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Fukuoka

Riding the Yufuin no Mori, one of Japan's most scenic trains: 2 hours 15 minutes of forests and countryside between Yufuin and Fukuoka, captured authentically.

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.

One of Japan's most scenic train journeys, captured authentically. Watch on YouTube

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.

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.

Photos from Fukuoka

The train was only half the story. Our November 2024 dates happened to line up with the Kyushu sumo tournament, so we spent a day at the arena, from the banners outside to the final bouts.

Inga and Dileep in sumo T-shirts posing beside a Kumamon mascot statue dressed in a striped kimono outside the tournament venue
Outside the venue with Kumamon in his formal kimono. We dressed for the occasion too, obviously.
Sumo wrestlers in colourful ceremonial aprons standing in a circle around the raised clay ring during the ring-entering ceremony
The ring-entering ceremony. The ceremonial aprons alone are worth the ticket.
Two sumo wrestlers facing each other in the ring before a bout, watched by a referee in traditional dress and a full crowd
The stare-down before a bout. Half the sport happens before anyone touches anyone.
A sumo bout in progress with one wrestler lifting his opponent off balance at the edge of the ring
And then it is over in seconds. This one ended exactly the way it looks like it is about to.
Inga and Dileep taking a selfie in the upper seats of the sumo arena with the roofed ring and purple seating below
Our view over the arena, with the suspended shrine roof above the ring. Not a bad day out for Fukuoka.

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.