A-Train: Kumamoto - Uto - Oda - Misumi

JR Kyushu’s Elegant Sightseeing Train from Kumamoto to Misumi

Have you ever dreamed of a train ride so elegant it feels like a scene from a movie? That's exactly the experience that awaits aboard JR Kyushu's A-Train. From the moment you step into the wood-paneled, jazz-filled carriages, you'll be transported to a bygone era of sophisticated travel. This seasonal sightseeing train takes you on a scenic coastal journey, with panoramic windows framing the beautiful landscapes of Kumamoto and Amakusa. Experience the beauty of Kumamoto and Misumi through JR Kyushu's A-Train with Revigorate!

A-Train Carriages

The A-Train may be modest in scale with just two carriages, but instead of grand size or over-the-top luxury, it stands out for its intimate atmosphere and storytelling, like a finely crafted jewel box. Both carriages share a warm design of dark wood, stained glass, and fabric patterns inspired by European church art.

A-Train Car Bar (Car No. 1)

Step into Car No. 1 and you’re greeted not by rows of seats, but by an atmosphere that feels more like a private club. The centrepiece is the A-Train Bar, a polished counter of deep wood where bartenders prepare drinks. Try their specialty drink, Dekopon highball, a citrus-infused cocktail that captures Kyushu’s terroir in a single sip.

The bar is framed by stained-glass windows that filter the afternoon light into warm jewel tones. Around it are plush sofas and benches that invite you to linger with a glass in hand, while soft jazz music plays in the background.

Cabin (Car No. 1)

Car No. 1 also offers cabin seating, featuring upholstered benches with the same stained-glass accents and dark wood finishes, creating a warm, salon-like vibe. On each side, large windows frame the passing Kyushu countryside like a moving artwork, reminding you that on the A-Train, the journey itself is the show, and you’ve got the best seat to enjoy it.

Sofa (Car No. 2)

This carriage exudes comfort, especially in the sofa seating area where the wide, cushioned seats with patterned fabrics feel more like a cozy living room than a train carriage perfect for sinking in, stretching out, and enjoying the view. The seating is spaced just right for a friendly vibe yet still offers privacy, making it ideal for couples or solo travellers. In front of the sofa are the kids chairs, a set of window-facing seats that offer children (and adults) a scenic view of the passing countryside.

Booth (Car No. 2)

If you’re travelling in pairs or small groups, the booth seating in Car No. 2 provides the perfect balance of privacy and conviviality. These semi-enclosed spaces feature plush sofas facing each other across a broad folding table, turning your journey into something closer to a private dining experience. The stained-glass detailing continues here, catching the afternoon sun and casting soft patterns across the wood-paneled walls, while the wide windows ensure that no matter which way you sit, the Kyushu scenery remains part of the moment.

A-Train Stops

Kumamoto

Every journey aboard the A-Train begins (or ends) in Kumamoto, a lively city known for its rich history and the iconic Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive fortresses. Stroll along its streets, explore picturesque gardens, enjoy artisan cafés, and experience a city that feels grounded and elegant.

Kumamoto has long been a cultural crossroads, much like the Amakusa Islands that inspired the A-Train’s design. Don’t miss the beautiful Suizenji Jojuen Garden, savour local flavours like Akaushi beef and Kumamoto’s famous citrus, and discover a culture that blends craftsmanship with heritage.

Near Kumamoto Station, you’ll find Amu Plaza Kumamoto, a large shopping hub with plenty of stores and restaurants, and Higo Yoamon Market, where you can pick up local delicacies and souvenirs. In the city centre, explore Kumamoto Castle, Sakuranobaba Josaien, Suizenji Jojuen Garden, and the fun, family-friendly Kumamon Square.

Uto

A quiet stop between Kumamoto and Misumi, Uto has a charming old-town vibe with narrow lanes, low eaves, and mom-and-pop shops. It’s a gateway to the coastal sights of Kumamoto Prefecture.

While the train doesn’t stop for sightseeing, there are several notable coastal sights that you can enjoy from the train as it passes like the Nagabeta Undersea Road, a path visible only at low tide with a bronze statue of Jinbe from One Piece, and the stunning Okoshiki Coast, famous for its tidal flats and listed among Japan’s “100 Best Sunsets” and “100 Best Beaches.”

If you explore further, you’ll find historical spots like the former Udo District Office and the site of Uto Castle. Don’t forget to try or bring home Dekopon, the sweet local citrus fruit that originated here.

Oda

Just a few minutes down from Uto, Oda is one of those humble stations that mark the transition from inland neighborhoods to the inlets and tidal flats along the Shiranui/Yatsushiro Sea.

