These trains connect Hakata (博多) with Yufuin (由布院) and Oita (大分) or Beppu (別府). Yufuin is one of the most popular hot springs resort in Kyushu. This is the train that you need to take when you go to Yufuin. Of course these train’s name are named from Yufuin. “Yufuin no Mori” means Yufuin’s forest. These two trains are operated on same route and fully covered by JR Pass. But Yufuin no Mori is operated by the specialized car, KIHA-71 or 72 series. This express train is one of the best in JR Kyushu train and very very popular. So I strongly recommend to take Yufuin no Mori, not Yufu.
I will explain about the route, schedule and accommodations of these trains in this post.
Route, schedule and trip time
The number of trips are the following:
Yufuin no Mori (ゆふいんの森): 2 round trips between Hakata and Yufuin, and 1 round trip between Hakata and Oita
Yufu (ゆふ): 2 round trips between Hakata and Beppu, and one round trip between Hakata and Oita
These trains connect Hakata with Yufuin in 2 hours 10-15 minutes, and with Oita in 3 hours. There is no difference for the time required between Yufuin no Mori and Yufu. But the accommodation is completely different.
You can check the timetable at JR Kyushu website (English).
Stations | |
---|---|
Hakata (博多) | x |
Futsukaichi (二日市) | x |
Tosu (鳥栖) | x |
Kurume (久留米) | x |
Kurume Daigakumae (久留米大学前) | * |
Tanushimaru (田主丸) | * |
Chikugo-Yoshii (筑後吉井) | x |
Ukiha (うきは) | * |
Hita (日田) | x |
Amagase (天ヶ瀬) | x |
Bungomori (豊後森) | x |
Bungo-Nakamura (豊後中村) | x |
Yufuin (由布院) | x |
Yunohira (湯平) | x |
Mukainoharu (向之原) | x |
Oita (大分) | x |
Beppu (別府) | * |
x:All train stop *:Some of trains stop
View Yufuin no Mori in a larger map
Accommodation and train formations
Both Yufuin no Mori and Yufu do not have any green car.
Yufuin no Mori is operated by KIHA-71 or KIHA-72 series. KIHA-72 is newer than KIHA-71. Those trains are produced for the resort express train to Yufuin hot springs resort. Even though these trains have no green car, those give you a higher passengers seat and it offers a great view through huge windows. Those trains have same concept and same shape. Either KIHA-71 or 72 will satisfy your riding experience.
Yufu is operated by KIHA 185 series. This is not bad but it is nothing special.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
Yufuin no Mori KIHA-71 series
The seat configurations are 2+2 and the seat pitch is 960mm. There are “Buffet” (Cafeteria) and salon space. Usually this series is used for Yufuin no Mori #3 and #4.
Images
Passenger’s deck and common space
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
R | R/B | S/R | R |
R=Reserved ordinary seat B=Buffet (cafeteria and kiosk) S=Salon space
Yufuin no Mori KIHA-72 series
This is newer than KIHA-71 series. But it looks very similar. The concept of this series is almost same as KIHA-71, like higher passenger’s deck and buffet. But this series does not have any salon space. The seat configurations are 2+2 and the seat pitch is 1000mm. These cars give you a bigger leg space. There are “Buffet” (Cafeteria) too. And this series has semi compartment on car #3. Usually this series is used for Yufuin no Mori #1, #2, #5 and #6.
Images
Passenger’s deck and common space
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
R | R | B/R | R |
R=Reserved ordinary seat B=Buffet (cafeteria and kiosk)
Yufu KIHA-185 series
This train is the standard train. This is okay. But Yufuin no Mori is way better than this train. The seat configuration is 2+2. This series has been restored several times. So the seat pitch is 940 mm and some cars give you more space, 1020 mm. Yufu does not have any dining facilities and on board sales. So please buy something to eat and drink before boarding.
*Be careful!!! When KIHA 71 or 72 series for Yufuin no Mori is in maintenance, this 185 series is replaced.
Images
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 |
R | R/NR | R |
R=Reserved ordinary seat NR=Non reserved ordinary seat
Comments
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’ll be visiting Fuluoka in early December with my family.
My wife is very keen in taking the Yufuin no Mori train and need some advise from you on how to secure tickets for this train.
Undertstand that if we are using the Kyushu Rail pass (3/5 days, Northern area), we can only purchase the Yufuin no Mori tickets when we reach Fukuoka,.
Was thinking to purchase the Yufuin no Mori tickets separately (not using the Kyushu 3/5 days Rail pass), wondering whether is it possible for my Sis (who is staying in Fukuoka) to help purchase the train tickets? How early can my Sis help to book the tickets, 1 month in advance? Does Sis needs any particulars from us, passport info…etc for the booking?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks!
