The is a deluxe sleeping car excursion train operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) in Japan since October 2013.

Design The overall design concept of the train was overseen by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. The name of the train is derived from the seven prefectures of Kyushu and the fact that the train is made up of seven coaches.

The dedicated diesel locomotive, DF200-7000, for the train was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe, based on the JR Freight Class DF200 locomotive, modified for use in Kyushu and finished in a livery of deep maroon. It was completed in July 2013. The coaches are based on the 817 series EMU body design and are mounted on 787 series EMU bogies. Manufacture of the passenger coaches was split between Hitachi in Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi, and JR Kyushu's Kokura Works in Kitakyushu.

Train formation The train consists of the DF200-7000 locomotive and seven coaches: five sleeping cars, a lounge car, and a dining car, with a total capacity of 28 passengers. The rear car of the train features two deluxe suites with observation windows at the end. All suites have their own toilets and shower facilities, designed in porcelain by the late Sakaida Kakiemon XIV. The total cost of building the train was approximately 3 billion yen.

The train is formed as follows.

Car No. Running No. Type Manufacturer Weight (t) Facilities 1 MaI 77-7001 Lounge car JR Kyushu 45.3 with piano, bar counter and observation area 2 MaShiFu 77-7002 Dining car JR Kyushu 45.2 with toilets 3 MaINe 77-7003 Sleeping car JR Kyushu 45.4 3 suites, shower room 4 MaINe 77-7004 Sleeping car Hitachi 44.3 3 suites, toilets 5 MaINe 77-7005 Sleeping car Hitachi 44.3 3 suites 6 MaINe 77-7006 Sleeping car Hitachi 44.2 3 suites, toilets 7 MaINeFu 77-7007 Sleeping car Hitachi 45.1 2 deluxe suites, mini kitchen, crew room

Route

The train operates on two-day and four-day circular tours of Kyushu, starting and finishing at Hakata Station. Coach tours are provided from various stations along the route.

2-day itinerary Day 1 → Day 2 → → Hakata

4-day itinerary Day 1 → Day 2 → → Day 3 → → Day 4 → → Hakata

History

The dedicated Class DF200-7000 diesel locomotive for this train was delivered to JR Kyushu's Oita Depot from the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company in Kobe on 2 July 2013. Four coaches were delivered from Hitachi's Kudamatsu factory on 18 July 2013. The train entered revenue service on 15 October 2013. Introducing Kyushu to the world is a part of the train's purpose.

See also List of named passenger trains of Japan Joyful Train, the generic name for excursion and charter trains in Japan Cassiopeia, a luxury sleeping car train operated by JR East in Japan Twilight Express Mizukaze, a luxury sleeping car excursion train operated by JR West in Japan Train Suite Shiki-shima, a luxury sleeping car excursion train operated by JR East in Japan

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