Tagawa, Japan: Coto Coto train ride from Hakata to Tagawaita
Experience a scenic route through Fukuoka's countryside aboard the Coto Coto luxury restaurant train. The 45.7 km journey connects Hakata Train Station to Tagawaita Station for local produce shopping and Mount Kawara, a former limestone mining site offering panoramic views of the region.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Tagawaita Station: Local produce shopping
- End
- Hakata Train Station
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Tagawaita Station: Local produce shopping — Rural railway stop offering fresh seasonal vegetables and regional agricultural products directly from local farmers.
- Mount Kawara: Scenic viewpoint — Mountain elevation providing panoramic views across the Fukuoka countryside and surrounding agricultural valleys.
- Hakata Train Station — Journey start point
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Book the Coto Coto train in advance; reserve through KKDay or call ahead with a Japanese friend. Official website: heichiku.net/cotocoto_train/
- Save money
- Direct reservation costs 19,800 yen per person (USD 134). KKDay booking is more expensive at 25,000 yen (USD 170). Drinks are additional.
- Timing
- Arrive at Nogata Station at least 30 minutes early. Official departure is 11:32am. The train operates only on weekends and public holidays.
- Transport
- The train ride lasts 3.5 hours total and travels at 15 km/hr. Board at Heisei Chikuho Railway platform (1F) marked with station signs.
- Avoid
- The Coto Coto train has no toilet on board. Use bathroom breaks provided at station stops (Nogata Station and others).
- Food
- Menu is a 5-course French-Japanese fusion designed by Michelin-starred chef Takeshi Fukuyama. Includes bento with 9 appetizers, squid ink risotto, beef main, and lemon meringue tart.
- Tip
- Staff use translation devices to explain food and train details. They're accommodating to non-Japanese speakers and assist with activities.
- Food
- Buy local produce at Tagawaita Station including citrus seasoning, yuzu pepper, and yuzu miso paste made by local farmers.
- Tip
- The train features retro interior design by Eiji Mitooka (who designed Seven Stars in Kyushu). Pomegranate red exterior with geometric parquet flooring.
- Tip
- Visit the Meiji period wooden train station and Kyushu's first red brick railway tunnel. The train passes through 2 torii gates at Sakiyama Hachiman Shrine.
- Tip
- Stop at Canada Station (Ghibli-themed) and Mount Kawara (former limestone mining site). All stops allow photos and exploration.
Video on this route
a luxury train ride through japan's countryside (Coto coto) fukuoka day trip