Oda is a great spot to stretch your legs and snap some photos. Here, you’ll find coastal views and scenic tidal flats (a unique pattern in the sand during low tide). Wander around the town to get a glimpse of rural Japan, look for small shrines tucked beneath camphor trees, they’re simple, and photogenic, and counterpoint to the ornate sanctuaries you’ll see elsewhere.

If you like rail photography, Oda offers classic single-track scenes, with diesel trains passing rice paddies, telegraph poles, and the shimmering sea in the background.

Misumi

The final stop of the A-Train from Kumamoto, Misumi is the main gateway to the Amakusa Islands. The train’s weekend and holiday schedule is timed to connect smoothly with ferries, making your trip from train to island hassle-free.

Misumi is home to the Misumi West Port, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Built in 1887 by a Dutch engineer, it served as a major export hub during the Meiji era and is one of the few ports from that time still in its original form. Stroll along the 730-meter stone wharf, explore historic buildings like the old courthouse, town hall, and shipping offices, and enjoy sea views from nearby parks. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Unzen across the water.

From Misumi Station, it’s just a short walk to the ferry terminal, where you can board the Amakusa Takarajima Line. The ferry ride offers stunning island views as it heads to Matsushima and Hondo, the main city of Amakusa.

Where to Stay in Kumamoto

• Hotel Nikko Kumamoto (4-star): Perfectly located within walking distance of Kumamoto Castle and the popular Kamitori and Shimotori shopping arcades, Hotel Nikko offers modern, comfortable rooms. You may choose a room from either side of the hotel, on the west side for panoramic views of the castle or on the east side for scenic views of the Aso mountain range and the city.

• Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai (4-star): Located within easy reach of shopping, dining, and major attractions, Candeo Hotel is just an 18-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle. Its standout feature is the rooftop spa, with both indoor and open-air baths where you can relax while enjoying impressive city views. The rooms are spacious and feature modern amenities and a sleek, sophisticated design.

• KOKO Hotel Premier Kumamoto (4-star): Located right above the Sakuramachi Bus Terminal and Sakuramachi Shopping Mall, this hotel is super convenient for transport, shopping, and dining. The lobby is on the 14th floor, accessible by elevator from the mall’s second floor. The rooms are often described as clean, stylish, and comfortable, many of which offer stunning views of Kumamoto Castle, beautifully lit up at night.

• Hotel Mystays Kumamoto Riverside (3-star): Known for its riverside setting and proximity to major attractions. Hotel Mystays is within walking distance of many key destinations, including Kumamoto Castle (about a 10-minute walk), Sakuranobaba Johsaien, and the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto. The rooms are comfortable, equipped with modern amenities, and many offer lovely river views.

Where to Stay in Misumi

• Amakusa Tenku no Fune (5-star): This elegant hot spring hotel, whose name means “Heavenly Boat,” is designed like a cruise ship perched on a scenic hill with breathtaking sea views. The hotel offers a range of modern Western-style rooms, from twins and doubles to spacious junior suites and luxurious villas. Every room comes with a private balcony and an open-air hot spring bath, so you can unwind while soaking in the ocean views.

• Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotels Amakusa Kameya (3-star): Located in the coastal area of Kami-Amakusa, this hot spring hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway with beautiful ocean views. It’s close to the iconic Amakusa Gokyo Bridge and features a public hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath, great for unwinding after your trip. You can choose from traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futons or Japanese-Western-style rooms with both beds and a tatami area. Many rooms offer stunning sea views.

• L'isola THE BIRD: Known for its modern design, ocean views, and peaceful natural setting, this luxury wellness resort offers the perfect escape to reconnect with nature. It's a waterfront property with elegant villas and bungalows facing the sea. All accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace with stunning views of the Ariake Sea and Mount Unzen. A standard villa includes a living room, separate bedroom, modern bathroom with a bath, and a sea-view terrace. The resort is just a short drive from L’isola Terrace Amakusa and the Amakusa Gokyo Bridge.

• Rakuten Stay House Kami-Amakusa: This resort offers private holiday houses and villas for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay, managed by Rakuten STAY ( a prominent vacation rental service in Japan). The homes are spacious by Japanese standards, well-maintained, and many feature a private balcony or terrace with sea views. Some villas even include a private sauna, perfect for unwinding while enjoying the ocean scenery. All units come with a fully equipped kitchen, giving you the freedom to cook your own meals.

