The new 36+3 sightseeing train joins the Seven Stars sleeper train in Kyushu, adding five new routes to Japan's southernmost main island.

The number '36' comes from Kyushu being the 36th largest island in the world, while the number 3 represents the coming together of the railway company, Kyushu locals and customers.

The new service will use a jet-black refurbished 787 series electric train with completely renovated interiors designed by the same designer as Kyushu's Seven Stars sleeper train.

The 36+3 train offers day trips on five different scenic routes throughout the seven Kyushu prefectures of Oita, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki and Kagoshima.

These make a circuit around the perimeter of Kyushu island

Trips are divided into five different day routes :

Thursday, the runs from Hakata in the north down the island's west coast offering views of the East China Sea along the way.

Friday, it cuts across the island's south from Kagoshima-Chuo to Miyazaki Airport with a stop at Osumi Okawara Station, with views of Kinko Bay and the Sakurajima volcano.

Saturday, the train runs along the eastern coast of Kyushu to Beppu, with a stop in Saiki City.

Sunday, it makes its way along the northern coastline and views of Beppu Bay and the mountains, and of Oita Prefecture, and

Monday route takes travellers from Hakata Station to the city of Nagasaki.

Useful links

​ www.welcomekyushu.com