Coto Coto Train
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Heisei_Chikuho_401-402_COTO_COTO_Train_20201009.jpg/220px-Heisei_Chikuho_401-402_COTO_COTO_Train_20201009.jpg)
The Coto Coto Train is a touristic train service in the Fukuoka Prefecture region of Kyushu, southern Japan.[1][2]
The service started in 2019.[3] The train is run by the Heisei Chikuhō Railway Company.[1] It was designed by Eiji Mitooka and is based on the concept of “relaxation, delicious food, and fun”.[1] The train is bright red on the outside with a wooden interior using Ōkawa "kumiko" (lattice) woodwork[4] and stained glass ceilings.[5] Food is served using local natural ingredients. The service is slow for sightseeing purposes and has 48 seats.[4]
The train passes through the former coal mining area of Chikuhō (now part of Iizuka, Kaho District).[6] The name "Coto Coto" sounds like the noise of the train. The service includes French cuisine produced by Takeshi Fukuyama, a chef from Fukuoka. The ingredients in the appetizers come from nine cities, towns, and villages on the route used by the train.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Heisei_Chikuho_Railway_Linemap.svg/220px-Heisei_Chikuho_Railway_Linemap.svg.png)
The service follows Nōgata – Tagawaita – Nōgata (again) – Yukuhashi, using the Ita Line (伊田線) and the Tagawa Line (田川線). It takes 3 hours 20 minutes in total.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Coto Coto Train". Japan: The Official Guide. Japan National Tourism Organization. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Luxurious Coto Coto tourist train launched on Japan's Kyushu island". Train Review. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Starting operations from 21 March! Introducing the charms of Heisei Chikuhō Railway's restaurant car train "COTO COTO TRAIN"!", asianbeat.com/en/feature/culture_watch/301.html, Fukuoko, Japan: Asian Beat
- ^ a b "Coto Coto Train – A Luxurious Ride Through Fukuoka's Backcountry". Fukuoka Now. 11 March 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Heisei Chikuho Railway "COTO COTO TRAIN" – Stained Glass". Japan Traffic Culture Association (JPTCA). Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Coto Coto Train (Fukuoka)". Ride the rails in style aboard Japan's 10 best tourist trains. Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
External links
[edit]- Coto Coto Train website (in Japanese)
- Official Coto Coto Train video on YouTube
- Alternative Coto Coto Train video on YouTube