Kamome (train)

The Kamome is a limited express train service in Japan operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu). It primarily connects Hakata Station in Fukuoka with Nagasaki Station in Nagasaki Prefecture. The name Kamome translates to "Seagull" in Japanese.

Service Details

The Kamome utilizes a modern fleet of 885 series and N700S series Shinkansen rolling stock (on the West Kyushu Shinkansen route). The trains offer reserved and non-reserved seating options, depending on the specific train and class. The journey between Hakata and Nagasaki, before the opening of the West Kyushu Shinkansen, took approximately two hours. Following the opening, the Kamome now operates between Hakata and Takeo-Onsen, where passengers transfer to the West Kyushu Shinkansen "Relay Kamome" for the final leg to Nagasaki.

History

The Kamome service has a long history, dating back to the pre-Shinkansen era. The original Kamome was a limited express service operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR). Over the years, the train has undergone numerous upgrades and changes in routing, reflecting the evolving railway network and the introduction of newer rolling stock. The introduction of the West Kyushu Shinkansen has significantly altered the Kamome's route and operation.

Route

Currently (as of late 2023), the Kamome operates primarily between Hakata and Takeo-Onsen. Notable stops along the route include Tosu and Saga. Connecting services such as the "Relay Kamome" link Takeo-Onsen with Nagasaki via the West Kyushu Shinkansen.

Impact and Significance

The Kamome plays a vital role in connecting Fukuoka, a major city in Kyushu, with Nagasaki, a historical and tourist destination. It is an important transportation option for both business and leisure travelers, contributing to the economic and cultural exchange between the two regions. The service is also a symbol of the railway's ongoing development and adaptation to meet the changing needs of passengers.