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
You can ask your sister to book your ticket. The ticket is totally different from air ticket. No name is not shown on the ticket. Anyone can buy it for you and transferable.
Ticket is on sale at 10:00 am, one month prior to departure date.
ex) Boarding on Dec 24, on sale at 10:00 am on Nov 24
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks for the super fast reply.
My Sis is staying in Fukuoka, if she want to buy these tickets, where’s the nearest place can she purchase them, is it Hakata?
Any idea is this train operating during 4th to 8th Dec 2015, we are aiming to take Yufuin no Mori KIHA-71 series, is it available during that time?
How much it cost for these train tickets?
This is the 1st time I’m planning for free & easy travel in Fukuoka, we are also aiming to take the Aso Boy train as well.
Thanks!
Regards
Kevin
Thanks!
Regards
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
There are many stations that has “Midori no madoguchi (reservation window)”. You may ask her to check the nearest JR station. Almost half of all JR stations have Midori no madoguchi.
You may get the fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Please see the link below to get Yufuin no mori operation dates:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Usually KIHA71 is used for #3 and #4 but it may be changed without notice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
Appreciate & Thanks for all the information.
Saw the Yufuin no Mori timetable from web (below weblink) and it is indicating the period Yufuin no Mori will be replaced by standard train Yufu.
Wondering whether will Yufuin no Mori be avialable during 5th to 14th Dec 2015 (since these dates are not listed in the list).
I need to book the Yufuin Ryokan soon, but before doing that, I need to make sure the Yufuin no Mori is available.
If it’s not appropriate for you to answer this, possible to direct me to someone.
Thanks for the Great help!
Regards
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Yes. Yufuin no Mori will run in this period.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-san,
Big Thanks for the information.
No problem, Kevin.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Sir/Madam,
i am confused the ticket fare.
For example,
Route1
Take time: 180 Minutes Transfer: 2 Times Distance: 190.8 km
Total:¥ 6,750(TicketFare:¥ 3,990 Seat Fee:¥ 2,760) Commuting ticket(1mon:¥ — 3mon:¥ — 6mon:¥ — )
12:09
begin YUFUIN
Station timetable | Add to favorite
[127 Min]
through
LTD. EXP YUFUIN NO MORI 2
. Train timetable | Interval timetable
Reserved seat: ¥1,740
14:16
14:19
transfer HAKATA
[ Arrival track No.5 / Departure track No.2 ]
Station timetable | Add to favorite
[35 Min]
through
LTD. EXP SONIC 31
14:54
15:06
transfer KUROSAKI
[3 Min]
through
JR Kagoshima Line Rapid
15:09
end YAHATA
Add to favorite
. ¥3,990.
Green seat: ¥1,540Reserved seat: ¥1,020Unreserved seat: ¥510
————————————————————————————————————-
May I know the fare should be ¥ 6,750(TicketFare:¥ 3,990 Seat Fee:¥ 2,760) or ¥3,990?
Thanks,
Yoko
Hi Yoko,
“Fare” is base fare. This is required to take any train. Seat fee is applied to express train. There are Green (business class), reserved (ordinary class) and non reserved (ordinary class). In this sample, Yufuin no Mori has only reserved seat. You have to pay reserved seat fee 1740 yen. Limited Express Sonic has Green and Ordinary. And there are two kinds of ordinary, non reserved and reserved. If you want to secure the seat, you have to pay 1540 yen or 1020 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Sir/Madam,
I shall fly to Kumamoto Airport and take the bus to Yufuin directly for a stay. Afterwards, I want to go to Kukura. Should I purchase a 3-day JR North Kyushu Pass? I understand I need to pick up the pass at Kumamoto station. However, i will not go through the Kumamoto station as i said above (taking bus from airport to Yufuin). How can I do?
In JR Kyushu’s website, the pass can also be picked up at JR Kyushu Travel in Kumamoto. However, I cannot see the address in the website. Is it at Kumamoto Airport?
In case I can get the above pass, can I get an one way ticket from Yufuin station to Kokura (via Oita/Beppu)? Is the fare approx. JPY5,000? May I have the timetable?
I am grateful if you could reply reply to me soon.
Have a nice day 🙂
Thanks & regards,
Yoko
Hi Yoko,
If you intend to use the pass for Yufuin-Kokura, single ticket is okay and cheaper for you. You cannot get the pass at Kumamoto airport anyway.
