Some journeys are destinations in themselves. The Yufuin no Mori, the famous green resort train linking Fukuoka and the onsen town of Yufuin, is one of Japan’s most scenic rides, and we filmed the whole experience the way it actually feels.
The journey takes 2 hours 15 minutes through lush forests, peaceful countryside and mountain landscapes that roll past like a slideshow you didn’t have to queue for. We kept the film authentic: the real sounds of the train, the atmosphere of the carriages, the views from the window, no commentary, no distractions.
If two hours is more than you've got, here's the whole thing in under two minutes. The Yufuin no Mori runs from Yufuin to Hakata Station in Fukuoka, through Kyushu's forests and countryside, and it's built as a luxury train rather than a commuter one. Worth booking on its own merits if you're planning a trip around Japan's railways.
It’s a film for train lovers, Japan planners, or anyone who enjoys a slow travel moment. If Kyushu is on your list, book the Yufuin no Mori rather than the ordinary express, it turns a transfer into one of the best memories of the trip. Pair it with our stops in Yufuin and Beppu for the full Oita adventure.
Two other things happened on this trip that ended up with films of their own: the Kyushu sumo tournament, which our November dates landed on by luck, and a night in a Hakata love motel, which was entirely on purpose.
There’s more from this trip on our YouTube channel, we film the real sights and sounds, no fluff. You’ll also find us on TikTok and Instagram.
We stayed at the Henn na Hotel Fukuoka Hakata in Hakata, the one staffed by robots.