"Nichirin" Limited Express Train Timetables, Fares, and Ticket Purchase Information

This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR Kyushu's "Nichirin" Limited Express train, which primarily operates between Oita Station, Beppu Station, Miyazaki Station, and Miyazaki Airport Station. It covers timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As the main Limited Express train on the Nippo Main Line, it traverses the eastern coast of Kyushu, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip. A

*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, sales conditions, and purchase methods may change. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before use.

"Nichirin" is a JR Kyushu Limited Express train that runs on the Nippo Main Line, connecting Oita and Miyazaki prefectures. The train's name, "Nichirin," means "sun," and is inspired by the bright sunshine along the Nippo Main Line. The operating section varies depending on the service, with some services running from Oita Station and Beppu Station to Miyazaki Station and Miyazaki Airport Station, as well as services running only to certain sections. The train mainly uses 787 series electric trains and operates with reserved and unreserved ordinary seats as well as Green Cars. The name "Nichirin" has been used since 1968, and it has a history of more than half a century as the flagship train of the Nippo Main Line.

What is "Nichirin"?

The "Nichirin" is a long-running Limited Express train on the Nippo Main Line, connecting Oita and Miyazaki prefectures. The train's name means "sun," representing the bright sunshine along the Nippo Main Line and the image of a southern paradise. The operating section varies depending on the service, with many services running from Oita and Beppu Stations to Miyazaki and Miyazaki Airport Stations, as well as many local services to Saiki and Nobeoka Stations. The "Nichirin Sea Gaia," which prioritizes speed, operates as a higher-class service. Befitting a train name inspired by the sun, the Nippo Main Line is lined with bright, southern-style scenery.

Train Features and Popular Aspects

The appeal of the "Nichirin" train lies in its meticulous stops at even the smallest stations within Oita and Miyazaki prefectures, playing a vital role in regional transportation. Along the Nippo Main Line, a diverse coastline unfolds, including Beppu Bay and the Hyuga Sea, offering enjoyable scenery from the train windows. The 787 series trains used feature a calm, wood-grained interior, providing a comfortable travel experience even as a regional Limited Express. In addition to tourism, it plays an important role as a means of transportation for commuters, students, and business travelers within Oita and Miyazaki prefectures.

"Nichirin" Train Timetables

*The operating section and stations served for the "Nichirin" train vary greatly depending on the service.

Southbound (towards Miyazaki) Timetables

*This is a representative example.

Timetables for Northbound Trains (towards Oita)

*This is a representative example.

"Nichirin" operates services from Oita and Beppu Stations to Miyazaki and Miyazaki Airport Stations, as well as numerous services that terminate at Saiki Station, Nobeoka Station, and other intermediate stations. Since the operating sections and stations served vary greatly depending on the service, please be sure to check the destination and stations served before using the service.

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "Nichirin" train operates daily throughout the year. However, during severe weather such as typhoons, service is prone to suspensions and delays on some sections of the Nippo Main Line, so it's a good idea to check the service information for the day beforehand. Some sections of the Nippo Main Line are particularly susceptible to typhoons and heavy rain, so please pay attention to the weather when traveling to southern Kyushu.

"Nichirin" Operating Sections

Main Sections

• Oita Station to Miyazaki Station/Miyazaki Airport Station (Nippo Main Line)
• Oita Station to Saiki Station/Nobeoka Station (sectional services)
• Beppu Station to Miyazaki Station (some trains)

Oita Station is the capital of Oita Prefecture and serves as a gateway to Oita City and Beppu Onsen (hot springs). Miyazaki Station and Miyazaki Airport Station are hubs for sightseeing in Miyazaki, offering convenient access to Phoenix Seagaia Resort, Aoshima Shrine, and other attractions.

"Nichirin" Train Stops

Main Stops

• Oita Station
• Beppu Station
• Saiki Station
• Nobeoka Station
• Hyuga City Station
• Kadogawa Station
• Miyazaki Station
• Miyazaki Airport Station

*The stations served vary greatly depending on the service.

"Nichirin" Fares

Representative Section Fares

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetables - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Surcharge

The "Nichirin" fare is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the Limited Express surcharge. JR Kyushu's Limited Express surcharges differ for reserved and unreserved seats, with reserved seats being slightly more expensive. If you use a Green Car, you will need to pay the Green Car surcharge in addition to the reserved seat fare for the ordinary car. Children's fares and Limited Express surcharges are generally half the adult fare (rounded up to the nearest 10 yen).

