Hisatsu Line Service Resumes: Yoshimatsu to Hayato Segment Reopens After 2025 Disaster

Japanese National Railways (JR Kyushu) has officially announced the resumption of train services on the Hisatsu Line between Yoshimatsu Station and Hayato Station. Following a prolonged closure due to catastrophic damage from the August 2025 heavy rains, full rail operations on this segment will recommence on Sunday, June 28, 2026, starting with the first train of the day. This marks the successful conclusion of nearly a year of intensive restoration work.

What Happened: From Disaster to Recovery

The Hisatsu Line, a vital rail connection in southern Kyushu, suffered significant damage during the "2025 August Heavy Rains." As a direct result, train operations between Yoshimatsu and Hayato were suspended starting from August 7, 2025. The suspension affected a 37.4-kilometer stretch of the line.

According to the official notice from JR Kyushu, restoration and repair work has progressed steadily since the disaster. As of May 25, 2026, the recovery work status showed major progress, allowing the operator to confidently set a resumption date. The announcement was made on May 27, 2026, at 05:08 UTC, confirming that the restoration work is expected to be completed in time for the scheduled reopening.

Affected Services: Dates, Segments, and Key Changes

The resumption applies specifically to the following segment. Travelers should note the important details regarding substitution buses and minor schedule adjustments post-resumption.

Resumption Details

End of Substitute Bus Service

The replacement bus service that has been in operation during the suspension period will continue until Friday, June 26, 2026. The last day of operation for the代行バス (daikō basu) is June 26. From June 27, no substitute buses will run, in preparation for the train service restart the following day.

Schedule and Service Adjustments After Reopening

JR Kyushu states that the fundamental timetable—departure/arrival times and the number of trains—for the Yoshimatsu to Hayato segment will remain unchanged from the schedule prior to the disruption.

However, there is one notable adjustment: select trains will have their runs extended between Kokubu Station and Hayato Station. The official source document indicates changes in this specific section, though it does not list the exact train numbers or names. Travelers are advised to check the latest schedules closer to the resumption date.

What Travelers Should Do: Official Advice and Planning

Based solely on the information provided in the official JR Kyushu notice, here is the guidance for travelers:

• Mark the New Service Date: Plan your travel using the Hisatsu Line between Yoshimatsu and Hayato for June 28, 2026, onwards.
• Note the Final Bus Date: If you rely on the substitute transportation, be aware that the last代行バス runs on June 26, 2026.
• Verify Your Specific Train: While the general schedule is said to be unchanged, the extension of some services between Kokubu and Hayato means you should confirm your exact train's route and stops when booking or planning. This is especially important for journeys that terminate at or originate from Hayato.
• Check for Further Updates: The source notice does not provide a schedule table or list affected trains. Passengers should consult the official JR Kyushu website for the updated timetable and specific train information as the resumption date approaches.
• Acknowledge Ongoing Restrictions: Be aware that the segment between Yatsushiro and Yoshimatsu remains suspended due to separate flood damage from July 2020. This closure is unrelated to the 2025 disaster.

For comprehensive travel planning across Kyushu, including routes that may utilize the reopened Hisatsu Line segment, reviewing options like the JR Kyushu Rail Pass can be useful for cost-effective mobility.

Official Source

All information in this report is derived directly from the official notice published by JR Kyushu.

• Source Label: 官方机构 (Official Organization)
• Source Site: jrkyushu.co.jp
• Original Japanese Headline: 2026年05月27日 運輸サービス 肥薩線（吉松～隼人間）が運行再開します！
• Published At: 2026-05-27 05:08 UTC
• Direct Source Link: View the official JR Kyushu PDF Notice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why was the Hisatsu Line between Yoshimatsu and Hayato closed?
A: The closure was due to damage caused by the "2025 August Heavy Rains" disaster. Train services on this 37.4 km segment were suspended starting August 7, 2025.

Q2: When exactly do trains start running again on this section?
A: Train services resume on Sunday, June 28, 2026, starting with the first scheduled train of the day from Yoshimatsu and Hayato.

Q3: Will the train schedule be different after the reopening?
A: According to JR Kyushu, the core timetable (times and number of trains) is unchanged from before the disruption. However, some trains will see their runs extended on the Kokubu to Hayato segment. Passengers should check updated schedules for specifics.

Q4: What about the substitute bus service?
A: The代行バス (replacement bus) will operate for the last time on Friday, June 26, 2026. It will not run on June 27 or 28.

Q5: Is the entire Hisatsu Line now open?
A: No. Only the Yoshimatsu to Hayato segment is reopening. The Yatsushiro to Yoshimatsu segment remains closed due to damage from the July 2020 floods, a separate incident. Travelers needing to travel between Kagoshima and Kumamoto should continue to use alternative routes and services, potentially including limited express trains that bypass the closed sections.