Sonic Limited Express

Spoilt for choice, traveling across northern Kyushu by train means railfans can choose between a speedy intercity service or the leisurely scenic journey aboard the Yufuin no Mori. JR Kyushu’s Sonic Limited Express offers the faster option with two distinct train series.

Designed by Eiji Mitooka, the visionary designer behind some of JR Kyushu’s most unique rolling stock, the Sonic uses active tilting technology to negotiate curves at speeds of up to 130 km/h.

From Hakata, the Sonic heads east to Kokura, where passengers can transfer from the Sanyo Shinkansen, before turning south along the Nippo Main Line. The route follows Kyushu’s eastern coastline for much of the journey, passing through Nakatsu, Kitsuki and Beppu before terminating at Oita. With services departing every 30 minutes, it is an easy way to swap Fukuoka’s busy city streets for Beppu’s famous bubbling hot springs.

The 883 Series

Photo by: PIXTA/ ninochan555

Debuting in 1995, the 883 Series is instantly recognizable by its bold metallic-blue exterior and industrial front end. Inside, bright metallic walls with embossed aluminum flooring accent the central gangways, while the regular class cars pair warm wooden floors with whimsical seat headrests shaped like Mickey Mouse ears.

Photo by: PIXTA/ KUZUHA

At the front of the train, the green car features a spacious 2+1 layout with plush leather seats over soft carpeted flooring. There is also a wooden panorama cabin where passengers can watch the tracks unfold directly behind the driver’s cab. 

The 885 Series

Photo by: PIXTA/ ninochan555

Introduced in 2000, the 885 Series has a distinctly different look from the colorful 883 Series, with a sleek, aerodynamic white body reminiscent of European bullet trains. The fleet is also used on the Relay Kamome service to Nagasaki and is often transformed with eye-catching promotional liveries, including designs featuring Nintendo’s Super Mario and Pikmin.

The interiors carry an upscale feel throughout, styled with leather seats and rich, dark wood accents. Having traveled in the Green Car, I found the 2+1 seating layout noticeably roomier than standard class (2+2), though the actual jump in comfort is minimal. It’s also worth noting that passengers with large luggage still have to walk to a separate car to use the dedicated baggage racks.