JR West to run extra Hakata-Minami Line trains for Shinkansen event

JR West has announced that special temporary trains will operate on the Hakata-Minami Line on October 11 to coincide with the ‘Shinkansen Fureai Day’ event at the Hakata General Rolling Stock Center.

The event, held from 10:00 to 16:00, will feature displays of the ‘Doctor Yellow’ and the 500 Series Shinkansen. This marks the final year these specific train models will appear at the event, as the 500 Series is scheduled for retirement in 2027.

To accommodate visitors, JR West is increasing service frequency on the Hakata-Minami Line. Downbound services from Hakata Station will increase from three to seven trains during the 8:00–10:00 window. Upbound services from Hakata-Minami Station will increase from three to eight trains during the 14:00–16:00 window.

All temporary Hakata-Minami Line services will operate as limited express trains, requiring a non-reserved limited express ticket in addition to a standard fare. The company noted that IC cards like ICOCA and SUGOCA cannot be used for these services and warned that station entry restrictions may be implemented due to expected crowding.