All You Need to Know About Kyushu's Most Popular Sightseeing Train
Yufuin no Mori is one of Kyushu’s most beloved sightseeing trains. With its signature green exterior and forest-inspired interior, it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The large panoramic windows offer breathtaking views, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
The train takes you to Yufuin, a charming hot spring town loved by travelers worldwide. But how do you book tickets for Yufuin no Mori? Which seats offer the best views? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this scenic train—hop aboard for an unforgettable ride!
Klook Tip: Looking for hotels for your trip to Kyushu? Save 10% or more when you book the JR Kyushu Pass with selected hotels!
What is Yufuin no Mori?
Yufuin no Mori departs from Hakata Station in Fukuoka and takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Yufuin (also known as Yufuin Onsen).
With its distinctive design and the added bonus of a relaxing hot spring getaway at the destination, this scenic train is especially popular among travelers. Even better, Yufuin no Mori is one of the few sightseeing trains in Japan that can be used with the JR Kyushu Pass!
Pass holders can ride this train by simply paying a ¥1,500 reservation fee, as all seats are designated (there are no non-reserved seats available). This makes it a fantastic and budget-friendly way to experience one of Kyushu’s most iconic train journeys.
A Closer Look at Yufuin no Mori: Train Design & Best Train to Book
Scenic Design & Unique Features
Yufuin no Mori is easily recognizable by its striking green exterior, seamlessly blending with Kyushu’s natural landscapes.
Step inside, and you’ll be immersed in a forest-inspired atmosphere, thanks to its extensive use of wood in the flooring, tables, and even the bar counter. The design creates a warm and cozy vibe, making the train ride feel like an extension of the lush countryside outside.
One of the train’s biggest highlights is the large panoramic windows at the front and rear cars. These expansive glass panels provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making the journey itself a memorable part of the trip.
Which Yufuin no Mori Train Should You Book?
Credit: Kyushu Rail Company
Yufuin no Mori operates three train sets, and each set runs two trips—one outbound from Hakata to Yufuin and one return from Yufuin to Hakata. This means the trains are numbered 1-6 based on their set and direction:
- Trains 1, 3, and 5 → Outbound (Hakata → Yufuin)
- Trains 2, 4, and 6 → Return (Yufuin → Hakata)
Among these, Trains 3 & 4 (which use the same train set) are the most popular because they have the most cars and extend their route beyond Yufuin to Beppu, another famous onsen destination.
Because of this, Trains 3 & 4 tend to sell out the fastest!
Klook Tip: To maximize your experience, consider booking Train 3 or 4 for one leg of your journey and choosing another train (1, 2, 5, or 6) for the other leg. This way, you increase your chances of securing a reservation while still enjoying the best of Yufuin no Mori!
Reserving Yufuin no Mori Without the JR Kyushu Pass
You can now book your Yufuin no Mori tickets directly on Klook! The best thing is, you can start to secure your spot on this high-demand train up to 90 days through our pre-sale. Tickets will be confirmed up to 30 days before your chosen day of departure.
All you have to do is visit our Japan Trains page and select your route between Hakata and Yufuin with the following steps:
Once you have completed your booking, you'll then receive a QR code to pick up your tickets at the JR stations. When you're at the JR station, all you have to do is locate a ticket machine and scan the QR code directly from your Klook app to retrieve your train tickets!
If You Decide to Get the Kyushu Pass
If you plan to visit more destinations by JR train — such as Moji Port for fresh seafood, Beppu near Yufuin, or even a day trip to Huis Ten Bosch — the JR Kyushu Pass is definitely worth it! You'll get great value for unlimited train rides while exploring Kyushu. 🚆✨
We highly recommend purchasing the JR Kyushu North Area 3-Day Pass in advance! Depending on your travel plans, you can also opt for the 5-Day Pass or the All Kyushu JR Pass before making your Yufuin no Mori reservation.
There are two ways to book Yufuin no Mori:
- Online Reservation
- In-Person Reservation at the Ticket Counter
Since this is a highly popular train and many international travelers arrive in Japan only a day or two before their ride, it is highly recommended that you book online in advance to secure your seat.
Reservations open exactly one month before your travel date. If you're traveling during the autumn foliage season, be sure to set a reminder and book as soon as reservations open! 🍁🚆
Online Reservation with the JR Kyushu Pass
Step 1: Purchase the JR Kyushu Pass
After purchasing your JR Kyushu Pass on Klook, you will receive a voucher. The voucher number found below the barcode is what you'll need to use when reserving your train tickets.
