Seven Stars in Kyushu: Kyushu, Kirishima, and Unzen

To travel on the Seven Stars in Kyushu is to step into a world of thoughtful discovery, a luxurious style of rail travel where craftsmanship and exclusivity come together. Designed by Eiji Mitooka and brought to life by JR Kyushu, this seven-car cruise train offers a new vision of luxury. Every carriage and every piece of woodwork has been carefully crafted to create something unlike any other sleeper train.

With fewer than thirty guests on each journey, the experience feels intimate, unhurried, and more in the now. Step aboard, and let the journey itself become the destination. Hop aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu let the journey itself become the destination.

Seven Stars in Kyushu Carriages

The Seven Stars in Kyushu has a total of seven carriages, each with its own purpose and style. The design features a mix of Japanese and Western style, using materials like wood, textiles, and washi paper to create a warm, inviting feel. The carriages also feature large windows giving plenty of space to take in Kyushu’s scenery, whether they’re relaxing in your cabin or enjoying a drink with your fellow travellers at the lounge area. Let’s see each carriage, shall we?

Lounge Car Blue Moon (Car No. 1)

Described as a saloon on wheels, the Lounge Car “Blue Moon” located in Car No. 1 is a relaxed lounge space. By day, it's a comfortable spot to watch the scenery from the wide windows. At night, it turns into a bar with live piano music, where you can enjoy a drink and chat with fellow travellers. The design features modern Japanese style with soft lighting and sofa seating, making it easy to unwind whether you’re in the mood to mingle or just sit back and enjoy the view.

Salon Car Jupiter (Car No. 2)

The Salon Can “Jupiter” is a casual gathering space on the Seven Stars in Kyushu. It is designed for conversation and onboard activities, an easy place to meet other passengers or join in scheduled events during the trip. There’s a complimentary drinks area available, so you can help yourself to a coffee, tea, or soft drink while you relax.

Gallery Shop and Bar (Car No. 3)

The gallery shop and bar, both located in Car No. 3 of the Seven Stars in Kyushu, combines local culture with a touch of indulgence. The shop feels like a small gallery, offering handpicked items from across Kyushu such as traditional crafts, works by contemporary artists, and regional food specialties, which can be bought as souvenirs or thoughtful gifts. Next to the gallery shop is the bar where you can enjoy a drink for an extra charge. It’s the kind of spot where you might swap travel stories with your fellow passengers, or simply unwind by yourself.

Guest Room Suite (Car No. 3-6)

There are a total of eight intimate suites on the Seven Stars in Kyushu offering a private, well-designed space for just 10 pairs of guests in total. The design features Japanese and Western elements, carefully chosen woodwork, textiles, and furnishings that balance comfort with elegant style. Each suite has its own shower, toilet, and air conditioning, along with design touches made specifically for the train to ensure a good night’s sleep. With only three suites per carriage, the atmosphere stays intimate and quiet.

Guest Room Deluxe Suite (Car No. 7)

The Guest Room Deluxe Suites are the most spacious accommodations on the train, with only two available. Each features a distinct design, DX Suite A sits at the end of the last car and features a wall-to-wall window for an uninterrupted view of the scenery, while DX Suite B offers a larger, more private space with soft, muted colours. Both are designed with extra room to relax while enjoying the journey.

Seven Stars in Kyushu Itineraries

Kyushu Tour Journey (2-Day/1-Night)

Route: Hakata – Kagoshima – Oita – Hakata

Day 1 – Hakata to Kagoshima

Your journey begins at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, where the deep burgundy carriages of the Seven Stars await you. As the train departs, it glides south toward Kagoshima, offering panoramic views of the glittering azure waters along Kyushu’s coast. Onboard, enjoy a day filled with the history of Kyushu and the Seven Stars through various stories by masters who designed and decorated the Seven Stars.

Next, Lunch is a refined Hakatamae sushi experience by Yamanaka, a renowned Fukuoka institution since 1972. Feast your palette with expertly crafted sushi made from Genkai Sea seafood and freshly caught inshore fish, prepared right before your eyes.

As day turns to night, dinner is served in the Dining Car, an elegant French course from Belle France, led by a husband-and-wife chef team from Kagoshima. Drawing on their experience in Japan and abroad, they showcase Kagoshima’s finest produce in artful, modern plates.

Day 2 – Oita back to Hakata

Wake up to breakfast on board, prepared by the Seven Stars’ Head Chef, featuring produce native to Kyushu and artisanal ingredients from local makers. This thoughtful, seasonal menu is a reflection of the Seven Star’s philosophy: celebrating the land and its people.

