JR Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome 45 from Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki Train Review

After the long scenic route from Nagasaki to Takeo-Onsen by the Two Stars 4047 sightseeing train, it was time to head back to Nagasaki, but this time by the fast way with the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen. It was past sunset, so this will be a simple commuting trip, with not much pictures to take out of the window.

Takeo-Onsen Station

A big sign from the Local Line concourse points passengers to the Shinkansen and Limited Express concourse for transfer. This is a unique arrangement at Takeo-Onsen as Limited Express trains usually use the Local Line platforms rather than Shinkansen platforms.

Heading through the door to the Shinkansen and Limited Express concourse.

The Kiosk convenience store here sells Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome themed products and souvenirs.

Heading down the escalator to the transfer level.

Heading through the Shinkansen fare gates.

My Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome 45 will be departing from Platform 11. There is actually only 1 active platform at Takeo-Onsen anyway, so it’s very easy to know where you’re going since there is only 1 way there.

There is another side platform, Platform 12, but this does not offer a cross-platform transfer to the Limited Express trains, and hence is almost never used. This will be active once the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen gets connected to the Kyushu Shinkansen, if ever.

Heading up to Platform 11.

The Kamome 45 train was already at the platform, but not ready for boarding yet.

The Kamome 45 will be waiting for the Relay Kamome 45 to approach before opening the platform screen doors.

The Kamome 45 is probably the fastest Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen service, with only 1 intermediate stop at Isahaya.

The timetable of Shinkansen and Limited Express trains at Takeo-Onsen.

With a bit of time on the empty platform, it gave me a good opportunity to get up close to the JR Kyushu N700S-8000 Shinkansen.

Relay Kamome 45

And here comes the Relay Kamome 45 from Hakata.

The platform screen doors for the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome opened just as the Relay Kamome 45 pulled in to the station.

Once the Relay Kamome 45 doors opened, passengers crossed the platform directly in to the Kamome 45.

The Relay Kamome 45 will u-turn to form the Relay Kamome 48 back to Hakata, connecting from the incoming Kamome 48 which will arrive after my Kamome 45 departs.

Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome 45

Heading to board my reserved seat car.

The interior of the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen N700S-800 series. The train is much less crowded than my journey this noon.

Luggage racks are available by the doors.

For this journey, I had both seats to myself.

The legroom available on board the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen N700S-8000 series reserved seat.

A flip-out table is available from the middle armrest.

Train facilities information is displayed on the seat back in front.

2 Japanese 2-pin power sockets are available from the middle armrest, allowing each seat to conveniently access 1 power socket.

My Relay Kamome 45 departed from Takeo-Onsen on time at 6pm.

The dynamic route information displays at the ends of the train cars offers clear and concise information on the train journey.

Heading on the straight Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen line, away from the Sasebo Line.

Heading through one of many tunnels along the way.

Passing through Ureshino-Onsen Station at speed.

Here, I explored the train for a little bit.

A western-style sitting toilet is available on board.

A standing male urinal cubicle is also available.

A wash basin area is available for those who just want to wash up without using the toilet.

Some wares are also on display in a glass cabinet by the gangway.

The non-reserved seat cars were also mostly empty on this journey

Passing through Shin-Ōmura Station at speed.

Arriving at Isahaya Station.

Isahaya Station

Making a brief stop at Isahaya Station.

Arriving back at Nagasaki.

Nagasaki Station

My Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome 45 arrived at Nagasaki Station on time at 6.25pm, making this a journey of only 25 minutes.

The Kamome 45 will u-turn to form the Kamome 52 back to Takeo-Onsen, here displayed with combined information with the Relay Kamome 52 onwards to Hakata.

The Kamome 45 at Nagasaki Station.

Heading down the stairs to the concourse to exit from the platforms.

Heading out of the Shinkansen fare gates.

The concourse of Nagasaki Station.

Heading out of Nagasaki Station via the temporary sheltered walkway.

The façade of Nagasaki Station at night, with on-going construction works.

From here, the Nagasaki Electric Tramway Nagasakiekimae Station is just ahead, along with bus stops for passing through services. The station is also at the foot of Nishizaka Hill where the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument are located.

Conclusion

It’s a strange feeling to be on the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen again, not only because it’s my second trip of the day in a single direction only, but also because my onward journey on the Two Stars 4047 took almost 3 hours, and now I am back in Nagasaki in only 25 minutes. This shows the stark contrast between a slow sightseeing train and a fast commuting train, at about 6 times the speed very clearly.