Inside JR Kyushu's Kokura rolling-stock works: a one-day tour on 19 December, with a Kawasemi Yamasemi special from Hakata

JR Kyushu's Kokura General Rolling Stock Center in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, maintains the company's trains. Part of it is set up as "Kokura Works Railway Land", which can only be visited on special tours, and JR Kyushu has put a new date on sale: Saturday 19 December 2026, as a day trip.

The tour includes a look around the works and hands-on activities: making an on-board announcement in a real KiHa 40 railcar with a working conductor helping, trying on uniforms, and simple technical workshops such as a ¥500 wiring session where you connect a circuit to light a lamp. Lunch is in the staff canteen, Tsubame Shokudo — curry and udon for adults, mini udon and a rice ball for children.

There are two versions. From Hakata Station, the tour rides a special run of the Kawasemi Yamasemi limited express (other cars may be used if needed) that enters the works without you leaving the train: ¥12,500 for adults and ¥5,500 for children aged 3 to primary school. Or meet at the rolling-stock center itself: ¥4,000 for adults and ¥1,500 for children, with free first-come parking for about 100 cars. Children under 3 who don't need a seat or meal go free (up to two per adult). Bookings open at 9:30 on 11 November on JTB's BÓKUN booking site, paid by credit card only.