"KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR Kyushu Limited Express "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU", a train connecting Kumamoto Station and Oita Station via the Hohi Main Line. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. While popular for its traverse of Kyushu, the Hohi Main Line has been affected by past disasters, and train operations can fluctuate significantly. Please be sure to check the latest service information on the JR Kyushu official website before traveling. Aso is a magnificent natural area, and Kuju and Yufuin are popular hot spring areas.

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 "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" was a limited express train that connected Kumamoto Station and Oita Station via the Hohi Main Line. Operated with KiHa 185 series diesel railcars, it served as an express train providing access to the magnificent natural beauty of Aso and the hot spring resorts of the Kuju and Yufuin areas. Due to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and subsequent heavy rain disasters, there were long-term service suspensions on some sections of the Hohi Main Line, and the train's operating section and number of trains have been modified to reflect the actual situation. If all seats are reserved or unreserved, please check the latest information from the operating company before boarding. This article is based on information previously provided for the "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU," but please be sure to check the current train name and operating status with primary sources before publishing this article. When it was in operation, it was highly valued as a trans-island route connecting the magnificent natural beauty of Aso with the hot spring resorts of Oita Prefecture. At the time of its operation, it was one of the few direct express trains connecting the prefectural capitals of Kumamoto and Oita, and was highly valued by business travelers.

What is "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU"?

The "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" was an express train that connected Kumamoto Prefecture and Oita Prefecture via the Hohi Main Line, passing through Aso. It used KiHa 185 series diesel railcars, and at one point it operated through service to the Minami Aso Railway. In the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, a section of the Hohi Main Line was damaged, forcing the train to suspend service or shorten its route for an extended period. It was once known as a train that inherited the lineage of the Limited Express "ASO".

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" lies, as its name suggests, in the dynamic scenery it offers, traversing the magnificent caldera landscape of Aso while connecting Kumamoto and Oita prefectures. Along the Hohi Main Line, there are Aso's grasslands and famous hot spring resorts such as Kuju, Yufuin, and Beppu, and the convenience of being able to access them without changing trains has been a major draw. With the restoration of the Hohi Main Line, there is a possibility that a new brand development as a tourist train is underway, so it would be a good idea to also check the latest lineup of Kyushu's tourist trains. From inside the train, passengers could enjoy the dynamic scenery unique to the Kyushu Mountains, such as the outer rim of Aso and the mountain range of the Kuju Mountains. The convenience of being able to access the Kuju and Yufuin areas on the Oita Prefecture side without changing trains using this train was highly valued. The train's configuration, while simple in its facilities characteristic of the KiHa 185 series, exuded the elegance befitting a Kyushu limited express train. During the era when direct service to the Minami Aso Railway was available, itineraries that connected with the trolley train were also popular.

Timetable for "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU"

*The operating section and number of trains for the "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" may change significantly depending on the recovery status of the Hohi Main Line following the disaster.

Southbound (towards Oita) Timetable

Northbound (towards Kumamoto) Timetable

The "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" has been operating between Kumamoto Station and Oita Station via the Hohi Main Line, but it has a history of service suspensions and route shortenings due to disasters. Therefore, it is essential to check the official website for the exact operating schedule as of July 2026. The train name itself may have been consolidated or reorganized into something like "KAWASEMI YAMASEMI".

Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" has a history of significant fluctuations in its operating sections and frequency due to the recovery status of the Hohi Main Line following disasters. Around 2020, there was a period when some sections of the Hohi Main Line were suspended for extended periods, during which time substitute buses were provided.

Operating Section of "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU"

Main Sections

• Kumamoto Station - Aso Station - Oita Station (via the Hohi Main Line; the route may change depending on the disaster recovery status)

Oita Station is the gateway to Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Onsen. The area around Aso Station is a base for sightseeing at Mount Aso, which boasts one of the world's largest calderas. The area around Bungo-Taketa in Oita Prefecture is known as a place associated with Rentaro Taki, and there are many tourist spots related to "Kojo no Tsuki" (The Moon over the Ruined Castle). Bungo-Taketa is also known as a tourist destination with historical and musical connections, such as the ruins of Oka Castle and the Rentaro Taki Memorial Museum. The area around Aso Station has a unique topography characteristic of a caldera basin surrounded by outer rim mountains, and has attracted many tourists. From the Oita Prefecture side, it also has good access to Yufuin and Beppu, two of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, and has functioned as a starting point for sightseeing tours. The Kokonoe "Yume" Grand Suspension Bridge is one of the tallest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan and is known as one of Oita Prefecture's popular tourist spots.

Stations Where "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" Stops

Main Stops

• Kumamoto Station
• Higo-Otsu Station
• Tateno Station
• Aso Station
• Bungo-Taketa Station
• Oita Station

*Please note that the number of stops and operating sections may change significantly depending on the status of disaster recovery, etc.

