Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR Kyushu Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH", which connects Hakata Station and Huis Ten Bosch Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train between Huis Ten Bosch and northern Nagasaki Prefecture, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" is a JR Kyushu limited express train connecting Hakata Station and Huis Ten Bosch Station. It operates as a direct access train to Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Some services are operated in conjunction with the Limited Express "MIDORI", with the trains being split and merged at intermediate stations. The train uses 783 series electric trains, which are characterized by their colorful exteriors. Reserved seats are the norm, but some trains and cars may have unreserved seats. From the train windows, passengers can enjoy the rural scenery of the Saga Plain near the Ariake Sea and the mountainous scenery of northern Kyushu. Since there are trains and destinations with similar names, it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding. Item Content Train Name "HUIS TEN BOSCH" Operating Company JR Kyushu Main Operating Sections Hakata Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station Main Starting and Ending Stations Hakata Station / Huis Ten Bosch Station Number of Services Several round trips per day Estimated Travel Time Hakata to Huis Ten Bosch: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes Seating Ordinary Car Reserved Seats/Unreserved Seats 
Table of Contents
- What is the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"?
- Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" Timetable
- Operating Sections of the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
- Stations Served by the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
- Fares for the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
- How to Buy Tickets for the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
- Do I need to get a physical ticket?
- Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
- Seating Information for the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
- Ekiben and In-train Dining on the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
- Points to Note When Riding the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
- Summary
What is the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"?
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" is a JR Kyushu limited express train named after the theme park. Huis Ten Bosch is a large theme park that recreates the streetscape of the Netherlands and opened in 1992. Canals flow through the park, and colorful flowers bloom in every season. The 783 series train used is the first limited express train developed by JR Kyushu and is also known by the nickname "Hyper Saloon". On services that are coupled with the Limited Express "MIDORI", the train is split at an intermediate station and proceeds to its respective destination.
Train Features and Popular Points
The appeal of the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" lies in its direct access from Hakata to the theme park without transfers. Huis Ten Bosch Station is within walking distance of the theme park entrance. The 783 series train has a unique structure with doors in the center of the car body, and the passenger compartments are divided into front and rear sections. Within Huis Ten Bosch, you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as tulips and roses. The winter illuminations are among the largest in Japan. Canals flow through the park, and you can also view the cityscape from the water on a cruiser. In Sasebo, Sasebo burgers and lemon steaks are well-known local specialties. Kujukushima is a beautiful landscape of islands of all sizes, which can be viewed from a sightseeing boat.
Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" Timetable
*The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" operates several round trips per day.
Timetable for Downbound Services (towards Huis Ten Bosch Station)
| Stations | Example Time |
|---|---|
| Departing Hakata Station | 08:39 |
| Arriving Huis Ten Bosch Station | 10:22 |
Timetable for Upbound Services (towards Hakata Station)
| Stations | Example Time |
|---|---|
| Departing Huis Ten Bosch Station | 10:50 |
| Arriving Hakata Station | 12:36 |
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" operates several times a day in each direction. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, while the intervals may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.
Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" operates daily throughout the year. Some trains run coupled with the Limited Express "MIDORI", with splitting and merging occurring at intermediate stations. It can get crowded during the illumination season.
Operating Sections of the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
Main Sections
- Hakata Station to Tosu Station (JR Kagoshima Main Line)
- Tosu Station to Kohoku Station (JR Nagasaki Main Line)
- Haiki Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station (JR Sasebo Line/JR Omura Line)
Huis Ten Bosch Station is the gateway to the Huis Ten Bosch theme park. The entrance gate to Huis Ten Bosch is within walking distance from the station. The park features a beautiful landscape recreating a Dutch town. The Domtoren, a 105-meter-tall tower, is the park's symbol, offering panoramic views from its observation deck. Sasebo can be reached by transferring to the JR Sasebo Line from Haiki Station. At Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, you can take a sightseeing boat tour of the Kujukushima islands. Takeo-Onsen is a hot spring resort with a 1300-year history, symbolized by its vermilion-lacquered gate. Since transportation to surrounding tourist attractions is mainly by bus or on foot, it's a good idea to check local transportation options beforehand. Tourist information centers are sometimes located near the station where you can obtain maps and brochures.
Stations Served by the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
Main Stations Served
- Hakata Station
- Tosu Station
- Saga Station
- Takeo-Onsen Station
- Haiki Station
- Huis Ten Bosch Station
*The number of stops varies depending on the train.