Where to Eat in Kumamoto

• Murakami Kumamoto: Run by brothers Masaomi and Takuya Murakami, who trained at their family’s famous Yakko Zushi in Amakusa, this sushi restaurant offers an exceptional omakase (chef’s choice) course. The menu highlights fresh, seasonal fish from Amakusa, featuring a mix of creative and classic appetizers (tsumami) and nigiri, including specialties like Kuruma-Ebi (tiger prawn) and Murasaki Uni (purple sea urchin).
• Barron Steak House Kumamoto: Known for its premium wagyu beef, fine dining, and extensive wine list, this cozy, exclusive steakhouse offers a truly special experience. Owner-chef Toshihiro Iwata personally prepares every cut of meat, starting the process 2–3 days before your reservation to ensure it’s at its best. On the day of your visit, he cuts and grills the wagyu right in front of you. The restaurant sources its beef mainly from Kyushu and also serves local specialties like Kumamoto horse meat sashimi and top-quality rice from Nanashiro in Kikuchi City.
• Matsushita Steak House Kumamoto: Famous for its tender, flavorful steaks, this restaurant offers a personalized dining experience with meat grilled over a charcoal fire, enhancing its taste and aroma. A highlight here is the Akaushi beef, a Kumamoto specialty. Steaks are served with a choice of salt, soy sauce, or house-made sauce, and many course meals end with a handmade, bite-sized ohagi (sweet rice ball) for a delightful finish.
• Takamori Dengaku Hozonkai: This popular restaurant offers a traditional Aso dining experience built around the local specialty, dengaku. Set in a rustic old farmhouse, it has a warm, historic feel. Here, you’ll cook your own meal on skewers over a charcoal hearth (irori) at your table, then dip or top the food with a special miso paste. The dishes use fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Aso region, including tsurunoko-imo (a local potato), yamame (river fish), tofu, konnyaku, wild vegetables, and sometimes even horse meat sashimi.
• Sushi Fukuju Kumamoto: Located near Kumamoto Castle, this elegant restaurant specializes in authentic Edomae-style sushi. Each piece is made with care, combining traditional techniques with a modern touch. The sushi rice is seasoned with red vinegar, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures. Don’t miss their signature dishes, featuring fresh sea urchin, juicy scallops, and a variety of seasonal delicacies.
• Robatayaki Sanroku: A popular spot in Yamaga City, this restaurant is famous for its charcoal-grilled chicken cooked in the traditional robatayaki style. Fresh chicken is grilled right in front of you over a charcoal fire, bringing out its rich flavour and tenderness. The restaurant is a bit far from the nearest train station, so it’s best to visit by car.

Where to Eat in Misumi

• Ebi no Miyagawa Kamegawa Ten: This popular restaurant is known for its kuruma-ebi prawns, harvested from the clean waters off Amakusa. Praised for their freshness, sweet flavour, and chewy texture, the prawns go straight from the sea to the kitchen. You can enjoy them in three ways: sashimi, grilled, or tempura.
• Festa del mare: The main restaurant at Amakusa Tenku no Fune, its name means “Festival of the Sea.” This Italian restaurant is known for its fusion of Italian cooking with fresh local ingredients from Amakusa. Dine with panoramic ocean views as you enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, from appetizers to pasta and main courses, all highlighting the flavours of the nearby seas.
• Tanaka Chikusan Amakusa: This popular yakiniku restaurant is loved for its affordable, all-you-can-eat menu featuring tender, flavorful Japanese black beef sourced directly from its own ranch. Because the restaurant manages everything, from raising the cattle to serving the meat, you’re guaranteed top quality and freshness. Grill your favourite cuts right at your table, and don’t miss the free curry and beef bowl, which are local favourites alongside the yakiniku.

Other Things to Do in Kumamoto

• Kumamoto Castle: One of Japan’s most admired castles and a proud symbol of Kumamoto’s history and resilience. Built in 1607 by feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa, it took seven years to complete. The castle was famous for its strong defenses, including the steep musha-gaeshi stone walls designed to repel attackers. The grounds feature dozens of turrets, gates, and other historic buildings, with 13 structures designated as Important Cultural Properties. Go to the top floor for a 360-degree panoramic view of Kumamoto City and the surrounding Aso mountain range.

• AMU Plaza Kumamoto: Conveniently connected to JR Kumamoto Station, this modern shopping and dining complex has everything you need. Browse a wide range of shops for fashion, cosmetics, books, and household goods, then take your pick from casual cafés, a food court, or upscale restaurants, many serving local Kumamoto specialties. Don’t miss the rooftop garden, a peaceful green space with beautiful panoramic views of the city.

