Special 'Chikugo River Fireworks Course' to Run on August 5

Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. will operate its regional gourmet train 'THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO' on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in conjunction with the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival. The 'Chikugo River Fireworks Special Course' allows passengers to enjoy fireworks from aboard the train and will run again this year.

The Chikugo River Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks events in western Japan, attracting approximately 450,000 visitors annually. To further enhance this historic festival—held since 1650 for over 370 years—Nishi-Nippon Railroad began operating this special course in 2022. Last year, tickets sold out within just 10 minutes of reservation opening, receiving widespread acclaim.

<Highlights of the Course>

- NEW! Revised Route

The previous route has been revised to increase the number of times the train crosses the Chikugo River Bridge, providing more opportunities to enjoy the fireworks. (Round trip between Nishitetsu Ogōri Station and Hanabata Station, twice)

- Stop on the Chikugo River Bridge

The train will stop for approximately six minutes on the Chikugo River Bridge on the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line, located about 2 km from the fireworks launch site. Passengers can enjoy a premium view of fireworks lighting up the night sky and reflecting on the river surface.

- Live Fireworks Broadcast Inside the Train

Using three spatial projection projectors (FP-Z8000) provided by Fujifilm Imaging Systems Corporation, live footage of the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival will be projected inside the train. This creates an immersive atmosphere, making passengers feel as if they are at the festival venue, even during sections where fireworks are not visible.

We invite you to experience this one-day-only special course aboard 'THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO'—enjoying the Chikugo River fireworks in comfort and luxury. Moving forward, we will continue to provide services tailored to customer needs, explore tourism resources along our railway lines, promote the charm of local areas, and contribute to regional revitalization.

Overview of THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO 'Chikugo River Fireworks Special Course'

[Operation Date] Wednesday, August 5, 2026

* The train will operate as scheduled even if the fireworks festival is canceled due to bad weather. In such cases, footage from previous years' festivals will be projected onboard.

* This operation does not guarantee fireworks viewing.

[Operation Schedule]

Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station

Hanabata Station turnaround

Chikugo River Bridge

Nishitetsu Ogōri Station turnaround

Hanabata Station turnaround

Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station

Depart 18:48

Arrive 19:48

Arrive 19:56

Stop approximately 6 minutes from around 19:59

Arrive 20:13

Depart 20:18

Arrive 20:32

Depart 20:37

Arrive 21:44

[Course Content]

- Summer Menu (https://www.railkitchen.jp/cuisine/)

- Two drinks

* Choose freely from special menus available only on this day.

Third and subsequent drinks are charged separately.

[Price] Adult: 21,000 JPY (tax included)

Child Menu: 7,000 JPY (tax included)

* Price includes fare, special vehicle fee, meal, two drinks, and service charge.

* Child menu is available for elementary school students and younger.

[Stop Location]

Chikugo River Bridge (approximately 6 minutes from around 19:59)

* Subject to change depending on operational conditions.

* By operating two round trips between Nishitetsu Ogōri Station and Hanabata Station, fireworks viewing opportunities have increased compared to last year.

[Reservation Start Date] Monday, July 6, 2026, from 11:00

* Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Shared seating may be assigned. Please understand in advance.

[Reservation Method] Please make reservations via the website below. Phone reservations are not accepted.

(URL: https://yoyaku.nishitetsutravel.jp/TourDetail.aspx?tc=DBFL01RL4414)

(Reference) Overview of the 367th Chikugo River Fireworks Festival

[Event Date] Wednesday, August 5, 2026

[Event Time] 19:40–20:40

[Launch Site] Kōnodai and Nagatoishi riverbeds, Kurume City

(Reference) Overview of Fujifilm Imaging Systems Corporation

[Founded] February 1, 2012

[Headquarters] 3-6-30 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

[Representative] Koji Matsumoto

[Employees] Approximately 500 (as of March 31, 2025)

[Provided Equipment] Three spatial projection projectors FP-Z8000

https://www.fujifilm.com/jp/ja/business/optical-devices/projector/fpz8000

(Reference) Same-day Operation – Fukuoka Departure/Arrival – Temporary Running of 'Thursday Lunch Course' to Savor the Region

During the daytime on Wednesday, August 5, the regular 'Thursday Lunch Course' will run temporarily. As part of the Nishitetsu Group's 'Nishitetsu Kids Job Experience School,' children will experience hall services such as food serving and table setting.

* Applications for the 'Nishitetsu Kids Job Experience School' have closed.

[Operation Time] Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station 11:21 departure → Hanabata Station turnaround → Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station 14:03 arrival

[Price]

Adult: 13,000 JPY (tax included)

Child Menu: 7,000 JPY (tax included)

* Price includes fare, special vehicle fee, meal, and service charge.

* Child menu is available for elementary school students and younger.

[Reservation Method] Please make reservations via the website below.

URL: https://niccs.nishitetsutravel.jp/ntc_tours/tours/FL01/ja/DBFL01RL2301

[Others]

Children participating in the 'Nishitetsu Kids Job Experience School' may walk through the train to sell goods. Please understand in advance.

* About 'Nishitetsu Kids Job Experience School'

A program allowing children to experience various jobs within the Nishitetsu Group.

In the 'THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO Staff Experience Class,' two selected elementary school students (grades 5–6) will participate through a lottery from applicants.