JR Kyushu Autumn 2026 D&S & Temporary Train Schedules: October–November Guide
JR Kyushu Autumn 2026 Temporary Train Operation Plan & D&S Train Schedules (October–November)
Published: August 21, 2026 · Source: JR Kyushu Official Notice · Region: Kyushu, Japan
This guide provides a comprehensive summary of JR Kyushu's official announcement dated August 21, 2026, detailing the temporary (extra) train operation plan for the autumn season of October through November 2026, including scheduled operation dates for all Design & Story (D&S) tourist trains. The information below is drawn directly from the official notice and accompanying supplementary materials published by JR Kyushu on the same date. All dates, times, and figures are as of August 21, 2026, and are subject to change.
Who This Applies To
This guidance is intended for:
- Rail passengers planning travel in Kyushu during October and November 2026 who intend to use JR Kyushu Shinkansen or limited express services on weekends, national holidays, or three-day holiday periods.
- Travelers interested in riding JR Kyushu's D&S (Design & Story) tourist trains — including Yufuin no Mori, Asoboi!, Ibusuki no Tamatebako, and others — and who need confirmed operation dates for autumn 2026.
- Passengers affected by the Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section suspension on the Kyushu Shinkansen caused by the Reiwa 8 (2026) Kumamoto Earthquake, who need to understand how temporary train plans may be modified.
- Anyone seeking reserved-seat ticket sales dates for the above temporary and D&S train services.
This article does not cover regular (non-temporary) daily timetables, fare structures, or pass eligibility. For routine schedule information, please consult the standard JR Kyushu limited express timetable pages on this site.
Overview: 808 Temporary Trains for Autumn 2026
JR Kyushu announced that during the autumn peak period of October and November 2026, a total of 808 temporary trains will be operated across its network, broken down as follows:
| Category | Number of Temporary Trains | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kyushu Shinkansen (Sakura) | 141 (planned) | Subject to change due to earthquake-related restrictions between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata |
| Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen (Kamome) | 265 | Includes Relay Kamome connecting services at Takeo Onsen |
| Limited Express Trains (Conventional Lines) | 402 | Covers Huis Ten Bosch, Midori, Sonic, Nichirin, and others |
| Total | 808 |
In addition, operation dates for all D&S tourist trains have been confirmed, with increased services centered on three-day holiday weekends to improve access to popular destinations and events during the autumn travel season.
Steps: How to Plan and Book Autumn Temporary Trains
Follow these steps to secure seats on JR Kyushu's autumn 2026 temporary trains and D&S services:
- Identify your desired train and operation date. Review the detailed schedules in this article and cross-reference with the official supplementary PDF (7 pages) for exact departure times, arrival times, and designated operation dates.
- Note the reserved-seat ticket sale date. Reserved-seat tickets for each temporary and D&S train go on sale one calendar month before the train's operation date, at 10:00 AM JST. Specifically, this means the same date of the previous month at 10:00 AM. For example:
- A train operating on November 3 → tickets on sale October 3 at 10:00 AM
- A train operating on October 12 → tickets on sale September 12 at 10:00 AM
- Book your tickets. JR Kyushu recommends using its online reservation platforms:
- JR Kyushu Internet Train Reservation — for conventional limited express and D&S trains
- EX-Reservation — for Shinkansen services (including Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen)
- Consider the ticketless QR code service. JR Kyushu supports a QR-code-based ticketless boarding system for reserved seats, allowing passengers to board using a smartphone QR code instead of a paper ticket.
- Verify your train's status before traveling. Due to the ongoing impact of the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake on the Kyushu Shinkansen Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section, some temporary trains may be cancelled, have changed destinations, or have revised timetables. JR Kyushu states that details will be announced separately once finalized. Check the JR Kyushu website close to your travel date.
