Seven Stars in Kyushu
Japanese deluxe sleeper excursion train
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The Seven Stars in Kyushu (ななつ星ｉｎ九州, Nanatsuboshi in Kyūshū) is a deluxe sleeping car excursion train operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) in Japan since October 2013.[1][2]
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The Seven Stars in Kyushu in February 2025, hauled by a JR Kyushu Class DF200 diesel-electric locomotive | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Excursion train |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Kyushu |
| First service | 15 October 2013 |
| Current operator | JR Kyushu |
| Route | |
| Termini | Hakata Hakata (loop) |
| On-board services | |
| Seating arrangements | Lounge car |
| Sleeping arrangements | 2-person suites |
| Catering facilities | Dining car |
| Observation facilities | Observation car at end of train |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | 77 series coaches |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | Diesel-hauled |
| Operating speed | 100 km/h (60 mph) |
Design
The overall design concept of the train was overseen by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka.[2] The name of the train is derived from the seven prefectures of Kyushu and the fact that the train is made up of seven coaches.[3]
The dedicated diesel locomotive, DF200-7000, for the train was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe, based on the JR Freight Class DF200 locomotive, modified for use in Kyushu and finished in a livery of deep maroon.[4] It was completed in July 2013.[5] The coaches are based on the 817 series EMU body design and are mounted on 787 series EMU bogies.[4] Manufacture of the passenger coaches was split between Hitachi in Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi, and JR Kyushu's Kokura Works in Kitakyushu.[4]
Train formation
The train consists of the DF200-7000 locomotive and seven coaches: five sleeping cars, a lounge car, and a dining car,[1] with a total capacity of 28 passengers.[6] The rear car of the train features two deluxe suites with observation windows at the end.[2] All suites have their own toilets and shower facilities, designed in porcelain by the late Sakaida Kakiemon XIV.[7][8] The total cost of building the train was approximately 3 billion yen.[6]
The train is formed as follows.[9][10]
| Car No. | Running No. | Type | Manufacturer | Weight (t) | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MaI 77-7001 | Lounge car | JR Kyushu | 45.3 | with piano, bar counter and observation area |
| 2 | MaShiFu 77-7002 | Dining car | JR Kyushu | 45.2 | with toilets |
| 3 | MaINe 77-7003 | Sleeping car | JR Kyushu | 45.4 | 3 suites, shower room |
| 4 | MaINe 77-7004 | Sleeping car | Hitachi | 44.3 | 3 suites, toilets |
| 5 | MaINe 77-7005 | Sleeping car | Hitachi | 44.3 | 3 suites |
| 6 | MaINe 77-7006 | Sleeping car | Hitachi | 44.2 | 3 suites, toilets |
| 7 | MaINeFu 77-7007 | Sleeping car | Hitachi | 45.1 | 2 deluxe suites, mini kitchen, crew room |
MaI 77-7001 (car 1)
MaShiFu 77-7002 (car 2)
MaINe 77-7003 (car 3)
MaINe 77-7004 (car 4)
MaINe 77-7005 (car 5)
MaINe 77-7006 (car 6)
MaINeFu 77-7007 (car 7)
Route
The train operates on two-day and four-day circular tours of Kyushu, starting and finishing at Hakata Station.[10] Coach tours are provided from various stations along the route.[10]
2-day itinerary
4-day itinerary
- Day 1
- Hakata → Yufuin
- Day 2
- Miyazaki → Miyakonojō → Hayato
- Day 3
- Hayato → Kagoshima-Chuo → Kagoshima
- Day 4
- Aso → Bungo-Mori → Hakata
History
The dedicated Class DF200-7000 diesel locomotive for this train was delivered to JR Kyushu's Oita Depot from the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company in Kobe on 2 July 2013.[11] Four coaches were delivered from Hitachi's Kudamatsu factory on 18 July 2013.[12] The train entered revenue service on 15 October 2013.[13] Introducing Kyushu to the world is a part of the train's purpose.[14]
See also
- List of named passenger trains of Japan
- Joyful Train, the generic name for excursion and charter trains in Japan
- Cassiopeia, a luxury sleeping car train operated by JR East in Japan
- Twilight Express Mizukaze, a luxury sleeping car excursion train operated by JR West in Japan
- Train Suite Shiki-shima, a luxury sleeping car excursion train operated by JR East in Japan