Fares for the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
Representative Section Fares
| Section | Total Unreserved Seat Fare | Total Reserved Seat Fare | Total Green Car Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hakata Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station | 4,220 yen | 4,750 yen | 7,020 yen |
The basic fare is 2,420 yen. The Limited Express Surcharge is 1,800 yen for unreserved seats, 2,330 yen for reserved seats, and 4,600 yen for Green Car seats.
Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Surcharge
The fare for the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" is the sum of the basic fare (fare) to your destination and the Limited Express Surcharge. On trains with unreserved seating, the Limited Express Surcharge differs between reserved and unreserved seats. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the Limited Express Surcharge. JR Limited Express Surcharges are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a regular season, high season, or off-peak season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "Limited Express Surcharge" for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.
Combined Operation with the Limited Express "MIDORI"
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" sometimes operates in conjunction with the Limited Express "MIDORI". On these coupled trains, the train is split at stations such as Haiki Station, and each train proceeds to its respective destination. If you board the wrong car, you may end up going in a different direction than your destination, so please be careful. Be sure to check the car number and destination before boarding.
How to Buy Tickets for the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
JR Kyushu Online Reservation Service
JR Kyushu's online reservation service allows you to purchase reserved seats using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. Discount tickets may be available exclusively through online reservations. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to conditions and fees.
Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines and Ticket Offices
You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi. The availability of unreserved seats varies depending on the train and car. Please check when making your reservation or on the station's information displays. Ticket vending machines often support multilingual displays, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.
Travel Agencies
Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine admission tickets to Huis Ten Bosch with train and accommodation.
How to Buy for International Tourists
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" is operated by JR Kyushu, so it can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or JR Kyushu Rail Pass. Even when using a pass, if you wish to use a reserved seat, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. On trains with unreserved seating, you can use the pass. If you wish to use a reserved seat, please make a seat reservation. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.
Do I need to get a physical ticket?
Even if you purchase your tickets online, you may still need to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket machine at the station. You can choose your preferred method of pickup when making your reservation, so be sure to check before you board. If you choose to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.
Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
In the SUGOCA area around Fukuoka and Saga Prefectures, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion of your ticket. However, some sections within Nagasaki Prefecture may be outside the IC card area. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their area.
Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.
Seating Information for the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
Seat Types
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" is operated using 783 series electric trains, and while reserved seats are the norm, some trains and cars may have unreserved seats. During high season, seats fill up quickly, so it's best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Car Reserved Seat | Standard 2+2 row seating |
| Ordinary Car Unreserved Seat | Available on some trains and cars. |
Distinctive Seating Features
The 783 series has a unique structure with a door located in the center of the car body, dividing the passenger compartment into front and rear sections. This structure creates a calm atmosphere inside the passenger compartment. The seats are equipped with a reclining function, ensuring a comfortable ride. The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" features a colorful exterior inspired by the theme park. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check the seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.
Large Luggage Storage
Luggage racks may be provided at the ends of the train cars.
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting a JR Kyushu ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.
Ekiben and In-train Dining on the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
There is no in-train sales service on the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH". If you would like to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the Ekiben shops or stalls at Hakata Station. Hakata Station offers a variety of Ekiben featuring Fukuoka specialties such as mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and tonkotsu ramen. Huis Ten Bosch has a variety of restaurants and cafes within its grounds. Sasebo burgers are known as a hearty and delicious local delicacy. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or at the station after disembarking.
Points to Note When Riding the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH"
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" sometimes operates in conjunction with the Limited Express "MIDORI". Be sure to check which car you board, as boarding the wrong car may take you to a different destination. Availability of unreserved seats varies depending on the train and car, so please check before boarding. During the illumination season, both the park and the trains will be crowded. You will need to walk from Huis Ten Bosch Station to the theme park entrance. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.
Since there is no onboard service, if you plan to eat, be sure to prepare before boarding. Checking the train schedule on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.
Summary
The Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH" is a JR Kyushu limited express train connecting Hakata Station and Huis Ten Bosch Station. Its appeal lies in its direct access to the theme park, which recreates the streetscape of the Netherlands, without the need for transfers. Since some services are coupled with the Limited Express "MIDORI", be sure to check which car you will be boarding.
Enjoy your Kyushu trip on the Limited Express "HUIS TEN BOSCH", which transports you to the streets of the Netherlands.
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