Temporary Train Schedules by Route
Kyushu Shinkansen — Temporary "Sakura" Services
The Kyushu Shinkansen will operate temporary Sakura services connecting Shin-Osaka/Hakata with Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo:
| Direction | Route | Number of Trains |
|---|---|---|
| Down (Southbound) | Shin-Osaka / Hakata → Kumamoto / Kagoshima-Chuo | 71 (planned) |
| Up (Northbound) | Kagoshima-Chuo / Kumamoto → Hakata / Shin-Osaka | 70 (planned) |
Important: The Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section of the Kyushu Shinkansen remains suspended due to the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake. Restoration work is underway. Temporary trains on this line may be cancelled, have altered destinations, or have changed departure/arrival times. JR Kyushu will announce specific details separately once they are confirmed. Passengers should monitor official updates closely.
Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen — Temporary "Kamome" and "Relay Kamome" Services
The Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata, Takeo Onsen, and Nagasaki will see substantial temporary service increases, particularly on weekends and three-day holidays:
Down Direction (Hakata → Takeo Onsen → Nagasaki): 132 Temporary Trains
| Train Name | Departure (Hakata) | Arrival (Takeo Onsen) | Arrival (Nagasaki) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relay Kamome 91 → Kamome 91 | 9:10 | 10:22 | 10:57 |
| Relay Kamome 93 → Kamome 93 | 11:18 | 12:23 | 12:56 |
| Relay Kamome 95 → Kamome 95 | 12:04 | 13:21 | 13:55 |
| Relay Kamome 97 → Kamome 97 | 14:19 | 15:23 | 15:56 |
Operation dates (Down): October 2–4, 7–12, 16–18, 23–25, 30, 31; November 1–3, 6–8, 13–15, 20–23, 27–29.
Note: Relay Kamome services connect with Kamome Shinkansen services at Takeo Onsen Station via the same-platform transfer.
Up Direction (Nagasaki → Takeo Onsen → Hakata): 133 Temporary Trains
| Train Name | Departure (Nagasaki) | Arrival (Takeo Onsen) | Arrival (Hakata) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamome 84 → Midori 104 | 10:06 | 10:37 | 11:42 |
| Kamome 96 → Relay Kamome 96 | 12:12 | 12:42 | 13:53 |
| Kamome 98 → Relay Kamome 98 | 13:14 | 13:44 | 14:53 |
| Kamome 92 → Relay Kamome 92 | 15:14 | 15:44 | 16:56 |
| Kamome 94 → Relay Kamome 94 | 17:01 | 17:32 | 18:33 |
Operation dates (Up): October 2–4, 7–12, 16–18, 23–25, 30, 31; November 1–3, 6–8, 13–15, 20–23, 27–29.
Note: The 17:01 departure (Kamome 94 → Relay Kamome 94) operates only on November 23. Midori 104 is a regular daily train; on the listed dates, Kamome 84 connects to it.
Temporary Limited Express "Huis Ten Bosch"
Additional Huis Ten Bosch limited express services will operate between Hakata and Huis Ten Bosch Station, improving access to the theme park during weekends and holidays:
| Direction | Trains | Sample Departure | Sample Arrival | Number of Trains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down (Hakata → Huis Ten Bosch) | Huis Ten Bosch 35 / 39 | Hakata 14:33 / 15:33 | Huis Ten Bosch 16:25 / 17:27 | 42 |
| Up (Huis Ten Bosch → Hakata) | Huis Ten Bosch 48 / 52 | Huis Ten Bosch 16:58 / 18:04 | Hakata 18:51 / 19:53 | 42 |
Operation dates: October 3, 4, 10–12, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31; November 1, 3, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21–23, 28, 29.
