Heavy rain in July Reiwa 2, which caused enormous damage to the Kuma River basin.
The Hisatsu Line, which connects Yatsushiro and Hayato, was severely damaged by the heavy rain, and the service between Yatsushiro and Yoshimatsu is still suspended.
The Hisatsu Line played an extremely important role in revitalizing the area along the railway line, not only as a means of transportation for residents along the railway line, but also as a tourist resource with the operation of many tourist trains.
Since the disaster, every time we see the scenery that once had many trains operating on the line replaced by a landscape that is damaged by the weeds that have grown on the railroad tracks, the local residents continue to feel a great sense of loss.
The Hisatsu Line Utilization Promotion and Attractiveness Awareness Council, which is composed of local governments along the Hisatsu Line, is carrying out request activities to JR Kyushu for the restoration of the entire Hisatsu Line.
Restoration of the entire Hisatsu Line is indispensable not only for the reconstruction of the area along the line, but also for the promotion of local industry, economy, and culture. We will continue to carry out various activities to restore the entire line, so please support us.
Please check the JR Kyushu website for details on the operation status due to a disaster.
■JR Kyushu Homepage Information on operation status due to disasters
https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/railway/notice/index.html
The state of the council and activities along the Hisatsu Line will be posted on the "100 Year Rail Hisatsu Line Facebook".
Please take a look here as well.
Let’s get going on a journey of the Hisatsu Line Railway heritage.
When Japan was plunging into modernization, the railway system became an artery connecting various regions. It connected people and communities by passing around steep mountains and through valleys.
Our passionate predecessors studied abroad and challenged new technologies. The Hisatsu Line preserves the features of that glorious age. The features include an iron bridge made in New York and Okoba station, the only Japanese station where a spiral line and switch-back system can be experienced. The magnificent panorama is counted as one of the three most beautiful views from a train window. Not a few station houses still in use remain as they were 100 years ago. The various locations preserved along the railroad line are our precious historical heritage. The Hisatsu Line is a heritage railway filled with these appealing points.
After one hundred years, the Hisatsu Line is basking in the limelight again. If you are interested in our heritage, please come and experience the living railway museum here. Why not visit the Hisatsu Line now?