The Yufuin no Mori is a distinctive limited express train operated by JR Kyushu, running between Fukuoka (Hakata Station), Yufuin, and Beppu through the scenic mountains of Kyushu. It's recognisable immediately by its deep forest-green exterior and wooden-accented interior — a deliberate design choice that puts you in the mindset of the onsen retreat before you even arrive.
The train journey is well worth taking on its own merits, but it pairs beautifully with an overnight stay in Yufuin or a day at the Beppu hot springs. It runs three outbound services per day from Hakata and two return services back.
There are no non-reserved seats on any service — seat reservations are mandatory for all passengers, including JR Pass holders.
How to Book with the JR Pass
JR Pass holders can reserve seats in two ways:
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Online, via the JR Kyushu reservation system, using your pass number immediately after purchase
- In person at any JR ticket office (みどりの窓口 Midori no Madoguchi) in Japan — staff are accustomed to handling this
Note: The Japan Rail Pass currently includes up to 6 free seat reservations per pass. The Yufuin no Mori counts toward this allocation. Book early — this train is one of Kyushu's most popular and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons.
If you're travelling as a family or group, it's worth noting that seats can be turned around to face each other, making four-seat facing groups — but you'll need to request this configuration at the time of booking.
A Sample Journey: Hakata to Yufuin
Here's how a typical day trip or overnight itinerary looks in practice with the JR Pass:
Morning arrival scenario: You arrive at Hakata Station from Tokyo or Osaka on the Shinkansen (also covered by the JR Pass). You head to the ticket office the day before to pick up your Yufuin no Mori reservation for Service No. 1 at 9:17. By 11:31, you're stepping off the train in Yufuin, with the whole day ahead of you to explore the town's boutique shops, lakeside walks, and ryokan baths.
For the return, Service No. 4 at 15:56 from Yufuin gets you back to Hakata by 18:10 — a comfortable time to catch a connecting Shinkansen or settle in for dinner in Fukuoka.
If you have an extra day to spare, consider an overnight in Yufuin followed by a morning in Beppu. Board Service No. 3 out of Hakata, continue past Yufuin through to Beppu, soak in the famous hells (jigoku meguri), and return to Hakata on Service No. 4 — all covered by your pass.
Route
The train starts at Hakata station, this is also the Shinkansen station for Fukuoka. Most passengers will arrive here coming from Tokyo or Kansai. From there it stops at bigger stations like Tosu, Kurume, Hira and completes the trip to Yufuin in a little over 2 hours.
Hakata → Yufuin / Beppu
Beppu / Yufuin → Hakata
On board
The interior of the train is mostly decorated in a traditional wooden style with green carpet and seats, to reflect the relaxing nature of Yufuin and the surrounding mountain forests. There’s a lounge and bar on board, where you can enjoy viewing the landscape pass by or try one of the exclusive drinks and snacks sold on the train. For those who fancy a larger meal, Yufuin themed Bento boxes are sold on board as well.
The train operates a 2×2 seating row. Seats can be turned around to make 4 seats facing each other, perfect for travelling families.
Wooden interior of the train, made to feel like you are already in an Onsen resort. Passengers in the front car can have a look in the operator’s cabin.
Onboard bar with special snacks and drinks. Try the Yufuin green tea!
The view of the Kyushu landscape is wonderful. Once the train is past Kurume station, the landscape becomes a background of rolling hills that turn into the blue Minou Mountains. Once the train enters mountainous terrain, it follows a riverbed that provides many scenic views, including the Jion-no-taki Waterfalls. Keep your camera ready!
Arrival at Yufuin
Yufuin station is very small but centrally located at the southern part of town. Many Ryokan and local accommodations offer free pick-up from the station. There are also taxis and a limited bus service available. For those who can’t wait to try an Onsen, the station also has its own foot onsen.
Getting to Beppu
Service No. 3 is the only Yufuin no Mori that continues from Yufuin to Beppu, arriving at 13:31. If you're on Services No. 1 or No. 5 and want to continue to Beppu, you can take a local JR train from Yufuin — also covered by the pass — or the Yufu limited express as an alternative.
That said, if getting to Beppu is your main goal, we'd recommend booking onto Service No. 3 from Hakata directly. The experience of the Yufuin no Mori is noticeably superior to the local connection, and the extra hour in the mountains is no hardship.
Google maps
Walk around the train using Google Maps.
Official website and timetables:
Yufuin no Mori – JR Kyushu
Key Points to Remember
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The JR Pass fully covers the Yufuin no Mori — no extra fare needed
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Seat reservations are mandatory — there are no non-reserved seats on any service
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Three services run daily from Hakata (9:17, 10:11, 14:38); two return services leave from Beppu (12:01, 14:43) via Yufuin
- Only Service No. 3 continues from Yufuin all the way to Beppu
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Book early — this is one of Kyushu's most popular trains and seats fill fast on weekends and holidays
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JR Pass holders get 6 free reservations — use one wisely on this route
- Combine with a ryokan stay in Yufuin or the jigoku meguri hot springs in Beppu for the most rewarding trip
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