THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO: A Journey Train Packed with the Charms of the Line | Nishi-Nippon Railroad
LOUNGE / TRAVEL
March 15, 2019

THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO: A Journey Train Packed with the Charms of the Line | Nishi-Nippon Railroad


Nishi-Nippon Railroad


Transit General Office provides total production.
A journey train to savor the Nishi-Nippon Railroad region of Fukuoka.


Nishi-Nippon Railroad, based in Fukuoka, will launch its regional culinary journey train, "THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO," on Saturday, March 23, 2019. With the concept of "LOCAL to TRAIN," this train offers a course meal featuring fresh ingredients from the Chikugo region and interior design incorporating traditional crafts, embodying the charm of the line. Transit General Office is responsible for the total production. The fusion of specialists' dedication and the local community promises an unprecedented new travel experience.

Text by Satsuki Wakabayashi





A journey train packed with the charms of the Nishi-Nippon Railroad line. Running this spring.



Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd., based in Fukuoka, is launching its regional culinary journey train, "THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO," this spring. Transit General Office is handling the total production for this ambitious project, where their multifaceted approach is evident throughout.

For the main course, freshly baked pizza using Chikugo wheat will be served. This is made possible by a pizza oven installed onboard, supervised by Masashi Imai of "En Boca," renowned for its kiln-cooked dishes, offering the luxury of tasting it right out of the oven. Furthermore, amuse-bouches and appetizers (a meat plate and a vegetable plate) are curated by Yasuhide Watanabe, a popular chef based in Fukuoka. Original dishes using seasonal ingredients from the local region will be provided.

The pizza by Mr. Imai, not available elsewhere in Kyushu, and the dishes by Mr. Watanabe, which cannot be tasted at his restaurant, are unique offerings of this journey train. The menu is planned to change seasonally to reflect the taste of the season, allowing passengers to enjoy the train journey throughout the year.

THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO

The logo and exterior design were handled by Naoko Fukuoka. The logo, inspired by icons representing the rich resources and charms of the line, such as the river cruises of Yanagawa, the specialties of Kurume, and the industrial heritage of Omuta, along with a red checkered pattern motif for the kitchen cloths, adds color to the lush green scenery along the route.

The interior design, with its modern and casual approach, is by Landscape Products. Using traditional crafts from the region, such as woven bamboo fabric made from Yame bamboo and Jojima tiles, it showcases the "craftsmanship" of Chikugo and creates a space that offers a new perspective on the charms of the line.

Additionally, tin panels designed by Mutsumi Kageyama, an artist from Fukuoka, depict the Chikugo River and the abundant nature of the region, delighting passengers along with the interior design.


THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO

THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO



Other offerings include "Amaou Premium Sparkling Wine" and fruit juices as welcome drinks, and local sake from the region and Yame tea during the meal. After the meal, guests can enjoy herbal tea made from locally grown herbs, original blend coffee from Kurume's popular roaster "COFFEE COUNTY," and original baked sweets made with local ingredients by a popular patissier.

This journey train, born from the collaboration of local artisans and diverse specialists, unlocks new facets of Chikugo, allowing you to experience its charms with all your senses. It promises an elegant time. Why not savor the spring aboard?


Inquiries


THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO


https://www.railkitchen.jp/