The 36+3 luxury train is a daytime sightseeing service. The jet-black-and-gold-trim trainset is a refurbished Limited Express 787 that JR Kyushu has remodeled to the highest standard of comfort. It operatea on 5 routes around Japan’s southernmost main island, Kyushu.
The 36+3 name is derived from the fact that Kyushu is the 36th largest island in the world, combined with the 3 experiences of JR Kyushu aims to deliver on the service; surprise, impression, and happiness. Additionally, the total, 39, or “san-kyu” in Japanese, sounds similar to “thank you” in English.
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36+3 train car design
The interiors of the 36+3 were designed by Eiji Mitooka, who also oversaw the overall design concept fo the Seven Stars Kyushu sleeper train, one of the most luxurious trains in the world.
Seven Stars in Kyushu is a deluxe sleeping-car excursion train operated on multi-day (two-day and four-day) tours. The 36+3, however, is scheduled as a daytime sightseeing service. The 36+3 is a six-car train with a total capacity of 105 seats.
Like the Seven Stars, the 36+3 car interiors boast a mix of classic Japanese and modern confort. You’ll find traditional Shoji screen doors and latticework ceilings in the “Okawa kumiko” style, which originated in Kyushu’s Fukuoka Prefecture.
Cars 1–3 contain 13 private compartments in total: Car 1 has 4 rooms (each for 3 to 4 people), Car 2 has 3 rooms (for 3 to 6 people), and Car 3 has 6 rooms (for 1 to 2 people). Car 3 also includes the buffet/bar counter for drinks, snacks, and goods.
Car 4 is a shared lounge used for onboard experiences and events. Cars 5 and 6 are Green Car seating; Car 6 is a dedicated tatami-seat car (shoes-off).
Routes covered by the 36+6
The 36+3 luxury train operates on 5 scenic routes across Kyushu, with the journey depending on the day of the week. Most services depart in Fukuoka (Hakata Station), which you can easily reach using your JR Pass. Others begin at Kagoshima-chuo, Miyazaki Airport, and Oita.
The service stops in all 7 prefectures, although the route varies depending on the day. Usually, the itineraries are as follows:
- Monday: Hakata Station to Sasebo with a stop in Hizen-Hama, a historic town known for its sake breweries.
- Tuesday: No service
- Wednesday: No service
- Thursday: Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo via Kumamoto Prefecture and Tamana, a hospitality stop with local products.
- Friday: Kagoshima-Chuo to Miyazaki via Kirishima-Jingu and Osumi Okawara, a quiet forest station
- Saturday: Miyazaki Airport to Beppu, via Kyushu’s eastern coast and Saiki City
- Sunday: Oita to Hakata via the island’s northern coastline along Beppu Bay.
Each service includes a designated serving time for lunch, and some routes include longer stops at designated stations. Exact timetables and stops change, so check the latest itineraries with JR Kyushu. Below you’ll find a standard guide.
Monday route
Hakata – Sasebo
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
| Hakata | N/A | 11:23 a.m. |
| Saga | 12:07 p.m. | 12:09 p.m. |
| Hizen-Hama | 12:44 p.m. | 1:38 p.m. |
| Sasebo | 4:05 p.m. | N/A |
Lunch plan offer time: Around 11:30 a.m. — Only for customers who apply for the lunch plan.
Thursday route
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
| Hakata | N/A | 10:00 a.m. |
| Tamana | 11:10 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. |
| Kumamoto | 11:54 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| Ushinohama | 2:25 p.m. | 2:45 p.m. |
| Kagoshima Chuo | 4:26 p.m. | N/A |
Lunch plan offer time: Around 11:40 a.m. — Only for customers who apply for the lunch plan.
Friday route
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
| Kagoshima-chuo | N/A | 11:22 a.m. |
| Kirishima-jingo | 12:49 p.m. | 1:14 p.m. |
| Osumi-Ogawara | 1:27 p.m. | 2:12 pm |
| Miyazaki | 3:46 p.m. | N/A |
Lunch plan offer time: Around 12:30 p.m. — Only for customers who apply for the lunch plan.
Saturday route
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
| Miyazaki Airport | N/A | 11:45 a.m. |
| Miyazaki | 11:56 a.m. | 12:02 a.m. |
| Nobeoka | 1:20 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. |
| Sotaro | 2:15 p.m. | 2:25 p.m. |
| Shigeoka | 2:35 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. |
| Oita | 5:00 p.m. | 5:06 p.m. |
| Beppu | 5:20 p.m. | N/A |
Lunch plan offer time: 12:00 pm.
Sunday route
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
| Oita | N/A | 10:48 a.m. |
| Beppu | 10:58 a.m. | 11:08 a.m. |
| Kitsuki | 11:25 a.m. | 11:40 a.m. |
| Nakatsu | 12:10 p.m. | 12:20 p.m. |
| Mojiko | 2:10 p.m. | 2:50 p.m. |
| Kokura | 3:16 | 3:19 p.m. |
| Hakata | 4:42 | N/A |
Lunch plan offer time: 12:30 pm (private room), 12:00 pm (seat).
Prices and conditions of 36+3 services
The price of a ride on the 36+3 Express 787 luxury train depends on the route, seating type, and whether you select a meal plan. Meal plans are offered as add-ons, and standard tickets do not automatically include meals.
Adult fares with a meal included range from 15,100 yen to 31,200 yen for an adult for JR Kyushu’s, depending on the route and whether you choose a seat or a private compartment.
It’s necessary to make a reservation with JR Kyushu in advance to ride on a 36+3 service. Internet bookings are accepted up to 5 days in advance.