box seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Seat pocket of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Seat pocket of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Foot rest of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Foot rest of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Table of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Table of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Curtain of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Curtain of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Overhead luggage shelf of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Overhead luggage shelf of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Interior of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
photo by Mitemil
Interior of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Regular seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Wheelchair accessible seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Box seat of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Seat pocket of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Foot rest of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Table of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Curtain of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori
Overhead luggage shelf of Limited Express Yufuin no Mori

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Yufuin no Mori

Q1  What is the Limited Express Yufuin no Mori? toggle icon
A1 
The “Yufuin no Mori” is a popular sightseeing limited express operated by JR Kyushu. It connects Hakata, Yufuin, and Oita/Beppu, featuring warm wooden interiors and an observation lounge. Passengers can enjoy a special, relaxing atmosphere unique to sightseeing trains.
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Q2  What are the routes and travel times for Yufuin no Mori? toggle icon
A2 
Main route: Hakata → Yufuin → Oita / Beppu
– Hakata → Yufuin: approx. 2h 16min
– Hakata → Oita: approx. 3h 07min
– Hakata → Beppu: approx. 3h 21min
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Q3  Is it difficult to reserve Yufuin no Mori? toggle icon
A3 
Reservations can be challenging because the train is very popular. Observation lounge seats and window seats fill up quickly, so booking as soon as reservations open is recommended. Weekday or morning trains are generally easier to reserve.
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Q4  What are the features of the seats on Yufuin no Mori? toggle icon
A4 
The interiors use wood for a warm atmosphere, with reclining seats lined up. Car 1 includes an observation lounge and a sales counter. All seats are reserved; there are no non-reserved seats.
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Q5  Which seats are recommended on Yufuin no Mori? toggle icon
A5 
Popular seats are the forward/backward observation seats and window-side seats.
– From Hakata → Right-side seats offer scenic mountain views
– From Beppu/Oita → Left-side seats are preferred
Box seats facing each other are great for couples or family trips.
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Q6  Are there wheelchair-accessible seats? toggle icon
A6 
– Yufuin no Mori Gen I: 1 seat in car 3
– Yufuin no Mori Gen III: 2 seats in car 3
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Q7  Is there onboard sales on Yufuin no Mori? toggle icon
A7 
Yes. A buffet counter sells local sweets, bento boxes, and limited merchandise.
Note: Items may sell out depending on the train, so bringing a light snack is recommended.

Wagon service is available only on Yufuin no Mori Gen III.

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※Information is as of November 12, 2025.
※Accuracy and currency are not guaranteed. Use at your own risk.
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※Details, plans, and prices may change. Please check official sources.
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※This disclaimer may change without notice.
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