Other Temporary Limited Express Services
"Kasasagi" (Saga → Hakata): 6 Up-Direction Trains
| Train | Departure (Saga) | Arrival (Hakata) | Operation Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasasagi 290 | 9:09 | 9:49 | Oct 10, 11, 31; Nov 1, 21, 22 |
"Midori" (Hakata ↔ Sasebo): 18 Trains (9 Each Direction)
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Operation Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midori 93 (Down) | Hakata 10:18 | Sasebo 12:03 | Oct 10, 11, 31; Nov 1, 21, 22 |
| Midori 95 (Down) | Hakata 11:10 | Sasebo 13:12 | Oct 12; Nov 3, 23 |
| Midori 94 (Up) | Sasebo 14:16 | Hakata 16:11 | Oct 10, 11, 31; Nov 1, 21, 22 |
| Midori 96 (Up) | Sasebo 15:31 | Hakata 17:36 | Oct 12; Nov 3, 23 |
"Sonic" (Hakata ↔ Oita): 18 Trains (9 Each Direction)
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Operation Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic 91 (Down) | Hakata 9:45 | Oita 12:00 | Oct 10–12, 31; Nov 1, 3, 21–23 |
| Sonic 94 (Up) | Oita 14:58 | Hakata 17:24 | Oct 10–12, 31; Nov 1, 3, 21–23 |
"Nichirin" (Kokura ↔ Oita): 12 Trains (Round-Trip)
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Operation Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nichirin 75 (Down) | Kokura 18:27 | Oita 20:02 | Oct 9, 12, 30; Nov 3, 20, 23 |
| Nichirin 74 (Up) | Oita 15:47 | Kokura 17:18 | Oct 9, 12, 30; Nov 3, 20, 23 |
D&S (Design & Story) Tourist Train Schedules
JR Kyushu's D&S tourist trains are specialty sightseeing services featuring unique interiors, regional themes, and curated travel experiences. Operation dates for October and November 2026 have been confirmed as follows. The source also notes that the Kawasemi Yamasemi will operate as additional temporary service on the Kumamoto–Miyaji line alongside the regular Asoboi! schedule.
Futatsu 4047 (Takeo Onsen ↔ Nagasaki)
- Route: Takeo Onsen ↔ Nagasaki
- Total temporary trains: 74 (round-trip)
- Sample schedule: Departs Takeo Onsen 10:22, arrives Nagasaki 13:15 (down); Departs Nagasaki 14:53, arrives Takeo Onsen 17:54 (up)
- Operation dates: October 2–5, 9–13, 16–19, 23–26, 30, 31; November 1, 2, 6–9, 13–16, 20–23, 27–30
Yufuin no Mori (Hakata ↔ Yufuin/Beppu)
- Route: Hakata ↔ Yufuin / Beppu
- Total temporary trains: 348 (174 down, 174 up)
- Down direction (from Hakata):
- Yufuin no Mori 1: Hakata 9:17 → Yufuin 11:31 (Oct 1–31; Nov 1–30)
- Yufuin no Mori 3: Hakata 10:11 → Beppu 13:31 (Oct 1–13, 17, 18, 24–31; Nov 1–29)
- Yufuin no Mori 5: Hakata 14:38 → Yufuin 16:50 (Oct 1–31; Nov 1–30)
- Up direction (to Hakata):
- Yufuin no Mori 2: Yufuin 12:01 → Hakata 14:19 (Oct 1–31; Nov 1–30)
- Yufuin no Mori 4: Beppu 14:36 → Hakata 18:10 (Oct 1–13, 17, 18, 24–31; Nov 1–29)
- Yufuin no Mori 6: Yufuin 17:17 → Hakata 19:27 (Oct 1–31; Nov 1–30)
- Note: On dates when Yufuin no Mori 3 or 4 does not operate, a substitute service "Yufu 73" or "Yufu 74" runs at the same time and same stops using standard Yufu train carriages.
Kawasemi Yamasemi (Kumamoto ↔ Miyaji)
- Route: Kumamoto ↔ Miyaji
- Total trains: 30 (round-trip)
- Sample schedule: Kumamoto 9:02 → Miyaji 10:42 (down); Miyaji 16:57 → Kumamoto 18:27 (up)
- Operation dates: October 1–7, 10–12, 31; November 3, 21–23
Asoboi! (Kumamoto ↔ Miyaji)
- Route: Kumamoto ↔ Miyaji
- Total trains: 226 (113 down, 113 up)
- Down direction:
- Asoboi! 1: Kumamoto 9:57 → Miyaji 11:32 (Oct 1–31; Nov 1–23, 28–30)
- Asoboi! 3: Kumamoto 13:36 → Miyaji 15:11 (Oct 1–31; Nov 1–23, 28–30)
- Up direction:
- Asoboi! 2: Miyaji 12:02 → Kumamoto 13:20 (Oct 1–31; Nov 1–23, 28–30)
- Asoboi! 4: Miyaji 15:48 → Kumamoto 17:08 (Oct 1–31; Nov 1–23, 28–30)
- Substitution note: From November 24–27, Asoboi! services are replaced by Kawasemi Yamasemi trainsets operating as "Kawasemi Yamasemi 1–4" with some timetable adjustments.
