Fukuoka | THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO: A Luxury Dining Train Journey with a Seasonal Chikugo Feast, Dazaifu Shrine & Yanagawa
Itinerary Details
A Moving Kitchen: Seasonal Cuisine Cooked Onboard
One of the highlights of THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO is its distinctive onboard kiln oven. Chefs prepare seasonal dishes using fresh vegetables, meats, and other ingredients sourced from the Chikugo region, allowing you to enjoy a meal cooked while the train is on the move. The elegant interior also showcases local craftsmanship, including Chikugo bamboo work and Jojima tile, creating a dining experience that celebrates the food, culture, and artistry of Fukuoka.
Classic Routes: Dining Meets Sightseeing
THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO offers carefully designed routes that combine sightseeing with an elegant dining experience. Depending on the day and route, you may have time to explore Dazaifu or visit Yanagawa, the historic “Water City.” Enjoy a leisurely meal while watching Kyushu’s landscapes unfold outside the window, then step off the train to discover the region’s history and culture at your own pace.
Itinerary
Friday Only: Dazaifu Sightseeing & Chikugo Lunch Journey
Departure from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
09:30 — Check in at Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station and receive your boarding pass and meal voucher. At 09:52, board THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO and depart on your journey south. Settle into your seat and enjoy a welcome drink and Chikugo-inspired appetizers as the train leaves the city behind.
Explore Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Arrive at Dazaifu Station and enjoy approximately 78 minutes of free time. Visit the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, stroll along the lively approach to the shrine, or sample local specialties such as freshly made umegae mochi. Depending on the season, you can also enjoy the flowers and scenery surrounding the shrine before returning to the train.
Chikugo Seasonal Feast & Optional Extension
Kiln-Cooked Lunch with Chikugo Landscapes
Back aboard the train, it is time for the main event: a seasonal lunch prepared onboard using ingredients from the Chikugo region. Enjoy beautifully presented dishes while the train travels across the expansive Chikugo Plain. Finish the meal with a seasonal dessert crafted by the chef as the countryside scenery passes gently outside your window.
Disembark at Yanagawa or Continue to Ōmuta
At Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, you may choose to end your train journey and continue exploring Yanagawa, perhaps with a traditional boat ride through its canals. Alternatively, remain onboard and continue to Ōmuta, where you can explore the historic Miike Coal Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating part of Japan’s industrial heritage.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes:
– Please check in at least 20 minutes before departure. The train cannot wait for late arrivals.
– Due to the narrow aisles inside the train, suitcases larger than 24 inches are not recommended.
– Some services, including Thursday and weekend brunch services, do not allow passengers to disembark at Hanabatake Station.
– Routes, schedules, stops, and meal contents may vary depending on the operating date.
– The train is operated primarily in Japanese, and English assistance may be limited.
Cancellation Policy:
– A 5% system cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made for personal reasons after booking.
– 14–8 days before departure: 30%
– 7–2 days before departure: 50%
– 1 day before departure and on the day of departure: 100%
