Hisatsu Line Track Walk 2026: Book This Rare Rail Event

Hisatsu Line Rail & Trackside Walk — May 31, 2026 (Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station to Kirishima-Onsen Station)

This guidance is for rail enthusiasts, local residents, and travelers who wish to participate in the special "Almost Reopened! Hisatsu Line Rail & Trackside Walk" event on Sunday, May 31, 2026, organized by JR Kyushu ahead of the planned reopening of the Hisatsu Line between Yoshimaru and Hayato. The event covers a roughly 6.4-kilometer walking course from Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station to Kirishima-Onsen Station in Kagoshima Prefecture, including approximately 1.1 kilometers of walking directly on the railway tracks — a section of track that is normally off-limits to the public.

Participation requires advance online reservation and is limited to 250 persons on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations open on May 1, 2026 at 09:30 and close on May 24, 2026 (seven days before the event). All participants must wear a helmet during the on-track portions of the experience.

The event is being held in connection with the expected full reopening of the Hisatsu Line's Yoshimaru–Hayato section at the end of June 2026. The line has been partially closed since August 2025 due to heavy rainfall damage. For broader context on Kyushu rail disruptions and service updates, see our Kyushu service updates page.

Who This Applies To

This event is open to the general public, subject to the following eligibility conditions as stated in the official notice issued by JR Kyushu on April 30, 2026:

• Minimum age: Children must be at least 3 years old on the day of the event. Children under 3 are not permitted to participate.
• Children aged 3 through elementary school age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the event.
• Participants of junior high school age and older may attend without a guardian. However, those under 18 must obtain the consent of a parent or legal guardian before making a reservation.
• Adults and children (aged 3 and above) pay the same participation fee.
• Baby carriers and strollers are not permitted for safety reasons.

Participants should be prepared for approximately 6.4 kilometers of walking over a period of roughly 2.5 hours. The official notice advises that those with concerns about extended walking should reconsider participation.

For travelers unfamiliar with the area, our Kagoshima region rail guide provides an overview of stations and connections in southern Kyushu.

Steps to Participate

Follow these steps to secure your spot and prepare for the event:

Step 1: Make an Online Reservation (Opens May 1, 2026)

Reservations are accepted exclusively through the JTB-BÓKUN online booking system with credit card payment only. The reservation page goes live on:

• Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
• Time: 09:30 onward
• Reservation deadline: May 24, 2026 (7 days before the event)

The source notice provides a direct link to the JTB-BÓKUN reservation page. JTB-BÓKUN is a booking management system operated by JTB Corporation.

Step 2: Select Your Participation Plan

Two participation plans are available:

Fees apply equally to adults and children (aged 3 and above).

Step 3: Arrange Transportation to Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station

The event begins at Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station. Two access options are available:

Option A — Private Vehicle: Free parking is available without reservation at three locations near the station (approximately 200 spaces total):

• Yokogawa Community Center
• Kawahara Residential Site (former location)
• Yokogawa Elementary School yard (temporary parking)

Option B — Free Shuttle Bus (Reservation Required): A free shuttle bus operates between Hayato Station and Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station for the round trip. This shuttle was arranged specifically because the Hisatsu Line is currently suspended between Yoshimaru and Hayato, making direct rail access to Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station unavailable. You must request the shuttle bus when making your event reservation through JTB-BÓKUN.

For general rail access to Hayato Station, refer to our Hayato Station access guide.

Step 4: Arrive at the Registration Desk on Time

On the day of the event:

• Registration: 09:45 – 10:30 at Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station plaza
• Address: Yokogawa-chūō 39-1, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Walking start: 10:30
• Expected arrival at Kirishima-Onsen Station: Approximately 12:00 onward (staggered)

Important: If you do not arrive during the registration window (09:45–10:30), you will not be allowed to participate.

Step 5: Enjoy the Walk and Special Track Experience

The course proceeds as follows:

1. Pre-departure at Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station: After registration but before the walk begins, participants may descend onto the tracks within the station area for viewing and photography.
2. Walking course (approximately 6.4 km): The walk begins on public roads. Along the route, participants enter the railway tracks at three separate sections totaling approximately 1.1 km — a portion of the line that is normally inaccessible.
3. Yokogawa Tunnel photo spot: At the entrance to Yokogawa Tunnel, photo panels are set up for commemorative photography.
4. Finish at Kirishima-Onsen Station: Upon arrival, local community members provide hospitality — the source document specifically mentions soba noodle soup with tempura, among other refreshments.

Step 6: Return via Free Shuttle Bus

A free shuttle bus operates from Kirishima-Onsen Station back to Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station after the walking event concludes. No separate reservation is required for this return shuttle — it is provided for all participants.

