[Highlights of the tour]
1. The tour will be conducted in a rare 50 Series coach used in the “SL Hitoyoshi” train that was in service until this spring.
The train will directly enter the Kokura General Rolling Stock Center.
2. Former engineers and assistant engineers who were involved with the SL Hitoyoshi are invited from Hitoyoshi City.
They will provide a special commentary, sharing memories and history related to the steam locomotive (SL) both on the train and inside the maintenance facility.
3. For lunch, we will provide a special chestnut rice bento, a local specialty of Hitoyoshi.
It will be served by staff wearing the uniforms that were once used when selling at Hitoyoshi Station.
4. All participants will receive a piece of coal from a steam locomotive as a gift.
5. An interpreter (English) will accompany the tour, providing detailed explanations in foreign languages.
6. A translation tool will be available to translate the guide’s speech into multiple languages in real time.
7. The materials distributed during the tour will be available in English and Traditional Chinese.
8. An online briefing session will be held for those who wish to attend, just before the tour.
[Schedule]
08:10 – Gather at JR Hakata Station, Hikari Plaza gate, group meeting point
08:53 – Depart from JR Hakata Station
↓ (Private charter of one 50-series passenger car)
11:40 – Arrive at Kokura General Rolling Stock Center
↓ (Tour of the factory, including the SL maintenance area)
15:54 – Depart from Kokura General Rolling Stock Center
17:40 – Arrive at JR Hakata Station / Tour ends
Photo credit: JR Kyushu