The final leg of your journey follows the scenic Kyudai Main Line, where you’ll see stunning views of Mt. Yufu.

Before returning to Hakata, lunch is served at Wakaeya in Kitsuki City, Oita, a 300-year-old restaurant famous for its ureshino, sea bream chazuke prepared with a sesame-scented marinade and poured over with fragrant tea. The recipe, guarded for generations, delivers a dish as comforting as its name suggests: “I am happy.”

Arrival back at Hakata Station marks the close of your two-day journey aboard the Seven Stars, an elegant conclusion into Kyushu’s nature, history, and culinary heritage.

Prices:

Contact us for pricing and departure dates.

Inclusions:

• One night aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu in a luxury suite.

All meals included:

• Day 1 lunch by Yamanaka (Hakatamae sushi)
• Day 1 dinner by Belle France (French cuisine)
• Day 2 breakfast by the Seven Stars Head Chef
• Day 2 lunch by Wakaeya (Sea bream chazuke)
• Scenic rail journey from Hakata to Kagoshima, Oita, and back to Hakata.
• Access to Lounge Car, Bar Car, and Observation areas.
• Dedicated steward service throughout the journey.

Kirishima Journey (4-Day/3-Night)

Route: Hakata – Hita –Kagoshima – Miyazaki – Mt. Aso – Hakata

Day 1 – Hakata to Oita

Depart Hakata Station aboard the Seven Stars and head toward Hita in Oita Prefecture, often called "Little Kyoto" or "City of Water" for its rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and unique culture. Here, you may choose between an excursion to Onta Pottery Village, where you will find the pleasant soud of the kara usu wooden clay-crushers fills the air, or stay on the train for a hands-on workshop making Hita cedar geta (wooden clogs), a traditional specialty of the area.
Lunch on board is prepared by Imoto, featuring Kyoto-style dishes that balance seasonal fish and vegetables in a harmonious, delicate style.
In the evening, dinner is served by La Verveine, a renowned French restaurant in Yufuin, Oita. Using local ingredients, blending French finesse with the warmth of Kyushu hospitality.

Day 2 – Kumamoto to Hayato

Travel along the scenic Hisatsu Orange Railway, with stunning views of the azure East China Sea and Yatsushiro Sea. You can choose between visiting the historic Chin Jukan Kiln, home to over 400 years of Satsuma ware tradition, or staying on board to admire views of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima volcano.

Breakfast is a comforting bowl of seasonal congee prepared by the Seven Stars Head Chef, a gentle start to the day highlighting locally sourced produce.

Lunch is a Satsuma-inspired French feast at Manor House Shimazu Shigetomisoh, where the chef uses premium ingredients from across Kagoshima Prefecture, from organic vegetables to fresh seafood, the chef aims to create dishes honouring the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The day ends with an overnight stay at a Kirishima hot spring resort.

Day 3 – Kareigawa to Saiki

The train traverses the nostalgic Kitto Line between Kagoshima and Miyazaki for the first time since the Seven Stars began service. This is a rare opportunity to see remote landscapes framed by the Kirishima mountain range.

Your lunch is the Nishimoro Omotenashi Bento, served in handcrafted wooden boxes made from locally sourced Kirishima cedar, with every dish prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

Dinner is the CERCA TROVA, which will be served on board. It’s an Italian cuisine rooted in the bounty of both mountain and sea, featuring vegetables harvested that morning and seafood brought in by local fishermen.

Day 4 – Kozaki back to Hakata

The final stretch of your journey is along the Hohi Main Line, the scenery offers stunning views of Mt. Aso’s volcanic landscape.

Breakfast is served at Murezuru Shuzo brewery, featuring historic Watadamai rice (once presented to feudal lords and the Imperial Family) cooked in a cellar oven, accompanied by hearty Torijiru chicken soup made with local vegetables.

Your journey concludes with lunch at olmo coppia, an organic restaurant in a restored 160-year-old warehouse near Aso Station. The vibe is wholesome, and features home-style dishes made with organic vegetables from Minami-Aso’s open fields.

And finally, before your arrival back to Hakata Station there will be a farewell gathering at the Lounge Car Blue Moon where you can share a toast with your fellow travelers to celebrate a wonderful four-day Kirishima journey.

Prices:

Contact us for pricing and departure dates.

