A new luxury sightseeing train began its maiden journey Friday around
The six-car train with a shiny black body and some cars with floors covered in tatami straw mats, left
Dubbed "36+3," the train derives its name from Kyushu being the 36th largest island in the world, with "+3" representing passengers, local residents and the railway company, reflecting the company's desire for the three parties to unite as one, according to the operator, also known as JR Kyushu.
At the launch ceremony held at the station, three invited pairs of a 36-year-old parent and a 3-year-old child joined the crowd to celebrate the start of the operation of the sightseeing train with a capacity of 105 people.
"By transmitting the charms of Kyushu, I hope it serves to spur (tourism) after the lifting of requests to refrain (from travel)," said
It was the first launch of a sightseeing train by JR Kyushu in about three and a half years, according to the company.
"We were not able to go out due to the coronavirus. It is the first time for my kids to be on a train," she said.
The company refurbished a 787 series train used for the Kamome limited express connecting Hakata and
The floors of cars Nos. 1 and 6 are covered with traditional tatami mats made of rush grass grown in
Passengers can also enjoy local cuisine including Japanese sake, wagyu beef and seafood, during the train journey.
Prices for tickets with meal plans for adults range from
After leaving
JR Kyushu has set five routes to be covered by 36+3 in five days but due to the damage in
==Kyodo
© Kyodo News International, Inc., source