Ibusuki no Tamatebako - Kagoshima-Chuo to Ibusuki
Ibusuki no Tamatebako is a sightseeing train inspired by a well-known Japanese folktale tied to the Satsuma Peninsula. The story follows a kind fisherman who rescues a turtle and is rewarded with a journey to the underwater Dragon Palace. Before returning home, Princess Otohime gifts him a tamatebako — a forbidden box. When he returned home, he realized centuries have passed, and when he opened the smoke transforms him into an old man. The train’s name references this box, and the design thoughtfully weaves the story into nearly every detail of the experience.
The exterior of the train is split into black and white, with black representing the mountains and white symbolizing the sea. When the doors open, a burst of steam releases from vents, mimicking the smoke from the forbidden box. Inside, the train blends traditional and modern design elements, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and playful. While the seats are visually striking, they were firmer than I expected. Still, the attention to detail — from the fabric patterns to the gift-box-themed logos and framed artwork — made the interior feel carefully curated.
Before departure from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, I took a few photos of the train, already excited for the journey ahead. The ride offers sweeping coastal views, stretches of countryside, and glimpses of Sakurajima in the distance. On top of that, I had pre-ordered a station bento for the trip, featuring Kagoshima specialties including the region’s famous black pork. Not long after departure, the bento was delivered directly to my seat.
The bento itself was beautifully arranged and immediately appealing. The only drawback was how bumpy the ride could be at times, which made eating a little challenging. When the onboard trolley came through, I picked up a locally made cider using natural spring water, along with a souvenir magnet. I was genuinely impressed by how steady the train staff were while moving through the car despite the uneven ride. For those who don’t pre-order a bento, there are still plenty of options available onboard, including sandwiches, sweets, and custard pudding.
Although my assigned seat was on the right-hand side, which offered mostly mountain and countryside views, the train wasn’t fully booked. That made it easy to briefly move to the left side to take in more of the coastline and Sakurajima. Upon arrival in Ibusuki, the experience continues beyond the train itself. The station area is decorated to match the Tamatebako theme, from themed mailboxes and photo signs to a small Dragon Palace gate just outside. It was a fun and immersive ride, and I’d highly recommend reading up on the Urashima Taro folktale beforehand to fully appreciate the thoughtful design details throughout the journey.
Background
Ibusuki no Tamatebako (指宿のたまて箱) is a limited express sightseeing train operated by JR Kyushu. It was designed to promote tourism in southern Kagoshima Prefecture while highlighting local folklore and scenery. The train’s concept is rooted in the Urashima Taro legend, a story closely associated with coastal Japan and the Satsuma region. Since its introduction, the train has become one of JR Kyushu’s most popular themed services, known for its theatrical presentation, regional cuisine, and scenic coastal route.
Getting There
Kagoshima-Chuo Station is the main rail hub in Kagoshima City and is served by the Kyushu Shinkansen and multiple JR local and limited express lines. Ibusuki no Tamatebako operates on the JR Ibusuki Makurazaki Line, running directly from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Ibusuki Station. The service is non-stop and requires a seat reservation. Advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons.
Route Overview
Train: Kagoshima-Chuo Station (鹿児島中央駅) →Ibusuki Station (指宿駅)
Duration: 51 min (Nonstop)
Route note: Reservation required. The train operates three round trips daily. While it does not always sell out, booking in advance is strongly recommended if you want a specific seat or are travelling during peak periods. Always check the current timetable before planning your trip.
Booking Info: Tickets can be booked at any JR station ticket machine or at the counter — just provide the train name, date, and time. Confirm the train name and choose your seat. Bento boxes can be reserved via the bento website from a month to three days before departure. Provide your train details, seat number, bento choice, and quantity, and it will be delivered onboard. For the latest information, see the official JR Kyushu website.
Cost Breakdown
Train: Kagoshima-chuo Station → Ibusuki Station — ¥2,950
Food: ¥1,600
Souvenir: ¥1,100
