JR 36 3 Train Guide And Map

This luxury train in Kyushu has some of the most sumptuous cars and private compartments of any train in Japan.

[36 + 3 by the sea — image © Rail Man Photo Office]

First, about the name: The island of Kyushu is the 36th largest island in the world and this train is said to deliver three things: surprise, impression and happiness. This daytime luxury train has some of the most sumptuous cars and private compartments of any train in Japan.

Running on five different routes on five days of the week, a journey on one or two of these routes would be an amazing addition to any trip to Kyushu. You can get tickets online or at JR stations in Japan.

36 + 3 Route Map

This map summarises the different routes taken by the JR 36 + 3. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.

Visit the JR 36 + 3 official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.

[36 + 3 private compartment — image © Rail Man Photo Office]

Schedules

The 36 + 3 runs on five routes on five days of the week:

• Thursday: Hakata (10:00am) to Kagoshima Chuo (4:26pm)
• Friday: Kagoshima Chuo (12:17pm) to Miyazaki (3:46pm)
• Saturday: Miyazaki Airport (11:37am) to Oita Beppu (5:05pm)
• Sunday: Oita (10:48am) to Kokura Hakata (4:42pm)
• Monday (morning/afternoon): Hakata (11:22am) to Sasebo (4:13pm)
• Monday (evening): Sasebo (5:31pm) to Hakata (8:06pm)

For more details and stops en route go to the official JR 36 + 3 website.

36 + 3 Google Map

You can zoom into this Google map of the different JR 36 + 3 train routes, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.

Reservations and Tickets

• Buy tickets for private compartments and meals online via Klook.
• Buy tickets at any JR train station.
• If you buy a Kyushu rail pass, you can reserve seats using the JR Kyushu online booking service.

Sample Fares

The basic fare, including lunch, from Hakata to Kagoshima Chuo is ¥27,700. Green car and private compartments cost significantly more.

Japan’s Special Trains

Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:

• Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
• Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
• 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
• Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
• Fuji Excursion (JR East)
• Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
• Resort Shirakami (JR East)
• Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
• Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
• Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
• Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
• Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
• Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
• Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
• West Express Ginga (JR West)
• Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
• Japan Special Trains home page

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