JR Two Stars 4047 from Nagasaki to Takeo-Onsen Sightseeing Train Review

Two Stars 4047 (ふたつ星4047) is a popular sightseeing train operating 2 routes, with the morning trip from Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki via the coast of the Ariake Sea, and the afternoon trip from Nagasaki to Takeo-Onsen via the coast of the Omura Bay. I was extremely lucky to snag a seat reservation from a mystery passenger who had cancelled 1 seat just the day before, and even though the seat was an obstructed view, it still gave me the opportunity to ride the very popular Two Stars 4047.

The Two Stars 4047 seats only 87 passengers at any one time. No additional fee is required for the luxurious Two Stars 4047 sightseeing train with my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass.

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Nagasaki Station

Nagasaki Station was undergoing redevelopment during my trip, and the path to the station is through temporary walkways beside hoardings.

Heading in to Nagasaki Station via the temporary walkway.

The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen and Two Stars 4047 commenced service on the same day, 23 September 2022. As the Limited Express Kamome will no longer serve the Nagasaki Main Line between Kohoku and Nagasaki, the Two Stars 4047 was created ironically as a slower train, but with a focus on tourism and sightseeing along the Nagasaki Main Line. And the slow train became so popular.

Heading in to Nagasaki Station.

The concourse of Nagasaki Station.

The Two Stars 4047 departs from the Local Line Entrance, being a conventional train.

The Two Stars 4047’s name is also uniquely displayed in yellow.

Heading up to Platform 3 for my Two Stars 4047.

The Two Stars 4047 was already at Platform 3 when I arrived in Nagasaki. The train remained at the platform throughout its layover.

While the Two Stars 4047 is formed of KiHa 40 and KiHa 47 series DMUs (now you know where it got its name), they have been heavily refurbished to provide a luxurious experience.

The logo of Two Stars 4047 is displayed on the side of the train cars, along with a gold chrome stripe along the train.

The destination sign of the Two Stars 4047.

Doors to Car 2 is inaccessible as the train car is the “Lounge 40” – a common space for all passengers with sofas to lounge in and a buffet area for food, drinks, and activities en route.

My reserved seat is for Car 1 at the rear of the train when heading to Takeo-Onsen.

All seats on the Two Stars 4047 are reserved.

The Two Stars 4047 at the end of the line at Nagasaki.

A better view of the Two Stars 4047 train at Nagasaki, though from the rear.

The station sign of Nagasaki Station.

While the train would already be at the platform well before departure time, stickers on the platform also denote where the doors for the Two Stars 4047 are.

A further imprint to the Two Stars 4047, the train car is also renumbered to キハ47-4047.

My reserved seat ticket for the Two Stars 4047 from Nagasaki to Takeo-Onsen. The journey portion is fully covered by my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass, and the reserved seat can be obtained without any additional charge under my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass, subject to availability. As such, for this Two Stars 4047 luxury sightseeing train, I paid an additional 0 yen to travel on it.

Two Stars 4047 Reserved Seat Car 1

The interior of the reserved seat Car 1 of Two Stars 4047.

My obstructed view seat thankfully was not too obstructed when facing Takeo-Onsen.

I can see why there is a warning if this seat is rotated towards Nagasaki, with a wall beside the seat and very slim window where the door slides in for a view. Legroom would also be slightly restricted with the bulkhead.

The legroom available on board Two Stars 4047.

A coat hook is provided on the seat back in front.

The walls are decorated with small pieces of art with the Two Stars 4047 branding.

A side table can be flipped up from the middle armrest.

In the middle of the train car, there are outward-facing booth seats with panoramic windows.

Towards the gangway, an accessible toilet is available, along with an open booth for souvenir postcards.

The accessible toilet is clean and spacious.

Souvenir stamps and postcards can be collected from this open booth at Car 1. More details on this below in the article.

Two Stars 4047 Lounge 40 Car 2

Lounge 40 at Car 2 can be accessed by the gangways from Cars 1 and 3.

The interior of Car 2 featuring the Lounge 40. Lounge 40 is an open space for all passengers to use and mingle.

Table, sofa, and counter seating are available in Lounge 40.

A buffet area sells food, drinks, and souvenirs, and also takes reservations for on-board activities (chargeable add-on).

Sample souvenirs are on display at the buffet area.

The full list of  souvenirs available for purchase are on a menu. Inform the counter staff of what you would like to purchase, who will get you a new piece.

A variety of drinks are available, including premium Sake (Japanese rice wine) from Saga and Nagasaki Prefectures.

Two Stars 4047 Reserved Seat Car 3

The interior of Car 3 is largely similar to Car 1, except with a different seat colour. Also, with the absence of a toilet and open booth, more seats are added.

The end of the car by the driver’s cab also has very private booth seats.

