On September 23, 2022, the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, connecting Nagasaki and Takeo Onsen, opened.
This 143 km route links Nagasaki Station in Nagasaki City with Hakata Station in Fukuoka City. The section between Nagasaki and Takeo Onsen operates as a full-standard Shinkansen, while the stretch from Takeo Onsen to Hakata is serviced by conventional limited express trains, requiring a transfer at Takeo Onsen Station.
The Shinkansen, named "Kamome," travels between Hakata and Nagasaki in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, featuring the latest N700S train model. Its design concept focuses on being a "one-of-a-kind Kyushu vehicle," symbolizing the warm and gentle breeze from Nishi Kyushu that the region wishes to share with the world.
The exterior design incorporates JR Kyushu's corporate color of red, along with the company logo and the Kamome name written in a brush style. The interior, themed around "gentle, bright, fun, comfortable, and beautiful," blends traditional and modern elements, creating a nostalgic yet fresh atmosphere.
Plans to upgrade the incomplete section between Takeo Onsen and Shin-Tosu to full standard will enable direct service to Shin-Osaka, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing regional connectivity, particularly in the Kansai and Chugoku areas.
