Kawasemi Yamasemi (かわせみ やませみ) is a two-car limited express train operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) in Japan.
 Kawasemi Yamasemi in January 2023 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Limited express |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Kyushu, Japan |
| First service | March 4, 2017 |
| Current operator(s) | JR Kyushu |
| Route | |
| Termini | Kumamoto Miyaji (since 2022) |
| Stops | 3 |
| Line(s) used | Hōhi Main Line |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | KiHa 47 series DMU |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | 2,000 V DC overhead (Kumamoto to Higo-Ōzu), Diesel (Higo-Ōzu to Miyaji) |
Overview
editOn November 9, 2016, JR Kyushu released a press release detailing its new themed limited express, Kawasemi Yamasemi, scheduled to debut in spring 2017.[1] On December 16, 2016, it was revealed that the new train would begin operation on March 4, 2017.[2]
The Kawasemi Yamasemi is named for the Kingfisher and Crested Kingfisher, and follows the Kuma River along its route.[3] It features the birds extensively as its motif.
Design
editThe train was designed by Eiji Mitooka and Don Design and Associates, and used local resources (such as Japanese cypress and cedar) extensively in its construction.[4] Onboard sales will also consist of local products.
The President of JR Kyushu, Toshihiko Aoyagi, at the train's unveiling, was quoted as saying that he hoped the train would run as a symbol of recovery (from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes).[5]
Operations
editBetween its inception and 2020, the train ran three daily round trips between Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi, running along the Hisatsu Line and Kagoshima Main Line.
Due to damage to the Hisatsu Line from the 2020 Kyushu floods,[6] the Kawasemi Yamasemi has been running between Kumamoto and Miyaji on the Hōhi Main Line since September 23, 2022.[7] Apart from the two termini, the train also stops at Higo-Ōzu, Tateno, and Aso. The service makes one round trip per day on weekends and holidays.
Train cars
editThe two cars are named Kawasemi and Yamasemi, respectively. They are both converted from KiHa 47 diesel multiple units. Kawasemi (blue) was converted from KiHa 47 8087. Yamasemi (green) was converted from KiHa 47 9051.[8]
See also
edit- List of named passenger trains of Japan
- Joyful Train, the generic name for excursion and charter trains in Japan
References
edit- ^ "JR 九州 11 番目のＤ＆Ｓ（デザイン＆ストーリー）列車" [JR Kyushu 11th Design and Story Train] (PDF) (in Japanese). JR Kyushu.
- ^ "平成 29 年春ダイヤ改正" [Heisei 29 Spring Timetable Revision] (PDF) (in Japanese). JR Kyushu.
- ^ "JR Kyushu Kawasemi Yamasemi English Overview".
- ^ "JR Kyushu unveils new sightseeing train colored after local forest, river". Mainichi Daily News. 2017-02-28.
- ^ Kaname, Kakuta. "Sightseeing train offers aromas and flavors of Kumamoto". Asahi Shimbun.
- ^ "７月豪雨「肥薩線被害は１００億円超も」 ＪＲ九州社長、熊本地震超え最大級の認識". The Sankei Shimbun. September 11, 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "西九州新幹線が開業します 在来線各線区でダイヤを見直します" (PDF). JR Kyushu. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "JR九州のD&S列車「かわせみ やませみ」、3月4日いよいよデビュー" [JR Kyushu D&S train Kawasemi Yamasemi, March 4th Debut]. Raillab.jp (in Japanese).
External links
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