You can purchase either the All Kyushu or North Kyushu pass.
Step 2: Register as a JR Kyushu Member
Before reserving your seat, you'll need to register as a member on the JR Kyushu website:
- Go to the registration page and click "Register".
- Enter your email address, and the system will send you a temporary password.
- Return to the website and select Klook as your booking platform.
- Enter your voucher number (found on your Klook order) and your passport name (first name first, last name second).
- Finally, input the temporary password you received and set a new password to complete your registration.
Once registered, you're ready to book your Yufuin no Mori seat! 🚆✨
Step 3: Reserving Your Yufuin no Mori Seat
Once logged in, select Yufuin no Mori, your travel date, departure & arrival stations, and the number of passengers to begin your reservation.
Next, you'll see a list of available trains. Be sure to select "Yufuin no Mori" and NOT "Yufu"—these are two completely different trains!
Choosing Your Seat
After selecting your preferred train, you'll be directed to the seat selection screen. You can manually choose your seat by clicking "Select from Seat Map."
- If you're booking Train 3 or 4, Car 4 is the only carriage with special forest-themed seats, making it a unique experience.
- Many travelers also love sitting at the front of the train, where you can enjoy panoramic views through the large glass windows and even get a glimpse into the driver’s cabin!
One of the highlights of the Yufuin no Mori journey is passing by Jion Falls, which can be seen on the right side of the train when traveling from Hakata to Yufuin. Because of this, seats C and D tend to get booked quickly.
However, I sat on the A side this time, and the scenery was still absolutely stunning! So even if you don’t manage to secure a right-side seat, don’t worry—the views on the left are just as breathtaking. 🤩
Step 4: Payment & Ticket Collection
After selecting your seat, the next step is to enter your JR Pass activation date—note that this is NOT your travel date!
Then, enter your credit card details to pay the ¥1,000 reservation fee. Double-check all your booking details before proceeding to confirm and complete the reservation.
Once your booking is successful, JR Kyushu will send a confirmation email to your registered email address. Before boarding, you must exchange your confirmation email for a physical ticket at a JR ticket counter.
💡 Note: Make sure to bring the same credit card you used for payment, as the JR staff may ask to verify it when you collect your ticket in Japan.
🇯🇵 Get the best out of Kyushu 🥳
🚆 JR Pass – All Kyushu, South Kyushu & North Kyushu Rail Passes
🚗 Kyushu Car Rentals – Explore stunning sights freely, the perfect choice for a road trip
🚀 One-Day Kyushu Adventures
🦈 Must-Visit in Fukuoka
- Fukuoka Uminonakamichi Marine World – Explore the wonders of the ocean and unlock underwater mysteries
🚄 Kyushu Travel Essentials
- Kyushu SUNQ PASS – Unlimited bus rides across Kyushu
- JR Kyushu 36+3 Luxury Sightseeing Train (Private Cabin) – Experience a luxury sightseeing train with an exclusive private cabin
- JR Kyushu Mobile Rail Pass (Fukuoka Wide Area Edition) – Unlimited train rides to explore Fukuoka
How to Collect Yufuin no Mori Tickets & Board the Train
In addition to picking up your Yufuin no Mori ticket, don’t forget to exchange your JR Pass for a physical ticket (you can check the designated exchange counters on the JR Kyushu website).
Since most travelers arrive in Fukuoka by plane, the nearest JR station is Hakata Station. To make your trip smoother, we recommend staying near Hakata Station on your first night and collecting your train tickets in advance. That way, you’ll be all set to board Yufuin no Mori early the next morning without any hassle!
Enter through this designated JR Pass exchange counter, and let the staff know that you would also like to pick up your reserved Yufuin no Mori ticket.
Make sure to have the following ready:
- Your passport
- Klook voucher
- The credit card used to pay the reservation fee
With everything prepared, you can collect both your JR Pass and Yufuin no Mori ticket at the same time!
It’s recommended to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time to find the JR Line ticket gate and enter the platform.
Have your JR Pass and one-way ticket ready, stack them together, and insert them into the ticket gate—you’re all set to enter and board your train!
Inside Yufuin no Mori: Exploring the Train & Dining Car
About 15 minutes before departure, the train will arrive at the platform, giving passengers plenty of time to take photos.
If you want a less crowded shot, consider waiting until you arrive at Yufuin Station, where you’ll have a better chance to take pictures with the train’s front without too many people around!
The train conductor will come out to welcome the passengers. Simply find your car number, and get ready to board!
As you step inside the train, you’ll pass through one of Yufuin no Mori’s unique features—a bridge-style corridor connecting the carriages. Take a closer look at the glass automatic doors, and you’ll notice delicate leaf patterns printed on them!
I sat in Car 4 this time, which features a forest-themed design. I especially loved the bamboo blinds next to the windows—they added a beautiful natural touch to the overall atmosphere!
The seats are wider than standard train seats and can also recline for extra comfort.
If you're carrying large luggage, you can store it on the luggage rack. Smaller bags or carry-on suitcases can also be placed on the overhead storage shelf.
I visited Yufuin in late August, and once we left the city, I was greeted by endless golden rice fields along the way. Paired with the train’s green seats, the whole journey felt incredibly relaxing!
During the ride, you can also walk to the front carriage to get a closer look at the driver’s cabin and enjoy the scenic views through the large front windows. Just be mindful not to disturb other passengers!
Seats in carriages other than Car 4 feature deep green upholstery with wooden armrests, maintaining the train’s beautiful forest-inspired aesthetic.
Car 3 features private compartment-style seating for groups of 3 to 4 people, and reservations are only available for groups within this size range.
Yufuin no Mori Dining Car
Walk to the area between Cars 2 and 3, and you’ll find the dining car counter. With its large floor-to-ceiling windows and bar-style seating, you can enjoy a snack while taking in the beautiful scenery!
How to Order Food in the Dining Car
Once you reach the dining car, you can pick up a menu from the counter and choose your meal.
💡 Note: Yufuin no Mori’s bento boxes must be pre-ordered at least 3 days before your travel date. Check the JR Kyushu train bento reservation system for details. Once pre-ordered, you can pick up your bento at the designated time from the dining car counter.
If you didn’t pre-order a bento, don’t worry! You can still purchase light snacks and drinks onboard. Popular choices include donuts and cheesecake, which are specially sourced from local Yufuin shops.
This time, I pre-ordered the "Oita Wagyu Bento" and "Yufuin Wappa Bento", along with matcha ice cream and Yufuin soda. Although the bento boxes are served cold, the seasoning was perfect, and the wagyu was incredibly tender.
I highly recommend trying the matcha ice cream—its rich, bittersweet flavor was so unforgettable that I kept craving it even after returning home!
Yufuin Station
Once you've arrived at the station, don't rush off just yet!
Before leaving, make sure to check out the unique foot bath located near the front of the train. For just ¥200, you’ll receive a towel and a postcard, making it a great little experience. On chilly days, it’s the perfect spot to soak your feet and warm up before exploring Yufuin!
As soon as you exit the station, you’ll be greeted by the stunning sight of Mount Yufu, one of Yufuin’s most famous landmarks!
If you need to use the restroom after getting off the train, keep in mind that the station’s restroom has limited stalls. Instead, head to the Visitor Center on the right—it’s spacious, less crowded, and more convenient!
For same-day round-trip travelers, the Visitor Center offers luggage storage services, making it easy to explore Yufuin hands-free.
For those staying overnight, the center also provides a luggage delivery service to hotels. Since public transportation in Yufuin is limited and many hotels don’t offer shuttle services, guests usually have to walk to their accommodation. If you have large suitcases, we highly recommend using this baggage delivery service for a more comfortable and hassle-free experience!
The second floor of the Visitor Center houses a gorgeous library featuring a unique curved wooden architectural design. It’s a beautiful spot worth visiting—be sure to head up and snap some photos!
The second floor also features an outdoor observation deck, where you can take a break and enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Yufu. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Yufuin!
Plan Your Next Getaway to Kyushu
Credit: Tayawee Supan on Unsplash.
After reading all about Yufuin no Mori, don’t you feel like hopping on this scenic train right away? 🚆✨
Autumn and winter are peak seasons in Yufuin, especially during the fall foliage season. If you’re planning to visit during this time, make sure to book your JR Pass and reserve your seat in advance!
- JR Kyushu Pass: Available for exchange within 3 months after purchase on Klook.
- Yufuin no Mori seat reservations: Open 1 month before departure.
Start planning your trip now and get ready for a relaxing onsen getaway in Yufuin!
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