Inclusions:

• Three nights aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu in a luxury suite

All meals included:

• Day 1 lunch by Imoto (Kyoto cuisine)
• Day 1 dinner by La Verveine (French)
• Day 2 breakfast by Seven Stars Head Chef (Congee)
• Day 2 lunch at Manor House Shimazu Shigetomisoh (Satsuma French)
• Day 3 lunch (Nishimoro Omotenashi Bento)
• Day 3 dinner at CERCA TROVA (Italian)
• Day 4 breakfast at Murezuru Shuzo (Watadamai rice & Torijiru)
• Day 4 lunch at olmo coppia (Organic cuisine)
• Guided excursions to Onta Pottery Village, Chin Jukan Kiln, and Kirishima hot spring area.
• Access to the Lounge Car, Bar Car, and Observation areas.
• Dedicated steward service throughout the journey.

Unzen Journey (4-Day/3-Night)

Route: Hakata – Yufuin – Aso – Kumamoto – Unzen/Shimabara – West Kyushu – Kunisaki – Hakata

Day 1 – Hakata to Oita

Your journey begins at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, where the Seven Stars departs toward the rolling countryside of northern Kyushu. The pace slows as you arrive in Yufuin, a town famous for its health resort and onsens embraced by mountains and rural scenery. Stroll through its charming streets, browse craft shops, or simply soak in the beauty of what has made Yufuin a retreat for generations. There will also be tea-ceremony on board.

Lunch on board is by Ishidobashi Shiratsugu, known for meticulous seasonal dishes crafted from Hakata’s freshest produce, designed to delight all five senses.

Dinner is also on board by La Verveine in Yufuin, where the chef uses locally sourced ingredients to prepare restorative French cuisine, balancing flavour and wellness.

Day 2 – Aso to Kumamoto

The day begins at Aso Station with breakfast by olmo coppia, a warm, organic menu served at “Kasei” within the station. The dishes highlight vegetables that are grown in the fields of Minami-Aso.

You may choose to join the excursion where you will experience Hosokawa-style Bonseki at Taisho-ji Temple, the family temple of the Hosokawa clan, and enjoy a lunch by Chef Ai Hosokawa, who draws on Italian techniques to bring out the essence of Kumamoto’s local ingredients. Otherwise, you may stay on the train and proceed to Kumamoto Station and have lunch at the Taisho-ji Temple as well.

From Kumamoto, cross the Ariake Sea by ferry to the Unzen–Shimabara region, where volcanic soils yield vibrant produce and the onsen towns have welcomed visitors for centuries.

You will stay the night at a ryokan in the Unzen area.

Day 3 – Isahaya to Tosu

For day three, your morning activities vary depending on your chosen excursion:

• Shimabara Railway Plan: Lunch is either at pesceco, where Chef Inoue prepares seafood dishes rooted in the stories of the Shimabara Peninsula, or at Villa del Nido, serving Italian cuisine shaped by Unzen’s agricultural heritage.
• Unzen Hot Springs Stay Plan: Lunch at Unzen Fukudaya "Kofuku", featuring tempura made from organic vegetables grown by seed-harvesting farmer Masatoshi Iwasaki.

The afternoon brings the Seven Stars to Nagasaki, where history’s fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences is embodied in Shippoku cuisine. Dinner is at the historic Shiseki Ryoutei Kagetsu, established in 1642, offering an evening of fine dining with entertainment by the city’s Kenban geisha.

Day 4 - Kokura back to Hakata

On the final day, the Seven Stars follows the Nippo Main Line from Kokura toward the Kunisaki Peninsula, a UNESCO World Agricultural Heritage site known for its sustainable cycles of farming, forestry, and fishing.

Breakfast is served on board by the Seven Stars Head Chef, featuring produce and ingredients gathered throughout Kyushu.

Lunch is a specially prepared Kyoto-style bento by Kyoyahonten in Oita, where every element, from rice grains to vegetables is locally sourced and made to reflect the elegance of traditional hospitality.

Arriving back at Hakata Station, gather at the Lounge Car Blue Moon for a toast as you bid farewell to your fellow travelers, carrying with you the warmth, flavours, and cultural treasures of northern Kyushu.

Prices:

Contact us for pricing and departure dates.

Inclusions:

Three nights aboard the Seven Stars in Kyushu in a luxury suite

All meals included:

• Day 1 lunch by Ishidobashi Shiratsugu (Seasonal Japanese cuisine)
• Day 1 dinner by La Verveine (French)
• Day 2 breakfast by olmo coppia (Organic)
• Day 2 lunch by Ai Hosokawa at Taisho-ji Temple (Italian-influenced)
• Day 3 lunch (depending on excursion): pesceco (Seafood-focused), Villa del Nido (Italian), or Unzen Fukudaya “Kofuku” (Tempura)
• Day 3 dinner at Shiseki Ryoutei Kagetsu (Shippoku cuisine)
• Day 4 breakfast by Seven Stars Head Chef (Seasonal Japanese)
• Day 4 lunch by Kyoyahonten (Kyoto-style bento)
• Guided excursions in Yufuin, Kumamoto, Unzen/Shimabara, Nagasaki, and Kunisaki Access to Lounge Car, Bar Car, and Observation areas.

