Day 1 – Yufuin and the Journey Begins

The journey begins at Hakata Station, where guests are welcomed with warm hospitality before boarding the elegant Seven Stars. As the train glides through the northern Kyushu countryside, sweeping views of rice terraces, mountains, and charming villages set the tone for the adventure ahead. The first destination is the picturesque hot spring town of Yufuin, nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu-dake. Guests may wander through art galleries, boutique shops, and cafés, or enjoy the tranquility of Kinrin Lake, known for its ethereal morning mist. In the evening, passengers return to the train for a refined dinner in the Jupiter Dining Car, where a multi-course menu celebrates seasonal ingredients from Kyushu. The day closes with music and conversation in the lounge, as the train makes its way deeper into the island.

Day 2 – Aso’s Heritage and the Unzen Onsen Stay

Morning brings the train into the magnificent Aso region, home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Here, guests visit Taisho-ji Temple, historically linked to the Hosokawa samurai clan, where they can experience the meditative art of Bonseki, crafting miniature landscapes from sand and stones. Lunch is served in the serene temple grounds, offering a seasonal menu that reflects balance and harmony. Later in the day, the Seven Stars embarks on a rare voyage across the Ariake Sea, traveling by ferry with passengers comfortably on board. Upon arrival in Unzen, guests disembark to spend the night in a luxurious ryokan. Surrounded by the steamy geothermal landscapes of the region, they enjoy soothing hot spring baths and a kaiseki dinner highlighting Unzen’s unique mountain and coastal produce.

Day 3 – Unzen’s Hells and Nagasaki’s Cultural Tapestry

The morning begins with exploration of the Unzen Jigoku, or "Hells,” dramatic hot spring landscapes once used for religious training. Guests may also take a scenic ride on the Shimabara Railway, where the track hugs the coastline and reveals striking views of the sea. Lunch varies according to the chosen excursion, offering seafood specialties, Italian-inspired cuisine, or delicate tempura crafted from Shimabara’s fresh produce. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Nagasaki, a city that has long been a gateway between Japan and the wider world. Here, guests are treated to a traditional Shippoku banquet, a dining style blending Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences and enjoyed around large round tables. The evening is enriched by Kenban Geisha performances of dance and music, reflecting Nagasaki’s cosmopolitan history and vibrant cultural spirit.

Day 4 – Kunisaki’s Rural Heritage and Farewell

The final day unfolds with serene views along the Nippo Main Line, as the train passes coastlines and mountain ridges. After a seasonal breakfast on board, guests disembark for the Kunisaki Peninsula, an area celebrated for its centuries-old agricultural traditions. Recognized as a UNESCO World Agricultural Heritage Site, Kunisaki maintains a sustainable circular farming system that integrates rice paddies, dry-field crops, and forestry. Visitors may explore rural villages, terraced landscapes, and ancient temples that embody the peninsula’s deep harmony with nature. Before the journey concludes, a Kyoto-style bento lunch featuring regional Oita ingredients is served, beautifully presented in lacquered boxes. Returning to Hakata, the train staff bid a graceful farewell, leaving guests with a lasting impression of Kyushu’s landscapes, traditions, and refined hospitality.