The route map of Two Stars 4047 is displayed by each route. Interestingly, JR Kyushu chose to use Latin for ante meridiem and post meridiem to describe the 2 routes, instead of the simpler morning and afternoon term in English.

My Two Stars 4047 departed from Nagasaki on time at 2.53pm for the post meridiem route.

The Two Stars 4047 continued out of Nagasaki Station slowly, which felt strange for a few seconds.

And now I see the reason why. JR Kyushu staff were waving us passengers goodbye with Two Stars 4047 flags.

The Two Stars 4047 picked up speed after passing by the well-wishers.

Heading along the new elevated line through Nagasaki.

Two Stars 4047 has a warm interior feeling with wooden fixtures and warm lighting throughout the train.

Passing by Nagasaki Electric Tramway Urakami Tram Depot.

I headed to Lounge 40 to wonder what the queue was about.

The windows on board Lounge 40 are refitted to a traditional style with sliding windows. The paper, however, does not completely block out the sun, still allowing some light to enter the translucent window shade.

Alas, the queue is for the hot and fluffy Nagasaki soufflés baked on board.

Unfortunately, these were all pre-order only, with none for sale on board.

The other end of Lounge 40 has a table seating area with a television screen showcasing the sights along the journey.

With the crowd also diminishing from the postcard area, it’s now time for me to have a look.

Free postcards and stamps are given out at the open booth at Car 1. One of the postcards has an open space to create the signature Two Stars 4047 stamp.

A total of 3 stamps is required to create the full pattern offered. Slide the postcard into the dedicated holder and stamp it exactly as the stamp fits in to the holder.

3 stamps later, and the full stamp pattern with 3 colours is created.

The souvenir stamp postcard of the Two Stars 4047. Passengers can participate this activity free of charge.

Another version of the souvenir stamp postcard has just 1 pattern to affix the Two Stars 4047 logo on, with the date to be filled in yourself.

It was starting to get warm, and passengers started to open the windows for ventilation. Natural cold air is automatically blown in through the windows.

The open windows also offers a much better view for my camera, and fresh air for me.

Heading along the coast of Ōmura Bay.

A Two Stars 4047 stewardess comes around to explain the sea life in Ōmura Bay. Unfortunately, everything is in Japanese, so I have no idea what she was talking about, but the pictures she is holding helps me to guess what is happening in the commentary.

It was starting to get very sunny on the right side, and everyone started to pull down the window shades. I left the bottom bit open so I can still enjoy the view while keeping the sun out from my face.

Isahaya Station

Arriving at Isahaya Station.

There is a long stop at Isahaya Station for passengers to alight to the platform and explore some local products.

Locals from Isahaya wave Two Stars 4047 flags to welcome passengers to Isahaya.

A variety of local pickles were on sale on the platform.

There’s still about 10 minutes to go to departure.

The Two Stars 4047 at Isahaya Station.

The timetable also means that the Seaside Liner will overtake the Two Stars 4047 at Isahaya.

The station sign of Isahaya Station.

While passengers are still out at the platform, I headed back in to Lounge 40 to get a snack.

The queue for the Nagasaki soufflés has cleared by now.

The Lounge 40 in-train sales menu is available by the counter.

A variety of alcohol is available including local sake from Saga and Nagasaki.

Signature Two Stars 4047 sweets of orange jelly and ice sorbet are also sold here.

Seaweed from the Ariake Sea are also available.

Many Two Stars 4047 souvenirs are also sold on board. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough cash with you as credit cards and other QR payment methods are also accepted on board the Two Stars 4047.

With sake at 500 yen staring at me, I think I know what I’m having with my afternoon snack on board the Two Stars 4047.

For my afternoon snack on board Two Stars 4047, I ordered a sake from Nagasaki, an orange jelly, and and some Ariake seaweed.

The sake was served in a paper cup, which is a bit of a downer, but I understand since this is a buy-and-go buffet and not a full luxe train. I mean, I paid an additional grand total of 0 yen to be on board.

The orange jelly had the Two Stars 4047 branding on it, and was pleasantly sweet.

The Ariake Nori was a big packet with big sheets of seaweed.

Shin-Ōmura Station

Making a brief stop at Shin-Ōmura Station.

Notably, many passengers alighted at Shin-Ōmura, ending their Two Stars 4047 journey here. If you don’t mind taking a shorter Two Stars 4047 train ride, you may consider starting from Shin-Ōmura for a higher chance of getting a reserved seat.

Meeting the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen at Shin-Ōmura Station.

Between the Shinkansen to get where you need to go to fast and the Two Stars 4047 where I enjoy my journey since the journey is the destination, I would very much rather be on board the Two Stars 4047.

Continuing on the Nagasaki Main Line.

Continuing along the coast of Ōmura Bay.

