After rafting on May 19, we missed our direct train to Kumamoto Station. However, we got a treat while waiting for the next train. We were able to get up close and personal with a working steam locomotive, a treat for NUS students who normally only see and ride the MRT.

The train we saw was the SL Hitoyoshi, one of several SL (steam locomotives) operating around Kyushu for tourists. The SL Hitoyoshi operates only one run on Saturdays and is booked months in advance. That means we could not get a seat, but we could take tons of photographs.

Train pulling into the station

Shoveling coal into the furnace

The train preparing to pull away