Fares for "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU"

Representative Section Fare

*JR Kyushu's limited express train fares were revised in 2023.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. The limited express surcharge may differ depending on whether you choose a reserved or unreserved seat. Children's basic fares and limited express surcharges are generally half of the adult fare (rounded up to the nearest 10 yen) if the service is operating. If the service is confirmed to be operating, the basic system is that in addition to the basic fare, a limited express surcharge will be applied depending on whether you choose a reserved or unreserved seat.

Possibility of Changes to the Operating System

In conjunction with the disaster recovery of the Hohi Main Line, the "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" service may have been integrated or changed to a different train name (such as "KAWASEMI YAMASEMI"). There are various theories regarding the circumstances of the service termination and reorganization, so the most reliable way to know the exact current situation is to check the official announcement from JR Kyushu. At the time, the train depot was located in Kumamoto City and was equipped to handle both the Hohi Main Line and the Kagoshima Main Line. The Hohi Main Line had many stations that served as branch lines to hot spring resorts, making it a route well-suited for sightseeing with stops along the way.

*Prices are subject to change.

How to Buy Tickets for "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU"

JR Kyushu Internet Train Reservation

If the train is in operation, you can purchase a limited express ticket by credit card payment through JR Kyushu's online train reservation service.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can also purchase limited express tickets at designated seat ticket machines or ticket offices at the station.

Purchase Onboard

If there are unreserved seats, you will only need a basic fare ticket and will need to purchase an unreserved limited express ticket separately onboard or at a station.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" is a JR Kyushu train, 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.

*The types of passes eligible and the applicable conditions may change.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

Even if you book through JR Kyushu's online train reservation system, in most cases you will need to pick up your tickets at a designated ticket vending machine at the station before boarding.

*Whether or not a ticket is required depends on the type of reservation service.

Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?

In some sections of the route that fall within the SUGOCA area, the basic fare portion can be paid using a transportation IC card. However, the limited express fare portion cannot be paid using the balance on the IC card and must be purchased as a separate limited express ticket in advance.

As of July 2026, contactless payment via credit card is not widely available for boarding trains on the service routes.

*Please note that you cannot ride the limited express train using only your IC card. A limited express fare must be purchased separately.

Seat Information for "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU"

Seat Type

The "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" was operated using KiHa 185 series diesel railcars and consisted of Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Ordinary Car Unreserved Seats. The train composition and operating system may have changed.

Distinctive Seating

The KiHa 185 series is a limited express diesel railcar developed in the final years of the Japanese National Railways (JNR), characterized by its simple yet highly practical seating arrangement. In the past, it also operated through services to the Minami Aso Railway, giving it an aspect as a tourist train. The KiHa 185 series is a vehicle with a proven track record of operation on multiple limited express trains in Kyushu. The seats are simple but highly practical, and it has supported limited express transportation throughout Kyushu for many years. The seats are simple reclining seats, designed to allow for relatively comfortable long-distance journeys. The windows are designed to be large, allowing passengers to leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Kyushu Mountains from inside the train.

Large Luggage Storage Area

There is space provided within the train for storing large luggage.

Barrier-Free Facilities

For the latest information, please check Ekitan or the official website of the railway company.

*Details of seating facilities may vary depending on the train configuration and operating schedule.

 

 

Bento Boxes and Onboard Dining on "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU"

There is no onboard sales service on the "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU". If you wish to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at a bento box shop or store near Kumamoto Station or Oita Station. When the train was in operation, there was sometimes onboard sales of local specialty products.

*Onboard sales are not available. Operating hours for station shops and restaurants may change.

Points to Note When Riding "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU"

The "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" is a train whose operating schedule has fluctuated significantly due to the recovery status of the Hohi Main Line from disasters. When planning your trip, be sure to check the latest operating information on the JR Kyushu official website and keep in mind that the train name itself may have changed. Also, checking information on alternative trains such as "KAWASEMI YAMASEMI" will help your travel planning go more smoothly. If you are currently considering using this train, researching alternative sightseeing trains and bus routes will increase the flexibility of your itinerary. Currently, many travelers use local trains and buses to travel similar routes, so gathering information on alternative means of transportation is also important.

Even if the train is in operation, the operating section, stops, and travel time may differ from those stated in this article.

Summary

The "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" was a limited express train that connected Kumamoto Station and Oita Station via the Hohi Main Line, but its operating system has undergone significant changes due to the Kumamoto Earthquake and heavy rain disasters. It can be said to be one of the trains that tells the story of the complex history of disaster recovery in Kyushu's railway network. It is a train worth documenting as a symbolic presence that tells the story of the history of disaster and recovery in Kyushu's railway network. It can be said to be one of the trains that should be recorded as it tells the story of the importance of the Hohi Main Line in the history of Kyushu's railways. True to its name as a trans-Kyushu express, it has played the role of a major artery connecting the east and west of Kyushu for many years. In the reorganized Kyushu tourist train network, it is thought that the role that this train played has been partially taken over by other trains.

Please be aware that operating days, timetables, fares, and train names may change. When planning your trip, always check the latest information on the JR Kyushu official website before considering the route of the "KYUSHU ODAN TOKKYU" that crosses Aso.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.