Kawasemi-Yamasemi Kingfisher Sightseeing Train かわせみ・やませみ

Kawa Yama Semi Logo

The logos of the Kawasemi Yamasemi sightseeing train are the Common Kingfisher (kawasemi) and the Crested Kingfisher (yamasemi)

@Japan Visitor

The Kawasemi-Yamasemi, Kingfisher Sightseeing Train entered service in 2017 and runs between Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi in Kyushu.

Route

From Kumamoto the train heads south alongside the mountains until it reached Yatsushiro from where it heads up the Kuma River to Hitoyoshi.

Hitoyoshi is a castle town and hot spring resort surrounded by mountains. The Kuma River is one of the three fastest rivers in Japan and the section the train travels along has many sections with white water rapids.

The trains run three times daily all year round.

The journey time is a little over 90 minutes from terminal to terminal, somewhat faster than the Hitoyoshi SL steam train.

Fares

The one way fare is only 1,820 yen plus 930 yen for a non-reserved seat or 1,450 yen for a reserved seat. Obviously making a reservation will ensure a seat, though on weekdays out of the main holiday seasons the train is rarely full.

Hitoyoshi

Hitoyoshi Station, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan

@Japan Visitor

Latest Articles

Umisachi 1

Umisachi Yamasachi Limited Express

The Umisachi Yamasachi Limited Express sightseeing train runs along the scenic Nichinan Coast from Miyazaki Station to Nango.

Anpanman Train

The Anpanman Train is a special train running in Shikoku with liveries and interior decorations on the theme of the popular Anpanman children's manga and anime series.

Japan Visitor - orochi20181.jpg

Okuizumo Orochi Train

The Okuizumo Orochi train offers a relaxed and scenic train ride through remote mountains and valleys in an open car through Shimane and Hiroshima prefectures.

See All (51)