Aso Boy

The Aso Boy (あそぼーい！) is a limited express train service in Kyushu, Japan, operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) since June 2011. The train normally runs between Kumamoto and Miyaji via Aso on the Hōhi Main Line.

Aso Boy
KiHa 183-1000 Aso Boy, January 2023
Overview
Service typeLimited express
LocaleKyushu
First service2011
Current operator(s)JR Kyushu
Route
TerminiKumamoto
Miyaji
Service frequencyTwo return trips daily
On-board services
Class(es)Standard class only
Catering facilitiesCafe counter
Technical
Rolling stockKiHa 183-1000 DMU
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
ElectrificationNone

Service pattern and station stops

Services normally operate on weekends, Public holidays, and additional days, such as school holidays,[1] with two return workings (Aso Boy 101, 102, 103, 104) per day. The 53 km (33 mi) journey between Kumamoto and Miyaji takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.[2]

Services stop at the following stations.[2]

Kumamoto - Shin-Suizenji - Suizenji - Higo-Ōzu - Tateno - Akamizu - Aso - Miyaji

On certain dates in October to December 2011, the Aso Boy 101 and 104 services were extended to run between Hakata and Kumamoto as part of a destination campaign targeting Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima.[3]

Rolling stock

The train is formed of specially modified 4-car KiHa 183-1000 diesel multiple unit set converted from the former Yufu DX trainset.[1]

Formation

The train is formed as follows, with car 1 at the Miyaji end, and car 4 at the Kumamoto end.[1]

Car No.1234
Running No. KiHa 183-1001KiHa 182-1001KiHa 182-1002KiHa 183-1002
Seating capacity 3744937
Facilities ToiletSemi-open compartments, 4-seat bays"Family car" with children's play area, "Kurocafe" counterToilet
  • Car 1 (KiHa 183-1001)
    Car 1 (KiHa 183-1001)
  • Car 2 (KiHa 182-1001)
    Car 2 (KiHa 182-1001)
  • Car 3 (KiHa 182-1002)
    Car 3 (KiHa 182-1002)
  • Car 4 (KiHa 183-1002)
    Car 4 (KiHa 183-1002)

Interior

All cars are no-smoking.[4]

  • Panorama seating in car 1 (KiHa 183-1001)
    Panorama seating in car 1 (KiHa 183-1001)
  • Unidirectional seating in car 2 (KiHa 182-1001)
    Unidirectional seating in car 2 (KiHa 182-1001)
  • 4-seat bay seating in car 2 (KiHa 182-1001)
    4-seat bay seating in car 2 (KiHa 182-1001)
  • "Kurochan" family seating in car 3 (KiHa 183-1002)
    "Kurochan" family seating in car 3 (KiHa 183-1002)
  • "Kuroclub" family area in car 3 (KiHa 183-1002)
    "Kuroclub" family area in car 3 (KiHa 183-1002)
  • "Kurocafe" area in car 3 (KiHa 183-1002)
    "Kurocafe" area in car 3 (KiHa 183-1002)

History

The Aso Boy service was introduced on 4 June 2011.[5]

See also

References
  1. "特急"あそぼーい！"用に大変身　キハ183系1000番台" [KiHa 183-1000 series transformed for use on "Aso Boy" limited express]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 51, no. 604. Japan: Kōyūsha Co., Ltd. August 2011. pp. 66–68.
  2. JR Timetable, August 2011 issue, p.143
  3. 特急"あそぼーい！"，博多—熊本間で延長運転 [Aso Boy limited express extended to run between Hakata and Kumamoto]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
  4. 特急「あそぼーい！」 [Limited express "Aso Boy"]. JR Kyushu Train Guide (in Japanese). Japan: Kyushu Railway Company. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  5. 観光特急"あそぼーい！"が営業運転を開始 ["Aso Boy" tourist train enters service]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 5 June 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
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