Kumamoto - [WTM] Railway & Travel News

Resumes operation for the first time in 4 months between Yatsushiro and Sashiki on the Hisatsu Orange Railway

November 2, 2020November 15, 2020 横山勝巳 / Yokoyama Katsumi

Hisatsu Orange Railway resumed train operation on Sunday, November 1, 2020 between Yatsushiro Station (Kumamoto) and Sashiki Station (Kumamoto), which had been disrupted due to the effects of the heavy rain in July 2020. This line suffered a lot of damage such as sediment inflow due to the heavy rain disaster, and although some sections has been disrupted, the operation of the all line was restarted for the first time in about 4 months. They are operating on regular timetables, including not only local trains but also the sightseeing train “Orange Shokudo” where you can enjoy various meals on board.

Disrupted operation on partial sections of JR Kyūdai Line and Hisatsu Line (updated on August 31, 2020)

August 31, 2020November 15, 2020 横山勝巳 / Yokoyama Katsumi

JR Kyushu is disrupting operation of the following sections due to the effects of the heavy rain disaster in July, 2020. JR Kyūdai Line (久大本線): between Bungo-Mori Station (豊後森, Ōita) and Shōnai Station (庄内, Ōita) It is undecided when the train operation is resumed. The substitute bus transportation is available between Bungo-Mori Station and Yufuin Station (由布院, Oita) / between Yufuin Station and Shōnai Station. JR Hisatsu Line (肥薩線): between Yatsushiro Station (八代, Kumamoto) and Yoshimatsu Station (吉松, Kagoshima) It is undecided when the train operation is resumed. * The train operation was restarted on Saturday, August 29, 2020 between Shōnai Station and Mukainoharu Station (向之原, Ōita).

Resumed operation of JR Hōhi Line between Higo-ōzu and Aso after 4 years and 4 months

August 8, 2020November 15, 2020 横山勝巳 / Yokoyama Katsumi

JR Hōhi Line (豊肥本線) was resumed train operation on Saturday, August 8, 2020 between Higo-ōzu Station (肥後大津, Kumamoto) and Aso Station (阿蘇, Kumamoto), which has been disrupted due to the disaster of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. As a result, Hōhi Line resumed operation on all lines between Kumamoto and Ōita for the first time in about 4 years and 4 months from April 2016.

Outlook for restarting operation on partial section of Hisatsu Orange Railway (updated on August 5, 2020)

August 5, 2020November 15, 2020 横山勝巳 / Yokoyama Katsumi

Hisatsu Orange Railway (肥薩おれんじ鉄道) is disrupting operations between Yatsushiro Station (八代, Kumamoto) and Minamata Station (水俣, Kumamoto) due to the effects of the heavy rain disaster in July, 2020. The substitute bus transportation is available between Yatsushiro Station and Minamata Station. The train operation will be resumed on Saturday, August 8, 2020 between Sashiki Station (佐敷, Kumamoto) and Minamata Station.

Kumagawa Railroad is disrupted until restoration between Hitoyoshionsen and Yunomae (updated on July 18, 2020)

July 18, 2020November 15, 2020 横山勝巳 / Yokoyama Katsumi

Kumakawa Railroad (くま川鉄道) is disrupting operations on all lines between Hitoyoshionsen Station (人吉温泉, Kumamoto) and Yunomae Station (湯前, Kumamoto) for the time being due to the effects ofthe heavy rain disaster in July, 2020. They are carrying out the substitute bus service between Hitoyoshionsen Station and Yunomae Station from Monday, July 20, 2020 (only weekdays).