Limits and Exceptions

The following restrictions and conditions apply, as stated directly in the official JR Kyushu notice:

• Capacity: 250 persons total. Reservations are first-come, first-served.
• Helmet requirement is mandatory. If you select the "bring your own helmet" plan and forget your helmet on the day, you will be refused participation. There is no option to purchase a helmet on-site.
• No refunds after 8 days prior to the event. Free cancellation is available up to and including 8 days before May 31, 2026 (i.e., by May 23, 2026). Cancellations made after that date are non-refundable.
• No changes to participants or plans. If you need to change a participant name or switch between the two fee plans, you must cancel and re-book.
• Children under 3 are not permitted.
• Baby carriers and strollers are not allowed for safety reasons.
• Prohibited clothing and footwear: Skirts with wide hems, high heels, sandals, and thick-soled shoes are not permitted. Participants should expect that clothing may become dirty.
• No eating or drinking during the experience (except for water/hydration).
• No smoking during the experience.
• No tripods, stepladders, or other photography support equipment.
• Umbrellas are not permitted. In case of rain, participants must bring their own raincoat (kappa). The source states that umbrellas cannot be used for safety reasons.
• Follow staff instructions at all times. Participants whose behavior endangers safety — or is judged likely to do so — may be removed from the event without a refund.
• Weather contingencies: Parts of the event program may be modified or cancelled due to adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Liability: JR Kyushu states that it is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or damage to clothing or belongings caused by participant negligence.
• Media recording: The event may be photographed, filmed, or recorded for JR Kyushu's records and promotional use. Television crews and other media may also be present.

For travelers planning to use the Hisatsu Line once it reopens in late June 2026, our Hisatsu Line route guide provides schedule and connection information.

What Travelers Should Prepare

Based on the conditions outlined in the official source notice, participants should prepare the following items and considerations:

• A helmet (if selecting the ¥2,000 plan). Any standard safety helmet is acceptable per the source. The source does not specify exact helmet type requirements beyond the mandatory wearing condition.
• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for approximately 6.4 km of mixed terrain (public roads and railway track surfaces). Avoid sandals, high heels, and thick-soled shoes.
• Practical clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. Avoid wide-hemmed skirts. Long pants are recommended given the track-walking portions.
• A raincoat (kappa) if rain is forecast. Umbrellas are explicitly prohibited.
• Water for hydration during the walk. Note that eating and drinking (other than water) is not permitted during the experience.
• Credit card for the online reservation payment. The source specifies that JTB-BÓKUN accepts credit card payment only.
• Parental consent documentation if you are between 15 and 17 years old (junior high school age and above but under 18). The source states that parental/guardian consent is required for reservation in this age group, though it does not specify what form of documentation is needed on the day.

For general packing advice when traveling by rail in Kyushu, see our Kyushu Rail Pass guide for tips on planning multi-day rail itineraries in the region.

Event Schedule at a Glance

Official Source

Note: The source document is in Japanese. This article is a faithful English-language summary. Where details were not specified in the source, this article notes that the source did not specify them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I participate if I don't have a helmet?

Yes. You can select the "Purchase Helmet with Participation" plan (¥3,500), which includes a helmet with a limited-edition sticker that you keep after the event. However, if you choose the "Bring Your Own Helmet" plan (¥2,000) and arrive without a helmet, you will be refused entry — there is no on-site helmet rental or purchase option for that plan.

How do I get to Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station by train?

As of the event date, the Hisatsu Line between Yoshimaru and Hayato remains suspended due to damage from heavy rainfall in August 2025. This means direct rail service to Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station is unavailable. JR Kyushu is providing a free shuttle bus between Hayato Station and Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station specifically for this event (reservation required). Check our Hisatsu Line page for the latest reopening information.

Is the event held rain or shine?

The source notice states that parts of the event may be modified or cancelled due to adverse weather. Participants are advised to bring a raincoat (not an umbrella) in case of rain. The source does not specify a definitive rain-or-shine policy or a cancellation announcement procedure.

Can I bring a baby in a carrier or stroller?

No. The official notice explicitly prohibits both baby carriers (holding a child while walking) and strollers for safety reasons. Additionally, children under 3 years of age are not permitted to participate at all.

What happens if I need to cancel after the refund deadline?

Free cancellation is available up to 8 days before the event (by May 23, 2026). After that date, cancellations are not refundable. Participant changes and plan changes are not permitted at any time — you would need to cancel and rebook if you wish to make changes.

Related Rail Information

The Hisatsu Line is one of Kyushu's most scenic railway routes, running through mountainous terrain between Yatsushiro and Hayato (with connections toward Kagoshima-Chuo). The section between Yoshimaru and Hayato, which includes the area covered by this walking event, has been closed since the August 2025 rainfall damage. Its expected reopening at the end of June 2026 will restore the full line for the first time in nearly a year.

For travelers planning to explore Kagoshima Prefecture by rail, the following resources may be helpful:

• Kagoshima Prefecture rail guide — overview of rail lines, major stations, and connections in the region.
• Kyushu rail network overview — information on all JR Kyushu lines across the island.
• Kyushu Shinkansen guide — for travelers connecting to or from the Kagoshima-Chuo terminus.
• Kyushu service updates — current disruptions, planned reopenings, and timetable changes.

This article was prepared based solely on the official JR Kyushu notice published on April 30, 2026. Information is current as of that date. Always verify details directly with JR Kyushu before making travel plans.