• Dedicated steward service throughout the journey.

Where to Stay

Fukuoka

• Grand Hyatt Fukuoka (5 star): Conveniently located near Hakata Station and directly connected to Canal City Hakata. The Grand Hyatt offers rooms and suites with modern interiors and overlooking the city or the canal. The hotel has multiple restaurants, a bar, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool.

• The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka (5 star): Located at the top floors of a central city tower, near Hakata station, the hotel features views of Hakata Bay and the surrounding skyline. The rooms and suites are spacious, with modern Japanese design touches and large windows. It’s a convenient location near Fukuoka’s shopping districts, cultural sites, and waterfront.

• The Basics Fukuoka (4 star): Located just a couple of blocks away from Hakata Station. The Basics Fukuoka features a modern, library-inspired interior with the lobby as its standout feature, it’s lined with books and filled with natural light, making it a pleasant spot to relax or work. The rooms range from compact singles to spacious suites.

• Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata (4 star): Just a stone’s throw away from Hakata Station, it’s the perfect stop before boarding the Seven Stars in Kyushu. The rooms are modern and functional, with a mix of Western and Japanese design touches. The hotel has a café, bakery, and several dining options, plus a fitness room and rooftop garden.

• Hakata Green Hotel No. 1 (3 star): Located right next to Hakata Station, for a convenient get around Fukuoka and boarding the Seven Stars in Kyushu. The rooms are simple and clean equipped with common amenities for a comfortable stay. The hotel has a restaurant serving Japanese and Western dishes.

Where to Eat

Fukuoka

• Tenzushi Kyomachi: A sushi restaurant in Kitakyushu known for its Tsukushi-style sushi, which pairs fresh seafood with creative presentation and a mix of traditional techniques. The omakase menu changes depending on the season.

• Sushi Senpachi: A neighbourhood sushi spot in Hakata area, best to visit before you board your train. They serve fresh, no-nonsense sushi and sashimi. The menu includes both familiar favourites and seasonal specials, all made with care. Seating is a mix of counter and tables, so you can watch the chef at work or settle in for a more private meal depending on your preference.

• Tobi Ume: If you happen to be in Yanagawa, check out this kaiseki restaurant. It serves seasonal multi-course meals using local ingredients. The menu changes throughout the year, featuring dishes like fresh seafood, river eel, and regional vegetables. It’s a place to enjoy thoughtful cooking in a calm, riverside atmosphere.

• Akamiyacowsi: A yakiniku restaurant specialising in lean cuts of wagyu. The menu here focuses on quality over quantity, with carefully selected beef grilled at the table. Side dishes and sauces are kept simple to let the meat stand out. It’s a good spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Nagasaki

• Pesceco: Chef Toshihiro Inoue creates a tasting menu rooted in the flavours of his home region, Shimabara. The experience starts with mountain spring water and traditional preserved foods like salted sardines and Etari tart, then moves to dishes such as hairy crab with delicate Shimabara somen noodles. It’s a unique, must-try experience.

• Villa del nido: an Italian restaurant in Kunimi Town, Unzen City. Chef Takafumi Yoshida combines his training in Piedmont, Italy, with the ingredients and traditions of his hometown. Each dish is Yoshida’s way of showing what Italian cuisine can become when shaped by Kunimi’s landscape and resources.

• Sushi Sonoda: A small, welcoming sushi spot just a short walk from Shianbashi Station. It serves seasonal nigiri made with fresh local fish, along with sashimi and homemade side dishes prepared by a husband-and-wife team. The vibe is intimate, a kind of place where hospitality feels personal and genuine.

Kumamoto

• Robatayaki Sanroku: A mountain-side restaurant that specialises in freshly slaughtered chicken. The meat is tender, flavourful, and served in simple grilled preparations that let the meat’s flavor stand out. The chicken liver is one of the highlight dishes here, it’s lightly grilled and served rare. Quantities are limited, and popular items can sell out quickly, so it’s worth arriving early if you plan to dine here.

• Murakami (Kumamoto): Run by brothers Masao and Takuya Murakami, who grew up in the well-known “Yatsu Sushi” in Amakusa. This sushi restaurant combines their upbringing with high-quality local seafood, resulting in sushi that’s distinct and memorable. It’s a collaborative approach that gives the meal a personal touch from start to finish.

