Kagoshima Edition] Kagoshima & Miyazaki In-Depth Tour by D&S Train

 

This issue introduces the D&S train tour, which is popular in Kyushu.

What kind of train is the D & S Train, and what destinations does the D & S Train visit? The following is an introduction to the D & S Train.
First, let's understand what a D&S train is.
D&S is the abbreviation for DESING & STORY, and it is a wish for tourists to visit Kyushu on a train that is rich in design and stories.
The D&S train has several routes, each with its own theme. In addition to the personalized exterior and interior, the trains are packed with creative activities, shopping and dining.
Some of these lines are very difficult to book, and riding on these trains is a status symbol in itself.
Welcome to this article to start your D&S train journey.

The D&S train has a wide range of routes, and this issue introduces the “Ibusuki Tamatebako”, which offers some of Japan's finest scenery, and the “36+3”, which offers a luxurious ride.
We will be traveling to Kagoshima and Miyazaki in Kyushu on these two trains.
First of all, we would like to introduce you to the value tickets that are indispensable for your trip to Kyushu.
We highly recommend these tickets as they allow you to travel around Kyushu at a reasonable price.

JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS

This ticket is valid for unlimited rides on JR Line trains in the Kyushu area and can be purchased by foreign tourists traveling to Japan with a “short-term stay” status of entry.
There are several types of tickets with different validity periods and zones. The All Kyushu Pass is valid for 3, 5 and 7 days, the Kitakyushu Pass is valid for 3 and 5 days, and the Minami-Kyushu Pass is valid for 3 days, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Note that this ticket is not valid on some D&S trains (“ARU Train”, “Kanpachi/ichiroku Train”), and some trains (36+3) require a separate first class ticket.
In addition to the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS Online Booking, tickets can also be purchased through authorized agents overseas. If you purchase tickets through the official website, it is recommended that you purchase tickets for Shinkansen, limited express trains, and some D&S trains in reserved seats (for a fee) in advance of your arrival in Japan.

After purchasing great value tickets, we can embark on a fascinating D&S train journey.

Shijuku Tamatebako Train

The first train we'll take is the Ibusuki Tamatebako.
The train runs between Kagoshima City and Ibusuki City in Kagoshima Prefecture (the southernmost prefecture in Kyushu), and is charming with its high-class exterior and interior designed to complement the stunning scenery along the way.
Departures from Kagoshima Chuo Station, which is also a terminal station for the Kyushu Shinkansen.
We will now board this train.
Take Ibusuki Tamatebako No.1 which departs at 9:56.

When traveling on the Ibusuki Tamatebako Train, you will need to purchase a reserved seat ticket in addition to the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS, as all trains are reserved seats.

When you arrive at the platform, the Ibusuki Tamatebako train, featuring a black and white color scheme, will come into view.

The body design is also stylish, so passengers begin to look forward to the ride even before they get on the bus.

 

Passengers can take advantage of the pre-departure time to take a photo with the date plate in hand.
Staff can take photos of passengers with their own cameras or smartphones.
It is recommended that photos must be taken as a souvenir.
JR staff will see passengers off when the train departs.

When the train departs, everyone will smile and wave goodbye to the passengers.

Inside, there are window-facing seats that allow passengers to enjoy the scenery outside the car. The seats are also very comfortable and not at all tiring.

There are also special seats for children to enjoy the scenery, so that parents traveling with children can enjoy the journey with ease.
The interior of the train is made of wood, and the cozy atmosphere is highly appreciated.

Commemorative postmarks are available inside the bus, and a variety of souvenirs can be purchased inside the bus.
Crew members will push trolleys to the passenger seats to sell merchandise, so passengers can easily select their favorite souvenirs directly from their seats.

 

This time, we chose the box seat which can accommodate four passengers, and as a deluxe seat, it's perfect for experiencing with your family or loved ones.
The table tops are also spacious, making it easy for passengers to eat.

Soda and pudding purchased on the train.

 

The refreshing soda and sweet pudding complement each other and are especially recommended.

The scenery along the way is one of the main attractions of the Ibusuki Tamatebako Train.
If the weather is good, you can see Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima from the window.
Sakurajima is an active volcano, and sometimes you can see its smoke clearly.
It is rare in the world to be able to watch smoke erupt from an active volcano from such a safe distance.
You can enjoy this view leisurely on the Ibusuki Tamate Hako.
We had a rare moment of luxury.
After enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way and the comfortable environment inside the car, we soon arrived at the Finger Lodge.
We were also greeted by staff and local residents on the platform.

Here are some of the most recommended places to visit in Ibusuki.
First of all, we came to the front of the Fingerhut station.
There is actually a footbath facility here.
We can take a short break here.

Nishidayama Station

And then we come to
Nishi-Oyama Station is the southernmost station in Japan.
The highlight is the beautiful scenery that can be enjoyed from the platform.
It is worth seeing the magnificent view of Kaimen-yaku, which stands in front of the noodles.
You can take a train from Ibusuki Station, but check the timetable in advance as it runs less frequently.
Ibusuki Station is only about 25 minutes away from Nishi-Oyama Station, and is easily accessible by taxi from Ibusuki Station.

Nagasaki Niwa Ryugu Shrine

Then we will go to Nagasaki Nose and Ryugu Shrine.
Nagasaki is famous as the birthplace of the legend of the Ryugu Shrine in Japan. It is said to be the place where a young man named Taro Urajima and Princess Toyohime, the goddess of the sea, met.
At Ryugu Shrine, Toyo Yuhime is enshrined, and is said to be especially popular with young men and women as a god of marriage.
There is also a navigation board introducing the legend of the Dragon Palace, which is more interesting to look at while walking.
First, let's look at the Ryugu Shrine.

