Service type Limited express Current operator(s) JR Kyushu End Yoshimatsu | First service 13 March 2004 Start Kagoshima-Chūō | |
 | ||
Locale Kagoshima Main Line, Nippō Main Line, Hisatsu Line | ||
The Hayato no Kaze (はやとの風) is a limited express service in Japan which runs between Kagoshima-Chūō Station and Yoshimatsu Station via the Kagoshima Main Line, Nippō Main Line, and Hisatsu Line. It is operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu).
Contents
Schedule
There are two return services per day. All trains stop at both Osumi-Yokogawa and Kareigawa Stations for about 5 minutes. Some trains stop at Ryugamizu Station for about 4 minutes for a view of Sakurajima. (Passengers cannot alight here.)
Rolling stock
The train is formed of two specially converted diesel multiple unit (DMU) cars, KiHa 147-1045 and KiHa 47-8092. Initially, the train consisted of KiHa 147-1045 as reserved seating car 1 and KiHa 140-2066 as non-reserved seating car 2. From January 2006, a third car, KiHa 47-8092, was converted for use as reserved seating car 1, with KiHa 147-1045 as non-reserved seating car 2. KiHa 140-2066 was used as a spare car to make 3-car formations at busy periods, but was later rebuilt as a third car for use in the Ibusuki no Tamatebako DMU set, returning to service in March 2012.
KiHa 147-1045 and KiHa 140-2066 were converted at JR Kyushu's Kokura Works. KiHa 47-8092 was converted at JR Kyushu's Kagoshima Depot. The set is based at Kagoshima Depot.
Exterior
The train is painted all-over black, with deep panorama side windows in the centre of each car.
Interior
The trains feature totally new interiors finished in fire-resistant wood with reclining seats and improved air conditioning.
History
The Hayato no Kaze service was introduced on 13 March 2004, coinciding with the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen.