This limited express train connects the gateway city in Kyushu, Hakata with very historical port city Nagasaki. Some of trains are operated between Hakata and Saga, Hizen-Kashima. When you go to Nagasaki, take Shinkansen to Hakata and change this train to Nagasaki. Unzen Amakusa National Park from Isahaya.
This express train can be used by Japan Rail Pass without any restrictions. So let’s see the details.
Route, schedule and time required
Kamome is serviced by 885 series, 787 series and 783 series. The train that is serviced by the newest train 885 series is the fastest. It takes just less than 1 hour 50 minutes. The other trains that are serviced by 787 or 783 series connect Hakata and Nagasaki about 2 hours. Kamome services run every 30 minutes for daytime. Some of Kamome used to be combined with the limited express “Midori” between Hakata and Hizen-Yamaguchi. But when the timetable was revised on Mar 12, 2011, all Kamome were stopped combining with Midori. JR Kyushu operates 28 to 29 round trips a day.
You can check the timetable at JR Kyushu website (English).
Stations
Hakata (博多) | x |
---|---|
Futsukaichi (二日市) | * |
Tosu (鳥栖) | x |
Shin-Tosu (新鳥栖) | x |
Saga (佐賀) | x |
Hizen-Yamaguchi (肥前山口) | * |
Hizen-Kashima (肥前鹿島) | x |
Isahaya (諫早) | x |
Urakami (浦上) | x |
Nagasaki (長崎) | x |
x:All trains stop *:some trains stop
View Kamome in a larger map
Accommodation
Kamome is operated three types of trains, 885 series, 787 series and 783 series. 885 is the newest and fastest. But 787 series has the best reputation.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
885 series
Kamome which is serviced by this series is called “White Kamome”. 885 series equip the leather seat for both Green and Ordinary. It looks good and have very sophisticated atmosphere, but this seat is a bit slippery and has leather smell.
The seat configuration on Green class 1+1+1 and the seat pitch is 1,150 mm. The seat pitch on Ordinary class is 980 mm. The seat in car #2 of some train sets have the power outlet. You will see lots of Japanese modern art in this car. You can enjoy this car as art gallery.
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
G | R | R | R | NR | NR | NR |
787 series
This series is one of the best one in not only JR Kyushu trains but also in all JR trains. Especially Green class has a great reputation. I recommend to try taking this seat.
The seat configuration on Green class 2+1 and the seat pitch is 1,200 mm. The seat pitch on Ordinary class is 1,000 mm. DX Green seat is much more spacious. Seat layout is same as Green class. But there are only three seats for six Green class seat space. That is almost double of common Green seat.
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
DXG | G/GC | R | R | R | NR | NR |
*DXG=Deluxe Green seat G=Green seat GC=Green compartment R=Reserved seat NR=Non reserved seat
Smoking is not allowed on this train.
Images
Deluxe Green seat
*This seat cannot be used by Japan Rail Pass.
783 series
There is only 12 seats on Green class. The seat configuration is 2+1 and the seat pitch is 1,200 mm. It is a big seat and has enough leg room. The seat pitch on Ordinary seat is 1,000 mm. 783 series is operated for most of limited express trains in Kyushu. It is the oldest train in three types for Kamome. But it is not bad.
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
G | R | NR | NR | NR |
*G=Green seat R=Reserved seat NR=Non reserved seat
Smoking is not allowed on this train.
Comments
I am travelling from Shin Kobe by Sakura shinkansen 555 on the 11th November . It reaches Hakata at 14:41. At which platform does the train arrive? From Hakata I am taking Kamimeguro 25 at 14:55 to Nagasaki. At which platform do I take the Kamome 25 limited express train?
Thank you
Hi Ram,
You will arrive at track #15 and depart from track #4. You can find this info at hyperdia>
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the prompt reply. How long does it take to walk from track 15 to track 4? Are they on the same level? I am a bit handicapped.
Hi Ram,
Shinkansen platform is located at 3rd floor and the conventional train (limited express Kamome) platform is located at 2nd floor. 10 minutes is minimum and 15 minutes is more comfortable.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, do I need to get reservation seats from Hakata to Nagasaki?
Hi Ksv,
It’s not required.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello I wish to take Series 787 from Hakata to Nagasaki but the JR Kyushu timetable only lists 1 train and the other is unlisted.
Kamome 9- Series 885
Kamome 11- ?
Kamome 13- Series 885
I have a green pass so I really want to take a 787.
Hi Chris,
At this point, the following Kamome trains are operated by 787.
Kamome 1・5・11・15・29・33・37・41・101
Kamome 10・14・28・32・36・40・44・48・108
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Do I need to reserve seats if I travel between Hakata and Nagasaki during golden week?
Hi Amrith,
It is highly recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Unfortunately Kyushu rail pass website does not allow online reservation for kamome trains.. I’ve to reserve the seat once I arrive in Japan and collect my rail pass, which could be too late.. What are the chances of getting seats on non reserved cabins?.. We’re couple with a baby..
Hi Amrith,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
That was helpful.
Thank you.
No worries, Amrith.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello. I cannot find ticket prices in your website. How much round trip train ticket for 2 adults and 3 children (12, 12 and 10 yrs old) from Hakata Station, Fukuoka. Do you have promo price for 5 going to:
1. Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch or Limited Express Midori and
2. Limited Express to Nagasaki
thank you.
Hi Michelle,
You can find it at Hyperdia. Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
The nice thing about 885 series is that the front seats can see the driver and out of the front of the train. So try to book these if you can. For Hakata – Nagasaki the front is green class. On the way back the front is coach 6 NR.
Somewhat magically the glass partition between front row seats and the driver turns clear while the train is driving. at stations the driver presses a button and the whole glass wall turns a frosted white.
[…] gave our JR Pass a workout and caught a sleek, super comfortable Kamome Limited Express. JR trains website provides an amusing description “It looks good and have very sophisticated atmosphere, but this […]
[…] gave our JR Pass a workout and caught a sleek, super comfortable Kamome Limited Express. JR trains website provides an amusing description “It looks good and have very sophisticated atmosphere, but this […]