JR Kyushu Launches New Luxury Sightseeing Train “The Orirail” – Scheduled to Operate on August 8

▲ Kyushu Dessert Train “The Orirail.” (Photo / Huang Shiyuan)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

Japan’s Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu), which continues to develop sightseeing trains, is set to unveil its new luxury trainKyushu Dessert Train “The Orirail,” expected to begin operations on August 8The two-car train features two distinct styles: classic European and vintage Japanese, including a private two-person compartment. The train offers one main course, three desserts, and one Japanese confection, all designed by renowned Japanese chef Yuki Morizawa.

The Kyushu Dessert Train “The Orirail” is also designed by Eiji Mitooka, but this time it draws inspiration from the “Orirail” model created by Shin Tarō. The project was overseen by Kenjin Hara, former deputy director of the Railway Museum, aiming to recreate the splendor of a luxury train from a century ago. The train has two cars: one with a romantic, classical European vintage style featuring ceiling designs similar to those on the Seven Stars in Kyushu; the other styled in a traditional Japanese aesthetic with plenty of natural wood elements.

The Kyushu Dessert Train “The Orirail” is scheduled to begin operating on August 8, with general ticket sales starting on June 8. For the period between August 8 and October 12, the train will run one round-trip daily between Ōita Station and Hitoyoshi Station. After autumn, it will operate between Sasebo Station and Nagasaki Station. The base fare is 20,000 yen per person for a one-way trip. However, as seats are configured for either two or four passengers, a single booking for a two-person seat will cost 30,000 yen.


▲ Carriage design drawings. (Image / From the JR Kyushu website)