This luxury train in Kyushu has some of the most sumptuous cars and private compartments of any train in Japan.
36 + 3 by the sea – image © Rail Man Photo Office
First, about the name: The island of Kyushu is the 36th largest island in the world and this train is said to deliver three things: surprise, impression and happiness. This daytime luxury train has some of the most sumptuous cars and private compartments of any train in Japan.
Running on five different routes on five days of the week, a journey on one or two of these routes would be an amazing addition to any trip to Kyushu. You can get tickets online or at JR stations in Japan.
36 + 3 Route Map
This map summarises the different routes taken by the JR 36 + 3. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the JR 36 + 3 official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
36 + 3 private compartment – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
The 36 + 3 runs on five routes on five days of the week:
- Thursday: Hakata (10:00am) to Kagoshima Chuo (4:26pm)
- Friday: Kagoshima Chuo (12:17pm) to Miyazaki (3:46pm)
- Saturday: Miyazaki Airport (11:37am) to Oita Beppu (5:05pm)
- Sunday: Oita (10:48am) to Kokura Hakata (4:42pm)
- Monday (morning/afternoon): Hakata (11:22am) to Sasebo (4:13pm)
- Monday (evening): Sasebo (5:31pm) to Hakata (8:06pm)
For more details and stops en route go to the official JR 36 + 3 website.
36 + 3 Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the different JR 36 + 3 train routes, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
- Buy tickets for private compartments and meals online via Klook.
- Buy tickets at any JR train station.
- If you buy a Kyushu rail pass, you can reserve seats using the JR Kyushu online booking service.
Sample Fares
The basic fare, including lunch, from Hakata to Kagoshima Chuo is ¥27,700. Green car and private compartments cost significantly more.
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
