Nowadays, the train is much more than just a way to get you to your destination. However, the train itself is one of the major attractions on the journey. Japan is quite well known for its unique train journey experiences. One of the newest sightseeing trains, which was debuted just in 2020, is called the “36 + 3”.
This Green Car operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) makes a giant loop around Kyushu Island with a total distance of 1,198 kilometers, stopping in all seven of its prefectures. The number “36” in the train’s name comes from the fact that Kyushu is the 36th largest island in the world, while the “+3” represents the railway company, Kyushu locals, and customers coming together. There is also a bit of wordplay in the name: 36+3=39, pronounced “sankyu” in Japanese, similar to how you say “thank you” and represents gratitude and appreciation. Many people in Japan use “39” when texting as shorthand for “thanks”.
The train operates daily from Thursdays to Mondays. The 36+3 runs on different routes around different parts of Kyushu each day:
• Thursdays: Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo
• Fridays: Kagoshima-Chuo to Miyazaki
• Saturdays: Miyazaki to Oita
• Sundays: Oita to Hakata
• Mondays: Hakata to Nagasaki in the morning, and Nagasaki to Hakata in the afternoon
The interior of the train cars is a combination of modern Western style with unique features of traditional Japanese style, such as the intricate Okawa Kumiko latticework and shoji screen windows.
Cars 1 to 3 have private beautifully designed compartments of various sizes for passengers who have purchased tickets, including a meal plan. Dishes vary by route and include local ingredients and menus created by famous restaurants in the regions you pass through. You can also choose to ride without a meal by purchasing the “green seat” package, which costs the same as a normal green car ticket for the same route. However, the price difference is not big, so you might go for the full deal. In Car3 is also a bar, where you can grab a drink or buy local souvenirs.
In Car 4, 36+3 offers special practical experiences and activities exclusively for its passengers. You can participate event or take any seat you want and enjoy the view of passing landscapes out the window. Some activities are free and some of them are for an additional fee.
•Thursdays: Tea tasting (paid)
• Fridays: Black vinegar sampling (free)
• Saturdays: Plum wine/plum syrup making (paid)
• Sundays: Konpeito candy sampling (free)
• All routes: Washi crafts for children (free), soap-making for children (free)
Cars 5 and 6 have Green Car seats with a 1+2 configuration. All seats have retractable tables and pockets for storing items. Car 6 has traditional Japanese-style tatami mats, so you can take off your shoes and enjoy a comfortable ride.
The ticket price depends on the route, traveled distance, and chosen meal plan. For example, the most expensive option would be to take Thursday’s route with private compartments between Fukuoka and Kagoshima and choose the sushi course from a Michelin 2-star restaurant in Kumamoto. The least expensive option is Friday’s route with standard seats from Kagoshima to Miyazaki.
In addition, each route has a unique color theme dedicated to local sights, food, or cultural attractions. For example, Thursday’s route, from Hakata to Kagoshima, is called the “Red Route” and features 7 red “episodes” passed along the way, such as the onsen in Kumamoto with red-tinged waters or the steel railway bridge painted bright red. The colors of the other routes are black on Friday, green on Saturday, blue on Sunday, and gold on Monday. There are 35 colored “episodes” around Kyushu Island, each route has 7 of them.
All in all, the train provides a rail journey that includes beautiful sights, local specialties, and lots of comforts.
You can purchase your tickets online up to 5 days before departure (although it is always better to plan your trip to make sure you can get a seat). You can check seating availability through the official website. While you are traveling around Japan, stay always connected with MTX Connect. Hurry up and get a Special Offer for Unlimited Internet for 14 days in Japan through the MTX Connect app.