You can get fare and timetable at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
We are a group of 4 people and will be travelling to Fukuoka from 16-18. March. We would like to travel to Yufuin from Hakata on 18th March. The ideal arrival time is 10.30-11.00 am. We found that the cheapest and also the faster train cost 4,550 YEN/one way. Is there anything cheaper than this?
Should we book the ticket in advance or we can get the tickets at JR station in Hakata when we arrive on 16th March?
Is there any 3 day ticket that cover Yufuin area? We are planing to spend the other 2 day travelling in Fukuoka city and around.
Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Eff,
That is a normal fare. But if you have round trip between Hakata and Yufuin, you can use Kyushu Rail Pass norther area.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kyushu-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-kyushu-for-oversea-visitors.html
This will be cheaper than normal fare. And this is only deal that is better than normal fare.
Regarding booking, there is no online booking available. The only way to book is after you arrive in Japan. Especially if you use Kyushu Rail Pass, you cannot book it before you exchange/purchase the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much for your help : )
No problem, Eff.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshi
I would like to take the Yufuin no Mori from Hakata to Yufuin in July 2015, but i can find time table or schedule for this years. Can you help me for sending or reply me, please?
So i have to hoping to a board limited express ;D
thanks for help.
Hi Eva,
I showed the timetable at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2015-spring-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html
You will find it at almost bottom of this post.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, Takeshi
thanks for kindness 😀
So I’m not sure, I’m understand correctly I search JR timetable in hyperdia.com. for july, 2015 from Hakata to Yufuin
The website is show result as LTD. EXP YUFU 1 that it’s mean Yufuin on KIHA-72 series,right?
As well as LTD. EXP YUFU 3 that it’s mean Yufuin on KIHA-71 series,right?
And in this case, at link “Schedule of 2015 spring seasonal trains of japan railways” , if i’m boarding about 6 July, 2015 on Station/Train #1. I will to take “Yufu” Train that is meaning Yufu KIHA-185 series, right?
Thanks, again
Hi Eva,
I think Hyperdia does not show correct dates. The dates I show in “Schedule of 2015 spring seasonal trains of japan railways” are correct. I found these dates at JR Kyushu official site.
You understand it correctly. Yufuin no Mori #1 will be operated as Yufu on July 6.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi,
I’ve JR pass, is it necessary to RESERVE seats before boarding on Yufuin no Mori?
best regards
Hi Nar,
Yes. All seat are reserved. You cannot take this train without booking.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I will be spending three nights in Fukuoka, Hakata area on 12-14 Feb. Is it possible to make a day trip to Yufuin from Hakata? When is the first and last Yufuin no Mori train to go there and come back; and how much is the return train (to & back) fares per person. Thank you.
Hi Lawrence,
You can find timetable at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2014-15-winter-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html#kyushu
At Hyperdia, you may find the fare info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi-san,
Our family of 3 is doing an overnight trip to Yufuin from Fukuoka on 30/12 to 31/12.
Please advise if we need to book the bus or train ticket in advance.
If yes, please advise where can i buy it from.
Thank you
Pat Yan
Hi Pat Yan,
Reservation is required for bus and recommended for train. But there is no way to book train from outside of Japan. But bus can be booked at the link below:
http://www.atbus-de.com.e.jo.hp.transer.com/
I have never used this site. So I don’t know the procedure. And this is machine translation site. You may not be able to understand at some part of this site.
I hope you will make it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi-san!
I am planning a trip to Fukuoka from Jan 21-25. The first 3 nights are near Hakata station, but I’ve booked a hot spring hotel in Yufuin on the 24th. Check in at 3pm, and our flight out of Japan is at 6pm on the 25th.
Do you have any advice for reservations for taking the Yufuin no Mori? What do you think are our chances for getting a reservation during that time? Is it possible to make a reservation at the airport JR station?
Sorry for the many questions! Thank you!!!
Hi Jeff san,
I think it will be okay. Mid January is the slowest season of the year.
You can’t make a reservation at the airport. At Fukuoka airport, it’s a subway station, not JR. You can make it at Hakata.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello,
I plan to travel from Yufuin to Beppu (Feb, 22 or 23, 2015),
I will appreciate it if you can give reply the below.
– How many trains are there in day?
– What would the fare be for an adult and a children?
Thank you!
Hi Jonathan,
If you intend to take this train, Yufuin no Mori, there is only one round trip. You can find the info at the bottom of the post below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2014-15-winter-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html
But there are many more local trains from Yufuin to Oita. And then you will transfer the train to Beppu. There are many more trains between Oita and Beppu.
You can find timetable and fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail