Ibusuki no Tamatebako Limited Express
指宿のたまて箱
A black-and-white JR Kyushu sightseeing train linking Kagoshima-Chuo and Ibusuki stations. When its doors open, it releases a puff of white mist, recalling the Urashima Taro legend.
Ibusuki no Tamatebako, nicknamed 'Ibutama', is a D&S sightseeing limited express operated by JR Kyushu. It debuted in 2011 along with the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen. It runs about three round trips a day between Kagoshima-Chuo and Ibusuki, a one-way journey of about 50 minutes. One side of the train is white and the other black, inspired by the story of Urashima Taro, whose hair turned white in an instant when he opened the tamatebako box. When the doors open, white mist puffs out. Inside, there are single seats and sofa seating facing Kinko Bay, and along the way you can see Sakurajima and the coastline. The train sells limited-edition bento boxes and sweets. All seats are reserved, the JR Kyushu Rail Pass is valid, and seats should be booked in advance in peak season. From Ibusuki Station, you can walk or take a bus to Sunamushi Kaikan.
Opening hours
About 3 round trips daily (check JR Kyushu timetable)
Nearby sights
- Ibusuki Sand Bath
- Mount Uomidake
- Lake Unagi
- Chiringashima Island
- Tamatebako Onsen
- Lake Ikeda
- Nishi-Oyama Station
- Flower Park Kagoshima