Getting Here

Getting Here · アクセス

How to arrive

From New York or San Diego

Fukuoka is the most direct entry point for this trip. From the Bay Area there are direct flights on United; east coast guests can connect through Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei. If anyone is planning to see Tokyo as well, it's worth thinking about which end of the trip to put it — routing through Tokyo both ways adds a travel day. From Fukuoka, take the 特急ゆふいんの森("Yufuin no Mori") scenic train or 或る列車("Aru Ressha") luxury excursion train from Hakata Station directly to Yufuin — 2 hours 10 minutes.

From Tokyo

Domestic flight to Fukuoka (about 1.5 hrs), or the Shinkansen to Hakata (about 5 hrs). From Hakata, the 特急ゆふいんの森("Yufuin no Mori") scenic train or 或る列車("Aru Ressha") luxury excursion train takes you straight to Yufuin.

From Taiwan

Direct flights from Taipei (TPE) to Fukuoka run frequently and take about 2.5 hours. One of the most accessible Japanese cities from Taiwan. From Hakata Station in Fukuoka, the 特急ゆふいんの森("Yufuin no Mori") scenic train or 或る列車("Aru Ressha") luxury excursion train straight to Yufuin.

Other Modes of Transportation

October is peak autumn season in Kyushu. The inn 山荘わらび野 is being coordinated through us — you'll be able to arrive and drop off your luggage on 10/13 morning. For any additional nights or travel, book as early as you can. Don't hestitate to reach out if you need help planning!

Rent a car if you're doing the outer areas.

The one-day itinerary is walkable from the station. The three and five-day plans are not — Tsukahara, Yuhira, Hasama, and Shonai all need a car or taxi. A rental from Fukuoka Airport gives full independence and the drive in on the Yamanami Highway is beautiful in daylight.

You can get an International Driving Permit, available from AAA for about $20 (takes 20 minutes, cannot be obtained in Japan). And just a heads up that driving is on the left, mountain roads can be narrow, and signage outside cities is mostly in Japanese.

Your ryokan can also arrange taxis for individual day trips if you'd rather not drive.

The Trains · 列車で行く

特急ゆふいんの森

Yufuin no Mori Limited Express

The train from Hakata Station to Yufuin is one of the more beautiful rail journeys in Japan. The deep green carriages cross forested mountain valleys and old red-iron bridges, with panoramic windows designed to put the landscape front and center. There is an observation seat directly behind the driver's cab — the tracks disappear into the forest ahead of you, and the whole landscape opens up on both sides.

The service on board is pleasant. There is a buffet car and wagon service with local Ōita specialties — including 生ビール (draft beer poured fresh on the train) and boxed お弁当(bento) designed around the region you're passing through. Children can borrow a conductor's uniform for a photo.

Hakata → Yufuin · approx. 2h20m · Reservation required · Book early, especially in October

或る列車

The Aru Ressha · A Certain Train

或る列車 is a full-course dining experience on rails — a recreation of a legendary Kyushu train from the Meiji era, reimagined by the same design team behind the Seven Stars luxury sleeper. The chocolate-brown carriages are fitted out with Art Nouveau woodwork, stained glass, and upholstered armchairs.

The meal is a multicourse kaiseki-inflected menu built around Ōita and Kyushu ingredients, paired with local sake and wine. There is no buffet car — the kitchen is on the train, and courses arrive at the table. It runs as an excursion, not a scheduled service, so the route and departure city vary by season.

Excursion service · Route varies by season · Advance reservation essential · Check JR Kyushu for current schedules