- Cancellations: Asoboi! 1 and 2 are cancelled on November 14.
A Train de Ikou (Kumamoto ↔ Misumi)
- Route: Kumamoto ↔ Misumi
- Total trains: 87 (43 down, 44 up)
- Down direction:
- A Train 1: Kumamoto 10:21 → Misumi 11:30 (Oct 3, 4, 10–12, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31; Nov 1–3, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21–23, 28, 29)
- A Train 3: Kumamoto 13:06 → Misumi 14:10 (same dates as above, except cancelled on October 11)
- Up direction:
- A Train 2: Misumi 11:58 → Kumamoto 12:37
- A Train 4: Misumi 16:35 → Kumamoto 17:13
- Operation dates (Up): October 3, 4, 10–12, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31; November 1–3, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21–23, 28, 29
Umisachi Yamasachi (Miyazaki ↔ Nango)
- Route: Miyazaki ↔ Nango
- Total trains: 34 (round-trip)
- Sample schedule: Miyazaki 9:43 → Nango 11:32; Nango 14:00 → Miyazaki 15:35
- Operation dates: October 17, 18, 24, 25, 31; November 1–3, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21–23, 28, 29
- Note: Passengers heading to Nango can also board at Miyazaki Airport Station.
Ibusuki no Tamatebako (Kagoshima-Chuo ↔ Ibusuki)
- Route: Kagoshima-Chuo ↔ Ibusuki
- Total trains: 366 (183 down, 183 up)
- Down direction (from Kagoshima-Chuo):
- Ibusuki no Tamatebako 1: 9:56 → 10:47
- Ibusuki no Tamatebako 3: 11:56 → 12:48
- Ibusuki no Tamatebako 5: 13:56 → 14:49
- Up direction (from Ibusuki):
- Ibusuki no Tamatebako 2: 10:56 → 11:48
- Ibusuki no Tamatebako 4: 12:57 → 13:48
- Ibusuki no Tamatebako 6: 15:07 → 16:00
- Operation dates: October 1–31; November 1–30 (daily service throughout both months)
36 Plus 3
The 36 Plus 3 tourist train has a separate schedule and route configuration that varies by day of the week. The official source notes that due to the impact of the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake, the Thursday route and Friday route plans remain undecided for October and November. Saturday and Sunday routes are tentatively scheduled as follows:
- Saturday route: Hakata 10:00 → Kagoshima-Chuo 16:26; Kagoshima-Chuo 11:22 → Miyazaki 15:40
- Sunday route: Miyazaki Airport 11:36 → Beppu 17:12; Oita 10:48 → Hakata 16:41
- Monday route (partial): Hakata 11:23 → Sasebo 16:13; Sasebo 17:27 → Hakata 20:06
For the Thursday and Friday route schedules, JR Kyushu will publish details on the 36 Plus 3 official webpage.
Limits and Exceptions
The following restrictions, uncertainties, and exceptions apply to the autumn 2026 temporary train plan:
- Kyushu Shinkansen service suspension: The Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section remains suspended due to the Reiwa 8 (2026) Kumamoto Earthquake. Restoration work is in progress. Temporary Sakura trains may be cancelled or have altered destinations and timetables. JR Kyushu states it will announce specific changes separately once finalized.
- D&S train operation uncertainties: The source states that due to the earthquake's impact, some D&S trains have unsettled operation outlooks. These will be communicated separately.
- 36 Plus 3 Thursday and Friday routes: Operation plans for the Thursday and Friday routes in October and November remain undecided as of August 21, 2026.
- Specific train cancellations (confirmed):
- Asoboi! 1 and Asoboi! 2 — cancelled on November 14, 2026
- A Train de Ikou 3 — cancelled on October 11, 2026
- Vehicle substitution (November 24–27): During this period, Asoboi! trains on the Kumamoto–Miyaji line are replaced by Kawasemi Yamasemi trainsets operating under the "Kawasemi Yamasemi 1–4" designation, with some timetable adjustments.
