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Sep. 7, 2026 (Mon.)THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO Special Live Music Journey！！

THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO is pleased to offer a special one-day-only service on Monday, September 7, 2026, featuring live onboard performances by professional musicians.

On this special occasion, members of the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra including Kasumi Kutsunai, Taiki Yamashita, and Genta Usui, together with former Kyushu Symphony Orchestra violist Norimichi Yamashita (“Yama-chan”), will perform live aboard the train. Limited to just 44 guests, this exclusive experience allows passengers to enjoy the musicians’ artistry up close, hearing every nuance of their performance while savoring THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO’s renowned cuisine.

The musical selections will be specially curated to complement both the onboard menu and the regions along the route. Guests will also have opportunities to interact with the performers, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere unlike that of a traditional concert hall.

In addition, autographed Kyushu Symphony Orchestra CDs and exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase on the day.

This one-day-only collaboration combines the finest cuisine created under the supervision of three top chefs from renowned Fukuoka restaurants with the beautiful sounds of four award-winning professional musicians. While regular services focus solely on dining, this special journey includes an exceptional live music experience. Why not enjoy a truly memorable and exclusive trip unlike any other?

Service Details

Date

Monday, September 7, 2026

Schedule

Departure and arrival: Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
11:21 AM – 2:03 PM

Itinerary:
Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station 11:21 → Hanabatake Station (Arrive 12:24 / Depart 12:43) → Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station 2:03 PM

Capacity

Limited to 44 passengers

Fare

Adult: 18,000 JPY
Children’s Menu: 8,000 JPY

  • The children’s menu is available for children aged 10 and under.
  • Children wishing to enjoy the adult menu will be charged the adult fare.
  • Children aged 0-2 may ride free if no meal is required. If a children’s meal is requested, the children’s menu fare will apply.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Fees Apply in the Following Cases

  • The Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line is operating, even if natural disasters or delays/suspensions of other transportation services occur.
  • Cancellation due to customer convenience.

Cancellation Fees Will Not Apply in the Following Cases

  • Service suspension of the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line due to circumstances attributable to Nishitetsu, such as vehicle breakdowns or major timetable disruptions.
  • Service suspension on the day of operation due to natural disasters (including typhoons and heavy rain) or other unavoidable circumstances.

Tour Contents

Reservations

Please make your reservation via the following website:

https://yoyaku.nishitetsutravel.jp/TourDetail.aspx?tc=DBFL01RL4415

Performer Profiles

First Half: Car No. 1 / Second Half: Car No. 3

Kasumi Kutsunai

Violin | Kyushu Symphony Orchestra

Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Kasumi Kutsunai began studying the violin at age three. After graduating from the Music Department of Toho Girls’ High School, she earned her degree from Toho Gakuen School of Music and completed the Toho Orchestra Academy training program.

She won First Prize at the Kitakyushu Regional Competition of the 69th All Japan Student Music Competition and was selected for the national finals. She has participated in the Seiji Ozawa Music Academy, the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival, and the Affinis Summer Music Festival. Her teachers have included Toshihiko Mitsunaga, Taiki Shimizu, and Akiko Tatsumi. Since 2024, she has served as a violinist with the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra.

Norimichi Yamashita (“Yama-chan”)

Viola | Former Kyushu Symphony Orchestra Violist

Born in Kagoshima City, Norimichi Yamashita graduated from Sakuyo Music University (currently Kurashiki Sakuyo University) and later served as a lecturer there.

He joined the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra as a violist in April 1985. A significant encounter with renowned violist Masumi Tanemura in 1993 deepened his passion for the viola, and he has continued to study under his influence ever since. He retired from the orchestra in September 2018.

Currently, he serves as Representative of Alto Clef Ohori and Director of the Kyushu Chamber Ensemble. Affectionately known as “Yama-chan,” he is beloved for his entertaining performances and engaging commentary. His long-running “Yama-chan Talking Concert” series celebrated its 59th performance in May 2024. His 2017 “Special Gala Concert” at Acros Fukuoka Symphony Hall concluded with a standing ovation from a sold-out audience.

First Half: Car No. 3 / Second Half: Car No. 1

Hiroki Yamashita

Principal Second Violin | Kyushu Symphony Orchestra

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Hiroki Yamashita graduated from the Music Department of Toho Girls’ High School before continuing his studies at the former Vienna Conservatory Private University.

While studying in Vienna, he performed extensively throughout Europe, appearing in more than 100 solo and chamber music concerts annually. He has won numerous awards in competitions both in Japan and overseas, and his performances have been broadcast by Austrian television.

Since May 2020, he has served as Principal Second Violin of the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra. In addition to orchestral work, he is active in chamber music, having performed with distinguished musicians including Toru Yasunaga, Ayumi Ichino, Fuminori Shinozaki, and Andreas Willwohl. He is the violinist of the UNO String Quartet and a part-time lecturer at Elisabeth University of Music.

Genta Usui

Flute & Piccolo | Kyushu Symphony Orchestra

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Genta Usui graduated from Tokyo College of Music and completed the university’s Orchestra Academy program.

He studied flute under Nami Goto, Yoshie Ueno, Masayuki Kai, Yuya Kanda, and Masahiro Aizawa. His awards include the Kanagawa Shimbun President’s Prize at the 37th Kanagawa Music Competition and First Prize in the University/General Division of the First Tokyo International Flute Audition, among many others.

Upon graduation, he appeared in both the 25th Yamaha Wind Instruments New Artist Concert and the 48th Flute Debut Recital. He also participated in the Seiji Ozawa Music Academy Opera Project XIX and the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival 2023. After serving as a contracted member of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, he joined the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, where he currently performs as flute and piccolo player. He is also a part-time lecturer at Fukuoka International College of Music.