Kyushu 2023 - Yufuin No Mori Train to Yufuin

 

So the highly anticipated train that we going to take was Yufuin no Mori, which literally translate to Forrest of Yufuin. And true to it's name, it's kinda forest themed with beautiful green and brown inside and out. The ticket for this train was bought outside of our JR Pass. 

Above is what the train looked like. When I saw it on the internet the first time, I just knew I wanted to get on this train. It just looked so whimsical. The train takes us directly to Yufuin Village, and most of the track goes through the beautiful forest and landscape of Kyushu on the way there.

Inside the train, beautifully decorated with the train's poster, as well as commemorable date.

Here is our ticket! Paid a special booking fees online to get this. The fee was around 1000yen per ticket. When you're working like mad with no time to spend your money, you don't really mind spending on things that you really really life. And so I did!

On the train, you could also get free postcard at the cafe carriage. Look how pretty it is with the backdrop of the sceneries going by! How green!

At the back of the postcard there is a place for you to get a special chop which is only available on the train. So of course I have to get one! As all these are only available at the cafe and retail carriage, you should not just remain in your seat on this train ride! Luckily we learned this quickly, so now whenever I take a special themed train, I always walk around to explore the train. There are always cute corner or small details around the train that makes the trip so special. 

This is what the cafe carriage looked like. I am actually quite surprised there are still so many postcard left! To the right is the special chop with green ink pad too! You could also purchase other gifts, or even food and drink from this carriage, My husband actually got us a bento box from here. I didn't want to get one since it was kinda overpriced. At times like this, I am glad my husband is with me, cause he is the spend drift among us, and thanks to him I also get to enjoy the experience of eating a bento in this beautiful train!

The small eating carriage was pretty crowded. But most people were kind enough to vacant the seat once they are done drinking of eating.

Love that the seatings all have great view of the landscape outside! The natural sun light shinning in, with the natural green of the fields and hills were really something! Since we went a bit late, we stayed longer to enjoy your lunch since there were less people by then. Awesome experience. 

The view of the villages we went pass.

At some remote station, there were people who came out to wave at us! I always find this so heart warming. Imagine, waving at total strangers and never seeing them again. It is something you just do without getting anything back in return except the thought that you've cheered someone up with your friendly wave :) 

Pristine clean stream running though the landscape. It makes me wonder, why can't the river or streams in Malaysia ever look clean? It's one of my pain point when I am travelling around my own country. The sore sight of trash really gets to me. 

We also went pass a small waterfall. Before reaching the waterfall, the train made an announcement for passengers to be prepared for what is coming up. And when it neared the waterfall, it actually slowed down and stopped so that passengers can take nice photos of the fall. I thought that was just wonderful! It almost felt like we were on a private chattered train!

After almost 2 hours, we finally arrived at our station. Above that's me next to the train. Note that this wasn't the terminating station for the train, so make sure you remember to alight when you reach Yufuin station! We were going to be spending 2 days and 1 night in Yufuin.