- Schedule subject to change: All dates and times listed in this article reflect the situation as of August 21, 2026 and may be revised. The source explicitly states: "Operation dates and times are based on information as of August 21 (Friday), and may change."
- Yufuin no Mori / Yufu substitution: On dates when Yufuin no Mori 3 does not operate, a "Yufu 73" service runs on the same schedule using standard Yufu train rolling stock. Similarly, when Yufuin no Mori 4 does not operate, "Yufu 74" runs in its place. Passengers holding Yufuin no Mori reservations should verify whether their specific train is the D&S set or the substitute.
- No fare or eligibility information provided: The source notice does not include fare details, pass applicability, or age-based pricing for these temporary services. Passengers should consult JR Kyushu's fare pages or booking platform directly.
What Travelers Should Prepare
Based on the information provided in the official source, travelers should take the following preparatory steps:
- Mark your ticket sale dates in advance. Reserved-seat tickets go on sale exactly one calendar month before the operation date at 10:00 AM JST (same date of the previous month). For October 31 trains, tickets go on sale October 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Given the popularity of D&S trains and holiday-period services, early booking is critical.
- Set up an online reservation account. JR Kyushu recommends using JR Kyushu Internet Train Reservation for conventional limited express and D&S trains, and EX-Reservation for Shinkansen services. Having an account ready before tickets go on sale avoids delays.
- Consider the ticketless QR code service. Rather than collecting paper tickets, passengers can use JR Kyushu's QR-code-based ticketless system for reserved seats via smartphone.
- Monitor earthquake-related updates. If traveling on the Kyushu Shinkansen (particularly to or through the Kumamoto area), check the JR Kyushu website in the days before your trip for any schedule changes or cancellations resulting from the ongoing Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section suspension.
- Verify D&S train status. The source notes that some D&S trains have unsettled operation outlooks due to the earthquake. JR Kyushu will announce details separately. Check before purchasing non-refundable connecting travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many temporary trains will JR Kyushu operate in autumn 2026?
JR Kyushu will operate a total of 808 temporary trains during October and November 2026: 141 on the Kyushu Shinkansen (planned), 265 on the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, and 402 on conventional limited express routes.
When do reserved-seat tickets go on sale for these temporary trains?
Reserved-seat tickets go on sale one calendar month before the train's operation date at 10:00 AM JST. For example, a train operating on November 15 has tickets available from October 15 at 10:00 AM. The exception is October 31 trains, whose tickets go on sale on October 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Will the Kyushu Shinkansen be fully operational for the autumn season?
Not necessarily. The Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section remains suspended due to the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake. Temporary Sakura trains may be cancelled or have changed destinations and times. JR Kyushu will announce specific changes separately once restoration progress allows confirmation.
Are the Yufuin no Mori D&S trains running daily in October and November 2026?
Yufuin no Mori 1, 2, 5, and 6 operate daily throughout both October and November 2026. Yufuin no Mori 3 and 4 (the Beppu services) operate on most but not all days during this period. On days when they do not operate, substitute "Yufu" services run on the same timetable with standard rolling stock.
Can I board the Umisachi Yamasachi from Miyazaki Airport Station?
Yes. According to the official source, passengers heading toward Nango can board the Umisachi Yamasachi at Miyazaki Airport Station in addition to Miyazaki Station.
Official Source
| Source Label | Official Authority (公式機関) |
|---|---|
| Original Japanese Headline | 2026年08月21日 運輸サービス 2026年秋季（10月～11月） 臨時列車運転計画とD＆S列車の運転日について ～秋のお出かけに便利な列車をご案内～ |
| Publication Date/Time | August 21, 2026, 05:07 UTC |
| Source Site | jrkyushu.co.jp |
| Source Document | 20260821_Autumn_Temporary_Train_Operation_Plan.pdf (7 pages, Japanese) |
| Freshness Note | All information is as of August 21, 2026. Dates and times are subject to change. This article was last updated based on the initial announcement. |
For the most current information, always verify directly with JR Kyushu's official website close to your travel date. Earthquake-related schedule changes may be announced after this article's publication.