• Nene (Kumamoto): The restaurant is located in Kumamoto’s castle town, serving dishes rooted in Kyoto culinary traditions. The chef uses a mix of carefully selected local Kumamoto ingredients and premium produce from Kyoto and other regions. The menu is paired with a selection of fine sake from across Japan.

Kagoshima

• Teppanyaki Kusunoki: Located on the first floor of Shiroyama Hotel in Kagoshima, this teppanyaki restaurant serves Kagoshima Black Wagyu and other carefully chosen ingredients cooked right in front of you. Here, you can sit at the counter to watch the chef’s precise techniques up close or opt for a private room for a quieter experience. The focus is on quality ingredients matched with skilled preparation.

• Sushi Sho Nomura: This laid-back sushi spot located in a quiet residential area in Kagoshima is a local favorite for its Kagoshima-inspired nigiri with small dishes and sake chosen to match each course. The pace is lively, the flavours are rooted in the region.

• Kai (Kagoshima): A wood-fired Italian restaurant in Izumi City. After training at a top Italian restaurant in Tokyo, Chef Kai Oya combines classic Italian techniques with local Kagoshima ingredients, many sourced from the Izumi area. The menu is built around the depth and character that firewood cooking brings, resulting in dishes with bold, lively flavours.

Other Things to Do

Fukuoka

• Kushida Shrine: Known for its elaborate festivals and centuries-old history. Explore the surrounding Old Town dressed in a kimono or yukata, and stroll through its well preserved merchant houses, traditional craft shops, and tiny side streets hiding family-run teahouses.

• Kyushu National Museum: This striking glass-and-wood building tells the story of Japan’s earliest connections with Asia. Wander through interactive exhibits, art, and archaeological treasures. After your visit, stroll to nearby Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, famous for its seasonal plum blossoms.

• Yatai Food Stalls: Want to taste the authentic flavor of Fukuoka? Head over to Yatai food stalls and taste regional favourites like mentaiko, oden, and Hakata ramen while sipping local sake under the glow of paper lanterns.

Nagasaki

• Glover Garden: A collection of European-style mansions from the 19th century, overlooking the Nagasaki Harbour. Stroll through gardens, verandas, and drawing rooms once home to Scottish merchant Thomas Glover and other foreign traders. The views here are spectacular, a glimpse through Nagasaki’s role as Japan’s first international port.

• Dejima Island Museum: Step back into the Edo period on Dejima, a reconstructed island trading post where Dutch merchants once lived. Wander through recreated warehouses, living quarters, and interactive exhibits that bring to life the cultural exchanges of the time.

• Oura Cathedral: Japan’s oldest surviving Catholic church, Oura Cathedral, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region." The church reflects the resilience of hidden Christians during centuries of persecution.

Kumamoto

• Kumamoto Castle: One of Japan’s most formidable castles, learn about its role in the samurai era and the ongoing restoration following the 2016 earthquake. The surrounding grounds of Kumamoto Castle are especially stunning during cherry blossom season.

• Suizenji Jojuen Garden: This strolling garden is designed to represent the 53 post stations of the old Tokaido Road, complete with a miniature Mt. Fuji. Here, you’ll find koi ponds and teahouses where you can enjoy matcha overlooking the garden landscape.

• Mt. Aso Helicopter Tour: Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of Mt. Aso’s vast caldera, one of the largest active volcanic craters in the world. From above, you can see the smoking Nakadake crater, patchwork farmlands, and ridgelines that stretch across the horizon.

Kagoshima

• Sengan-en Garden: Once the villa of the Shimazu clan, Sengan-en is a beautifully preserved Japanese garden with stunning views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay. Wander through its landscaped paths, tea houses, and historical exhibits on the clan’s influence during Japan’s modernisation.

• Chin Jukan Kiln: The Chin Jukan Kiln offers both a glimpse into pottery-making history and hands-on experiences. Here, you can tour the grounds, observe the traditional climbing kiln, and explore a warehouse displaying previous generations' works. The kiln also offers hands-on workshops.

A Journey Measured in Moments, Not Miles

The Seven Stars in Kyushu is more than a means of getting from one station to the next. It's an experience woven from design, warm hospitality, and the beauty of the landscapes it passes through. The experience is an invitation to slow down, be at present, and become part of Kyushu’s story in a way no rushed trip could.

Your seat is ready. Your view and your season are waiting. Step aboard and leave the planning to us. Contact us or give us a call at (+1 800 672 0517 | +351 289 009 580 | +44 808 189 0647).