[2025 Aso District Attraction] Travel Guide for Minamiaso Railway (Torokko Sightseeing Train) (Updated May)

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 The Minami Aso Railway in Kumamoto Prefecture is 17.7 kilometers long and was opened in 1985. The railway was built along the beautiful Aso Mountains, and the scenery along the way seems like a paradise. Unexpectedly, a large-scale earthquake occurred in Kumamoto in April 2016, causing damage. After the full resumption of operation on July 15, 2023, the Kumamoto-born One Piece author Eiichiro Oda participated in the project and brought the railway version of the Thousand Sunny directly into reality. But please note that not every bus is a special bus, the fares are different and reservations are required. Even if you can't take the Thousand Sunny or Yusuge, the scenery along the way is still very beautiful. Take the Minamiaso Railway from Tateno Station to the final stop, Takamori Station. As soon as you get off the train, you'll see the "Franky Statue", one of the bronze statues for One Piece fans. The newly built Takamori Station is also one of the attractions, with many limited edition souvenirs for sale. The most important place for comic fans is the collection of hand-drawn manuscripts and signatures of cartoonists from all over Japan. It is a must-visit for comic fans.

Traveling to Japan Most people tend to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido But this time I chose Kyushu, Japan Kumamoto & Kagoshima This place is the setting for many animes Rustic countryside, I predict it will be popular this year - My 5-day, 4-night itinerary DAY1: Shanghai-Fukuoka-Take the Shinkansen to Kumamoto DAY2: Kumamoto Castle-A-train-Maejima Tour Day3: Minami Aso Railway Sightseeing Train-Kusasenri-Aso Nakadake Crater-Irozu View Kumano Shrine-Aso Shrine Day4: Sakurajima-Ikeda Lake-Ibusuki Tamatebako Train-Shiroyama Park Day5: Sengan-en-Tsurumaru Castle Ruins Reimei Pavilion-Shinkansen to Fukuoka-Shanghai - 📷【About the Check-in Spots】 1️⃣Kumamoto City Kumamoto Castle Kumamon is everywhere here, Kumamon Park, Kumamoto Station, Maejima are all Kumamon elements, Kumamoto Castle and the retro tram are iconic elements. - 2️⃣A train A jazz-style scenic train with sea views, from JR Kumamoto Station to JR Misumi Station, you can drink Highball while enjoying the sea view. - 3️⃣Minami Aso Railway Sightseeing Train Minami Aso Railway (track train) The same model as the One Piece 【Sunny Train】, the route is full of small forest scenery. - 4️⃣Irozu View Kumano Shrine The filming location of 'Hotarubi no Mori e', covered with moss, it's even more of a green wonderland in summer. - 5️⃣Kusasenri - Aso Nakadake Crater In summer, it's a green grassland, in February and March it's the season of 🔥grass, so it's black, but it has its own charm. - 6️⃣Sakurajima You take a boat from Kagoshima, a beautiful volcanic island with crystal blue waters, where you can soak in a hot spring while facing the sea view. - 7️⃣Ibusuki Tamatebako Train Ibusuki Station Retro train cars, viewing Sakurajima volcano and sea views, very healing - 8️⃣Ikeda Lake A beautiful lake, full of flowers in spring, where you can soak in hot springs♨️. - 9️⃣Shiroyama Park An excellent viewing platform in Kagoshima, right in the city center, overlooking the city and Sakurajima volcano. - 1️⃣0️⃣Sengan-en A direct cultural heritage, the villa and garden of the Satsuma Domain's lord Shimazu family, one of the more famous gardens in Kyushu. -

The journey from Tateno Station to Takamori along the Minami-Aso Railway is an unforgettable experience. This scenic route is filled with rural charm and immerses travelers in the unique natural landscape of Mount Aso. Rail Journey: From Tateno to Takamori Shortly after departing Tateno Station, the train enters a rare "switchback" track system in Japan. Due to the steep terrain, the train must repeatedly move forward and backward to gain elevation. This unique operating method is not only beloved by railway enthusiasts but also offers a special experience for regular tourists. As the journey continues, the scenery gradually opens up, revealing the rolling peaks of the Aso Five Mountains in the distance and verdant fields and villages nearby. Spring brings cherry blossoms along the route; summer sees rice paddies gleaming in the sunlight; autumn paints the rice fields in golden hues; and winter adds a serene beauty with snow-covered landscapes. The atmosphere in the train is relaxed as passengers leisurely enjoy the passing scenery, occasionally listening to railway staff share interesting facts about local attractions. The train stops at several small stations, including Choyo and Aso-Shirakawa, which are charming stops surrounded by hot springs and small shops that exude rural character. After about 30 minutes, the train arrives at its final destination, Takamori Station. Recommended Activities in Takamori Though small, Takamori town is full of charm and perfect for leisurely exploration. 1. Takamori Yukan Onsen After the journey, soaking in a hot spring is the perfect way to relax. Takamori Yukan is a famous local hot spring facility known for its natural springs and open-air baths offering beautiful views of Aso. 2. Takamori Yumae Shrine This historic shrine nestled in the forest offers a tranquil environment perfect for peaceful worship. The "Tunnel Stone" beside the shrine is a notable feature - legend says crawling through it brings good luck. 3. Takamori Tunnel Park Originally planned as a railway tunnel but abandoned due to groundwater issues, it's now a unique attraction. It's refreshingly cool in summer, and light installations create a magical atmosphere throughout the tunnel. 4. Minami-Aso Observatory For nature lovers, the elevated observatory offers spectacular views of the entire Aso volcanic caldera - perfect for photography. 5. Local Cuisine Takamori offers many authentic dishes, including Aso wagyu beef, Akaushi beef bowl, and locally made tofu using spring water. The cafes and traditional Japanese sweet shops near the station are also worth trying. Conclusion The rail journey from Tateno to Takamori offers both a unique switchback track experience and stunning views of Aso's natural beauty. Upon reaching Takamori, visitors can leisurely enjoy hot springs, visit shrines, explore the tunnel park, or savor local cuisine. This journey is perfect for those who prefer slow-paced travel, allowing them to experience the tranquility and charm of Minami-Aso.

There are many routes for sightseeing railways in Kyushu Minami Aso Railway from Takamori Station to Tateno Station Just check the time to get on the train, draw a ticket, and pay cash when you get off (one-way ¥490) No need to buy tickets online in advance, very convenient One Piece carriage was designed by cartoonist Eiichiro Oda to participate in the earthquake relief project The painted sightseeing train with the theme of One Piece comics The entire carriage is full of rich One Piece comics details There are also staff dressed up in various styles and waving at each station along the way It is recommended to take a train to experience the rural beauty of Aso #2月好去地方2025

In July 2023, Minamiaso Railway launched the "Thousand Sunny" train themed on One Piece "ONE PIECE". The design of this train is inspired by the Straw Hat Pirates' ship "Thousand Sunny". The interior and exterior decorations are full of elements from One Piece, allowing fans to feel the pirate atmosphere during the journey. The themed train has Luffy and other characters printed on its exterior, while the interior uses wooden boxes and barrels to create a pirate ship feel. There are also many "ONE PIECE" decorations, such as Luffy's straw hat lamp, pictures from the comics, and barrel decorations. In addition to taking the train, there are also several One Piece-themed check-in spots along the Minami Aso Railway where passengers can take photos. #train