The seats here are colored green to reflect the green mountains along the train’s route. The design motif on the seats is the hemp leaf, used since ancient times in traditional events and as a protective charm against evil spirits. It is a seat design inspired by the nature and culture of the region.

The seats have the same spacing as a Shinkansen car. The height of the headrest can be adjusted, while seats are shaped to hold your back, giving superb comfort.
For the first time in a JR-WEST local limited express service, a reclining mechanism is offered, allowing passengers to choose their seat angle. Every seat has an armrest and power plug too.

The multipurpose room can be used for more private breastfeeding or resting with small children.

Trains feature a spacious barrier-free toilet accessible by wheelchair. This restroom is also available to passengers with small children and features a changing table, baby toilet seat, and a high chair to make life easier.

A small compartment for anyone to get away from their seat for a bit. For example, a passenger may like to spend some time here for a change of scenery or to calm a small child away from their seat. These spaces have no doors for ease of access.

New to this service is the semi-compartment, a seating configuration for groups. It allows families and friends to turn their seat to face each other and is designed to afford some privacy with gentle portioning. Large windows make for a bright cabin. The tables are made of natural timber. Passengers can stretch out by reclining their seats flat. It really is like being at home.

The price of a private compartment is set at the same level as a reservation for a seat in an Ordinary Car – no additional fee is required. (Twin compartment is for two max. Quad compartment can be reserved for 3 to 4 passengers.)

※Semi-compartment tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices or green ticket machines (with an operator) of major stations. Tickets can also be bought using the e5489 online service (however, they are not available through green ticket machines without an operator).

If you are using this service with a JAPAN RAIL PASS, an additional separate fee is required.

The seating here is yellow, adding to the bright, spacious feel of the carriage. Seats bear the Tsumi ishi-Kikkou (hexagonal piled rock) pattern reminiscent of the shell of a turtle, a symbol in Japan of wealth and longevity. It is a design reminiscent of the ancient culture and natural features of Tottori and Shimane prefectures.

Each seat features a moveable headrest, a reclining mechanism, and a power outlet and as much space between seats as Green Cars on the Shinkansen. A restful trip is assured thanks to the roomy seat width and footrest.

A space is provided for large pieces of luggage inside each car. Have peace of mind in the knowledge that you can bring a large suitcase onboard your assigned carriage.

＜Ordinary Car＞

Upper level: W 90cm×D 55cm×H 55cm
Lower level: W 90cm×D 40cm×H 80cm

＜Green Car＞

Upper level: W 100cm×D 45cm×H 55cm
Lower level: W 100cm×D 30cm×H 80cm

＜Group seating＞

Upper level: W 55cm×D 40cm×H 20cm
Middle level: W 55cm×D 40cm×H 40cm
Lower level: W 55cm×D 40cm×H 60cm

Designated spaces for wheelchairs are available, two next to windows and one next to seating.

Washrooms are bright and hygienic. They are separated by curtains to ensure privacy.

The Yakumo is a limited express train service operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR WEST) running from Okayama Prefecture to Yonago in Tottori Prefecture, and Matsue and Izumo in Shimane Prefecture. This intercity express train service runs 30 trains daily. It is a pendulum-type 273 series train that travels at 120 km/h through mountainous areas. With a three-hour travel time, it offers Green Car (first-class) and ordinary seats and provides passengers with various ways to spend their time and enjoy different places. It meets multiple needs such as semi-compartments for families and free space for a change of pace.

The train, clad in a bronze metallic exterior, is a symbol of the region and has a projected lifespan of over 40 years. The design was not decided by the designer alone, but was created together with passengers and JR West employees. Since operations started, the number of passengers increased by 30%, making it one of the most popular trains in Japan.

The train's name, "Yakumo," means "springing clouds" in Japanese, and it services a historic region of Japan, spanning from Okayama to Izumo. The Izumo area interacted with and exchanged technologies with Korea, China and other Asian countries from ancient times and is where iron-making technology was first developed in Japan. The train’s design reflects the colors and culture of the areas along the line, including classical iron-making and beautiful nature.

Besides the design of the trains, branding was extended to the entire area along the line, with the aim of expanding the scope of this design work beyond individual points but and instead connecting them into lines and surfaces, including stations, lounges, and the service and hospitality provided by crew members.

The Yakumo is neither a shinkansen nor a high-speed train. The train connects small towns with populations of less than 200,000, with a maximum speed of 120km/h. When considering what kind of impression the design should provide to the people along the line and what kind of future this project could create, the decision was made to incorporate the local culture and the pride of the residents into the exterior design of the Yakumo.

Passenger demand for the Yakumo varies greatly between day and night, and each train can be configured to consist of 4 cars or 8 cars. There is a through door at the front of the car body.

This is a tilting train whereby the car body tilts by five degrees to enable the train to navigate mountainous areas and coastal lines with many sharp curves. The car body is made of an aluminum alloy, and the front door and lights were designed to evoke a light, smooth and beautiful shape.

The body’s bronze color was inspired by the roofs of the historical houses in the area, the flames at local festivals, and the sunsets over the lakes and ocean. The interior is designed to make the passengers feel like they are in their own homes. There are seats where passengers can take off their shoes and relax like they would in a Japanese house or a ryokan inn.

A key consideration in the design was the three-plus hours passengers would spend on the train. No passenger wants to sit in the same position for that length of time. All seats in Green Class and Ordinary cars recline and have a tilt function that lowers the seat position to support the thighs. In the semi-compartments, seats can be spread out to form a flat floor like a tatami mat. This may be the only intercity express train in the world that has such a facility.

The lifespan of Japanese trains is approximately 40 years. The aluminum alloy body is easy to recycle, and the wooden interior has a limited environmental impact.

ICHIBANSEN/nextstations Co., Ltd.
Designer Yasuyuki Kawanishi

PROFILE

Architect and designer Yasuyuki Kawanishi was born in Nara Prefecture in 1976. Inspired by Eiji Mitooka, he aspired to become a designer from his teenage years. After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at Chiba University, Kawanishi traveled to Europe. He completed his studies at the Department of Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. After returning to Japan, Kawanishi founded ICHIBANSEN/nextstations Co., Ltd. in 2014. His main works include the "Renovation of Nakamura Station on the TOSA KUROSHIO Railway," "WEST EXPRESS GINGA," and "Echigo TOKImeki Resort SETSUGEKKA."