JR Kyushu Announces Summer 2026 Temporary Train Schedule and D&S Train Operations
JR Kyushu has announced it will operate a total of 1,031 temporary trains (including Shinkansen and limited express services) during the summer period from July to September 2026 to accommodate high passenger demand. The plan includes 220 Kyushu Shinkansen, 207 Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, and 604 limited express trains. This initiative aims to improve access to popular tourist destinations during peak travel times such as summer vacation, the Obon festival, and the Silver Week holidays. Additional services for the company's 'Design & Story' (D&S) sightseeing trains have also been confirmed.
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- 📰 Published: May 15, 2026 at 23:52
- 🔍 Collected: May 15, 2026 at 15:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 17, 2026 at 07:48 (40h 46m after Collected)
JR Kyushu will operate a total of 1,031 temporary trains (220 Kyushu Shinkansen, 207 Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, and 604 limited express trains) during the summer period (July-September) when high customer demand is expected.
The operation dates for the special 'Design & Story' (D&S) trains, which offer unique travel experiences, have also been decided.
By increasing services mainly during the summer vacation, Obon, and Silver Week periods, access to popular tourist destinations and events will become even more convenient. We invite you to take this opportunity to use JR Kyushu's temporary trains.
**Highlights of Temporary Trains**
◎ Kyushu Shinkansen
- An early morning temporary 'Sakura' service will operate from Kumamoto Station, departing before the first scheduled train. It will connect with a temporary 'Nozomi' service bound for Tokyo at Hakata Station, allowing for a longer stay at the destination and improved convenience.
- In addition to temporary 'Sakura' services to and from Shin-Osaka, new temporary 'Sakura' services to and from Hiroshima will be operated. Smooth transfers will be available on the same platform at Hiroshima Station to and from temporary 'Nozomi' services for Tokyo.
◎ Limited Express Trains
- With the increase of temporary 'Midori' services, on the peak travel day during the Obon period, four limited express trains per hour will be operated from Saga Station for four consecutive hours (from the 12:00 to 15:00 time blocks).
◎ D&S Trains
- The 'A-Train' will operate daily during the summer vacation period.
- With the addition of temporary 'Kawasemi Yamasemi' services, there will be one additional round trip between Kumamoto and Miyaji, supplementing the 'Aso Boy!' service.
◎ Other
- A temporary rapid train (all reserved seats) will operate between Kumamoto and Miyaji during the summer vacation period in conjunction with the Kumamoto Destination Campaign. Details will be announced separately.
*Train schedules and operating days are based on information as of May 15th and are subject to change.
*Please see the appendix for details on temporary and D&S trains.
*Reserved seat tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM one month before the travel date.
(Note) Tickets for travel on July 31st will go on sale at 10:00 AM on July 1st.
The operation dates for the special 'Design & Story' (D&S) trains, which offer unique travel experiences, have also been decided.
By increasing services mainly during the summer vacation, Obon, and Silver Week periods, access to popular tourist destinations and events will become even more convenient. We invite you to take this opportunity to use JR Kyushu's temporary trains.
**Highlights of Temporary Trains**
◎ Kyushu Shinkansen
- An early morning temporary 'Sakura' service will operate from Kumamoto Station, departing before the first scheduled train. It will connect with a temporary 'Nozomi' service bound for Tokyo at Hakata Station, allowing for a longer stay at the destination and improved convenience.
- In addition to temporary 'Sakura' services to and from Shin-Osaka, new temporary 'Sakura' services to and from Hiroshima will be operated. Smooth transfers will be available on the same platform at Hiroshima Station to and from temporary 'Nozomi' services for Tokyo.
◎ Limited Express Trains
- With the increase of temporary 'Midori' services, on the peak travel day during the Obon period, four limited express trains per hour will be operated from Saga Station for four consecutive hours (from the 12:00 to 15:00 time blocks).
◎ D&S Trains
- The 'A-Train' will operate daily during the summer vacation period.
- With the addition of temporary 'Kawasemi Yamasemi' services, there will be one additional round trip between Kumamoto and Miyaji, supplementing the 'Aso Boy!' service.
◎ Other
- A temporary rapid train (all reserved seats) will operate between Kumamoto and Miyaji during the summer vacation period in conjunction with the Kumamoto Destination Campaign. Details will be announced separately.
*Train schedules and operating days are based on information as of May 15th and are subject to change.
*Please see the appendix for details on temporary and D&S trains.
*Reserved seat tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM one month before the travel date.
(Note) Tickets for travel on July 31st will go on sale at 10:00 AM on July 1st.