The bright vermillion color of the main hall matches the pure white color, which is very eye-catching.
When the weather is clear, it is stunningly bright against the blue sky.
Standing underneath the torii, you can enjoy the beautiful sea view and never get tired of it.

Walking from the main hall towards the sea, you will come to Nagasaki Nose. The white lighthouse is the symbol of this scenic spot, and the view is very beautiful.
On the way, you will pass a statue of Taro Urasima and a sea turtle. It is said that if you circle the statue twice and stroke the turtle, your wish will come true.

As we continue, we come to the lighthouse, and the view from here is truly spectacular.
The 360-degree view is unforgettable even today after the trip.

Youth 18 Tickets Summer 2010 Poster Locations

Let us introduce you to the shooting locations that will make the movie.
Youth 18 Tickets Summer 2010 Poster Locations

The Youth 18 Ticket is a very famous ticket in Japan, and its promotional posters use photos of the attraction. It's a rare sight to be able to capture both the train and Kaimantake in the same photo.
Being a place that you have to take a taxi to get to, you hardly see any other tourists arriving.
The scenery is breathtaking and we recommend that you make sure you get these views in your lens.

Sand Steam Club Salad

Next, we went to the Sand Steam Spa, which offers a unique way of healing the body.

It takes only 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Ibusuki Station.
Here you can experience sand steaming, which is not very common in Japan.
Sand steaming is the Japanese version of a sauna, where visitors lie on a beach by the sea with hot springs and cover their bodies with sand to promote sweating.
The principle is said to be that the beach is warmed by the hot springs and the body sweats under the heat and pressure of the sand covering the body.
By sweating slowly, the toxins in the body will be flushed out, thus improving your health.
After the sand steam, you should clean the sand from your body, and then you can take a bath in a normal hot spring.
You can relieve your daily fatigue through both sand steaming and regular hot springs.
It's hard to get this experience anywhere else, so we recommend you try it at Finger Lodge.

After visiting Ibusuki, we took the train back to Kagoshima City.

Fairy Rock Garden

Below is an introduction to one of the major sightseeing spots in Kagoshima City that are worth visiting.

Take a bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station and it takes about 30 minutes to reach Senganen.
About 360 years ago, the Shimazu family ruled the area. Senganen was once the residence and garden of the Shimazu family, and the garden overlooks Sakurajima.
The area of Sengan-en is very large and it takes about 2 hours to visit all of it.
In addition to strolling in the garden, you can also visit the mansion.
Visitors to the mansion can visit the mansion and visualize the life and history of that time through the materials and other artifacts displayed in the mansion.

The garden is lined with a variety of trees, and there is also an elaborate pond.
If you make a reservation in advance, you can dress up in samurai armor and have your picture taken in the garden, or you can experience painting on a porcelain plate called Satsuma-yaki.
In addition, you can buy such lovely souvenirs in the park.

JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima

We stayed at the JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima which is directly connected to Kagoshima Chuo Station.

The hotel's direct access to the train station provides great convenience, while the hotel's direct access to the shopping center makes shopping easy. A self-service locker is available in the lobby for guests' exclusive use.

In addition, the hotel offers an interesting service where guests can mix three types of bath salts according to their personal preferences and bring them back to their rooms.
It makes me look forward to my nightly bath.
When I bathe with bath salts, my body is warmed up and the fatigue from the trip is gone.

The bed was also very comfortable and I slept very well.

Kagoshimaya Terrace Village

Below is a list of some of Kagoshima's favorite dishes.
A few minutes“ walk from Kagoshima Chuo Station will bring you to Yakadai Village. The so-called ”Yatai Village“ is a collection of stalls on the same floor.

One of the stalls is very popular! You can enjoy Kagoshima's fresh bonito and ground chicken.
His roasted bonito is especially delicious, with no fishy flavor, and if you add a little salt, the freshness will spread in your mouth. It's hard to get this kind of flavor in other places.

Hyper Chicken Noro

Next up is the Hyper Chicken Noro.

It is also a five-minute walk from Kagoshima Chuo Station.
Using a variety of local ingredients, each dish is a masterpiece, and all desserts are made in-house.
Tea Yellowtail is especially recommended. The so-called tea yellowtail is a special yellowtail that is raised in the waters of Kagoshima with tea leaves, and you can only taste this precious yellowtail at this store and its chain stores.
The meat is firm and flavorful, and pairs well with the slightly sweet Kyushu soy sauce, making it a must-have.

You can also enjoy Kagoshima's specialties such as kurobuta pork and Japanese silver-banded herring. The variety of drinks is also extensive, and the range of homemade desserts changes from time to time. Whether it's a raw cake or a crème brûlée, each one is delicious, and if you bring your family along, you'll be able to satisfy the taste buds of every member of the family.

Dolphin TORO

If you still can't get enough of ramen at the end of your meal, would you like to have another bowl of ramen?
Dolphin Toro is a popular ramen store just a five-minute walk from Kagoshima Chuo Station. The thick soup made from pork bones and the melt-in-your-mouth barbecue pork are both delicious.

Seating is limited, and sometimes there are long lines when the restaurant is full, but it's well worth a try.

After a nice meal in Kagoshima, we will continue our journey to Miyazaki the next day.