JR Kyushu’s D&S (Design & Story) train Aso Boy! links Beppu (Oita Prefecture), one of Japan’s best hot-spring towns, with Aso, where you can see the expanse of one of the largest calderas in the world.

First, keep an eye out for Kuro, the dog mascot whose image is scattered both inside and outside the train. His adorable figure will make your journey on this train more enjoyable.

Each end of the four-car train offers panorama seating. The dynamic landscapes extending all around you are breathtaking.

The third car is the family car and has lots of ingenious items that children can enjoy.

In addition to the parent-and-child seat, which allows children to always sit by the window, and the pool filled with round wooden balls, there is a picture-book corner and a stamp to put on your memory card and keep forever.

At the Kuro Cafe, you can buy cute Kuro goods, and puddings and soft drinks made using ingredients from Aso.

*There is some unreserved seating on the Aso Boy!, but we recommend that you check the days on which it runs and reserve seats before you travel.

https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train/asoboy.html (English)