Unreserved Seats and Green Cars

The "Nichirin" train offers unreserved seating, which is cheaper than reserved seating. If you wish to use a Green Car, you will need to pay the Green Car fare in addition to the reserved seat fare for the ordinary car. The availability of Green Cars may vary depending on the train's configuration.

How to Buy "Nichirin" Tickets

JR Kyushu Internet Train Reservation (e5489)

JR Kyushu's online reservation service, "e5489," allows you to purchase Limited Express tickets using a credit card. There are also special offers such as the "Kyushu Net Ticket," which offers discounted fares when booked online in advance. Limited Express tickets go on sale one month before the travel date. Membership registration is free, and you can check seat availability and make reservations 24 hours a day from your smartphone.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase Limited Express tickets at designated ticket machines or Midori-no-madoguchi at stations. If you wish to use unreserved seats, you will only need a basic fare ticket and will need to purchase an unreserved Limited Express ticket separately on board or at a station.

Purchase On Board

While it is possible to purchase a Limited Express ticket from the conductor on board after boarding, it may be more expensive than purchasing it in advance at the station.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The "Nichirin" 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 want to use a reserved seat, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket (unreserved seats may be available with just a basic fare ticket or pass).

*Please pay attention to the conditions for applying the pass.

Do I Need to Get a Physical Ticket?

Even when booking through online services such as "e5489," in most cases you will need to pick up your ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station before boarding. Some special promotional tickets may offer a ticketless service.

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

On sections of the "Nichirin" line that are included in the SUGOCA area, you may be able to use a transportation IC card for the basic fare portion of the ticket. However, the Limited Express surcharge portion cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card and must be purchased as a separate Limited Express ticket in advance. Some sections within Miyazaki Prefecture may be outside the SUGOCA area, so please check beforehand.

As of July 2026, contactless payment via credit card is not widely available on "Nichirin" lines, except for some sections and stations.

"Nichirin" Seating Information

Seat Types

The "Nichirin" train is operated using 787 series electric trains and consists of reserved and unreserved ordinary seats and Green Cars. The type of train used may vary depending on the train configuration.

Distinctive Seating

The 787 series train used for the "Nichirin" service has been a beloved representative Limited Express train of JR Kyushu since its debut in 1992. Characterized by its calm, wood-grained interior and spacious seating arrangement, it provides a comfortable travel experience even as a regional Limited Express. The 787 series was designed by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, and has had a significant influence on the design of subsequent JR Kyushu tourist trains.

Large Luggage Storage Area

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

Barrier-Free Facilities

The trains used are equipped with barrier-free facilities. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend that you contact a JR Kyushu ticket office or information center in advance.

Ekiben and In-train Dining on the "Nichirin" Train

While the "Nichirin" train previously offered a buffet and in-car sales service, it may have been reduced or discontinued by now. If you wish to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to purchase it in advance from ekiben shops or stalls around Oita Station or Miyazaki Station.

Points to Note When Riding the "Nichirin"

Since the "Nichirin" train's operating sections and stations served vary greatly depending on the service, please be sure to check the destination and stations served before boarding. Some services cover long distances, so please note that service suspensions and delays are likely during bad weather such as typhoons. Also, if you are planning to connect to a flight at Miyazaki Airport, we recommend allowing ample time for your connection.

Since there is no onboard service, please prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. If you use the unreserved seats, they may be full during peak season, so if you want to be sure of getting a seat, we recommend using the reserved seats.

Summary

The "Nichirin" is the main Limited Express train on the Nippo Main Line, connecting Oita and Miyazaki prefectures, operating multiple round trips daily. Primarily using 787 series trains, it serves both local and tourist transportation needs. Passengers can choose from reserved seats, unreserved seats, and Green Car seats, and the Japan Rail Pass and JR Kyushu Rail Pass are accepted. For those prioritizing speed, the "Nichirin Sea Gaia" is also worth considering. As the flagship train of the Nippo Main Line with a history spanning over half a century, it continues to support both local transportation and tourist transport.

Enjoy a trip to Kyushu on the "Nichirin" train, where you can savor the beautiful coastal scenery along the Nippo Main Line.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), conventional 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 transit 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.