• Higo Yokamon Market: Located right inside JR Kumamoto Station, this lively market is perfect for travellers looking to try local food or buy souvenirs before catching a train. Sample traditional Japanese sweets from long-standing Kumamoto shops or enjoy Western-style treats with a local twist. Don’t miss a bowl of Kumamoto ramen, famous for its rich pork bone broth and thick noodles before you board the train.

• Sakuranobaba Johsaien: Located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, this Edo-style castle town is a great one-stop spot to learn about Kumamoto’s history, enjoy local food, and shop for souvenirs. The facility has two main areas: the Wakuwakuza Museum, where you can explore Kumamoto’s history and culture through interactive exhibits and digital displays, and Sakura-no-Koji Street, lined with shops and restaurants offering local specialties.

• Kumamon Square: The official home of Kumamon, Kumamoto’s beloved black bear mascot and the prefecture’s cheerful “Sales and Happiness Manager.” This lively spot lets you meet Kumamon in person, shop for exclusive merchandise, and join in fun Kumamon-themed activities. Don’t miss his public stage shows, where he entertains fans with dancing, humor, and playful antics.

• Suizenji Jojuen Garden: A peaceful, historic Japanese strolling garden, recognized as a National Scenic Beauty and Historic Site. Built by the Hosokawa clan during the Edo period, it’s famous for its landscapes that recreate the 53 stations of the old Tokaido road between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Take a relaxing walk around the spring-fed central pond, where you’ll see an iconic artificial hill shaped like Mount Fuji. Watch for the colourful koi carp and, if you’re lucky, spot the two rare white soft-shelled turtles, believed to bring good luck. You can even buy food inside the park to feed the koi and ducks.

Other Things to Do in Misumi

• Misumi West Port: Located near Misumi Station, this historic port was built between 1884 and 1887 by Dutch engineer A. Rouwenhorst Mulder and played a key role in Japan’s industrial growth during the Meiji era. In 2015, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical importance and well-preserved condition. Take a stroll along the 756-meter stone wharf, a beautiful blend of Western engineering and Japanese craftsmanship. Explore preserved buildings like the old courthouse, the Takada Shipping Office, and Ryujokan.

• Amakusa Shiro Tokimeki Memorial Hall: This museum tells the story of Christianity in the Amakusa region, focusing on Amakusa Shiro, the young leader of the Shimabara Rebellion. Explore 13 exhibits that walk you through the history of Christianity in Japan, from its arrival to its suppression. Don’t miss the impressive large diorama of the Shimabara Rebellion, showing the scale of the uprising, which involved about 37,000 people.

• Amakusa Gokyo Bridges: Also called the “Amakusa Pearl Line,” these five bridges connect the Kyushu mainland to the Amakusa Islands in Kumamoto Prefecture. Take a scenic drive along this route, each bridge offers its own beautiful view of the sea and surrounding islands, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

Come for the Views, Leave Changed

By the time the A-Train noses back toward Kumamoto, you’ll be carrying moments that linger. After all, what makes a journey special are the quiet moments in between. Whether you’re heading on to explore the historic Misumi West Port or catching a ferry to the Amakusa Islands, the A-Train is the perfect prelude to the adventures waiting ahead.

Leave the planning to us so you can simply enjoy the journey. Request a quote or contact our team at (+1 800 672 0517 | +351 289 009 580 | +44 808 189 0647) and we’ll help you plan a seamless, tailor-made experience.

If you’re dreaming of more rail adventures, don’t miss our other featured luxury trains: The Royal Express and Saphir Odoriko. For an unforgettable overnight journey, we can also arrange a grand tour on Japan’s most celebrated sleeper trains: Seven Stars in Kyushu, Twilight Express Mizukaze, and Train Suite Shiki-shima.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is JR Kyushu’s A-Train?

  A seasonal sightseeing limited express with elegant, wood-panelled interiors, stained glass details, and a bar lounge in Car No. 1, running between Kumamoto and Misumi via Uto and Oda.

• What route does the A-Train take?

  Kumamoto - Uto - Oda - Misumi along the coast, with wide windows for Ariake Sea views.

• Is there a bar on board?

  Yes — the A-Train Bar in Car No. 1 serves drinks such as the signature Dekopon highball in a relaxed, jazz-accompanied setting.

• What makes the scenery special?

  The line hugs the coast with views toward the Ariake Sea, passing sights associated with Uto and Oda, before arriving in Misumi, gateway to the Amakusa Islands.

• How do I continue to Amakusa from Misumi?

  From Misumi Station, it’s a short walk to the ferry terminal for the Amakusa Takarajima Line heading to islands such as Matsushima and Hondo.

• What can I see in Kumamoto and Misumi?

  Don’t miss Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen in Kumamoto, and the UNESCO-listed Misumi West Port near Misumi.