Chiwata Station

Making another longer stop at Chiwata Station.

Chiwata Station is located just by the coast of Ōmura Bay.

Chiwata Station is a retro wooden station, with 1 track and 1 platform. For the Two Stars 4047, the station itself is the attraction to watch the Two Stars 4047 in the sunset.

Local products are also on sale at Chiwata Station.

Fresh local strawberries are on sale during the Two Stars 4047 stop.

A drinks seller even offers free samples to passengers.

More items are on sale inside the station.

Kujirayaki whale-shaped red bean cakes are on sale for those interested in a snack.

As it was approaching dinner time too, a bento was also available for those looking for a fuller meal.

Local teas are also available for sale to take home.

The attraction itself is also Chiwata Station itself, with the wooden architecture and retro vibes.

The station sign of Chiwata Station.

Chairs and tables are provided in the waiting hall.

The other main attraction at Chiwata Station is Two Stars 4047 itself, stopping by the coast of Ōmura Bay.

Passengers and railway fans waiting at Chiwata Station get many shots of the Two Stars 4047 at Ōmura Bay.

A few minutes to departure, the Two Stars 4047 train crew rings a bell along the platform to get passenger to reboard the train.

The local sellers gather at the platform too to wave passengers goodbye.

Heading back to Car 1.

The train crew makes the last calls for boarding before departure.

Back in the warmth of Lounge 40.

Departing from Chiwata Station.

The activity area is set up for the Hasamiyaki ware decal transfer experience which starts after departure from Chiwata Station.

Continuing on the Nagasaki Main Line inland.

Crossing with a local train at Haenosaki Station.

Huis Ten Bosch Station

Making a brief stop at Huis Ten Bosch Station.

Huis Ten Bosch Station serves Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park recreating the Netherlands with copies of old Dutch buildings.

The timetable of trains from Huis Ten Bosch Station.

Huis Ten Bosch Station is simple with an island platform serving a main line and siding. The siding is used for the Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch to and from Hakata.

Passengers slowly trickled down to the platform, but was quickly called back to the train as it was about to depart.

Departing from Huis Ten Bosch Station.

Crossing over the Komori River.

Passing by Haiki Depot.

Haiki Station

Making a brief stop at Haiki Station.

Crossing with the Limited Express Midori at Haiki Station. While formed of the 4+4-car 783 series EMU formation with a Huis Ten Bosch half, the full 8 cars is the Limited Express Midori bound for Sasebo, as shown on the destination sign on the Huis Ten Bosch set.

The Two Stars 4047 further emptied out at Haiki. Passengers were probably bound for Sasebo, transferring to the Midori seamlessly.

Departing from Haiki Station.

Passing through more lines of Haiki Depot.

Lounge 40 (and the whole Two Stars 4047 train for that matter) was now empty and quiet, and it was a good time to quickly buy a souvenir before sales close for the journey.

I bought a Two Stars 4047 lapel pin to commemorate my journey on board Two Stars 4047.

A small JR Kyushu paper bag is provided with my purchase.

For the final stretch, the stewardess hands out a sweet to each passenger.

A JR Kyushu 800 series Shinkansen hard candy was given out. I couldn’t figure out the flavour, but it was pleasantly sweet. Maybe it tastes of 800 series Shinkansen.

Arita Station

Making a brief stop at Arita Station.

As with all good train services, for this final leg, the stewardess came around with the rubbish bag for passengers to throw their remaining rubbish in.

Heading past local traditional buildings beside small main roads.

Heading up the elevated line to the new elevated Takeo-Onsen Station.

Meeting the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen once again.

A Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome was also arriving. No prizes for guessing which train got to Takeo-Onsen Station first.

Arriving at Takeo-Onsen Station.

Takeo-Onsen Station

Heading to the local lines platforms.

My Two Stars 4047 arrived at Takeo-Onsen Station on time at 5.45pm.

The emptied-out Car 1 of Two Stars 4047.

The emptied-out Car 3 of Two Stars 4047.

Heading down the small step to platform level.

The Two Stars 4047 and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, which share the same birthday.

The Two Stars 4047 at Takeo-Onsen Station.

Heading down the stairs out of the platform.

There are no automatic ticket gates here, with a staffed lane instead. To exit from the gate line, I showed my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass to the staff on hand.

From here, I headed back to Nagasaki with the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome 45.

Conclusion

The Two Stars 4047 is an amazing luxurious sightseeing experience, taking the slow route instead of the  new Shinkansen line between the 2 same terminals, offering passengers local experiences along the way. It definitely proves that train journeys can be the destination in itself, seeing how popular the Two Stars 4047 train is. The atmosphere on board is definitely a lot more positive with everyone having a leisurely time on the slow way to Takeo-Onsen.