On the third floor of Hakata Station is the “Kinsei” lounge, reserved exclusively for this train. The journey begins outside the ticket gates with a welcoming ceremony.
The train consists of seven cars and features ten guest suites. Car No. 1 is the “Blue Moon” lounge car, Car No. 2 is the “Jupiter” salon car. Among the cars are a ryurei-style tea room with tatami mats and a bar reminiscent of a secluded retreat. The exterior is finished in a regal wine-red color, with design by Eiji Mitooka.
The train travels through seven prefectures of Kyushu. Pottery workshops in Arita, the white-walled streets of Shiota-tsu, the rising steam of Waita, and four centuries of the Chin Jukan Kiln workshop. At each stop, guests are greeted by local artisans and chefs.
Itineraries are available for one night and two days, as well as three nights and four days. All departures and returns are from Hakata.
Landscapes stretching into the distance can be seen through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window. *Depending on the direction of travel, the view may not be available.
Without observation windows, there is no direct visibility from the corridor or the tracks. The calm color palette creates an atmosphere of tranquility.
Of the eight rooms, one is adapted for guests in wheelchairs, another is equipped with a double bed.
The train features a kitchen where the Seven Stars chef personally visits producers across Kyushu to select ingredients. At key points of the journey, local chefs board the train to lead the kitchen. On the four-day itinerary, breakfast on the final day is served after disembarking at the "Miyama" teahouse of the Chin Jukan Kiln pottery workshop in the Satsuma-yaki style.
On the two-day itinerary, lunch is served at the "Kasei" restaurant, located on the platform of Aso Station, where guests can enjoy their meal with a view of the waiting train.
* Chefs and establishments featured on board may vary depending on the travel period.
The Seven Stars train is not sold as a separate ticket, but only as part of a travel package. Tickets are not issued at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket offices. For trips organized by JR Kyushu, applications are accepted for each departure period, and if the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, a lottery is held. Applications for the following year are expected to open around October of the current year.
You may choose the room type; however, specific cars or room numbers are generally not reserved. Only Room 301 with universal design and Room 403, which can be converted into a twin, are available upon request. Single occupancy is possible (there are no shared accommodation options).
Smoking is prohibited onboard the train and at all railway stations. Rooms are equipped with showers but do not have bathtubs. One suitcase per person (total dimensions up to 150 cm) will be delivered to your room. Dress code: smart casual for gatherings in Kinsei and formal attire for dinner onboard. Information regarding age restrictions will be provided separately.
If you are considering a full charter of the train, please contact us approximately one year prior to the intended departure date.