Ahead of the Hisatsu Line's (Yoshimatsu–Hayato section) planned service resumption at the end of June 2026, a special walking event is scheduled for May 31, 2026 (Sunday): the "[Coming Soon: Restoration] Hisatsu Line Rail & Trailside Walk (Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station to Kirishima-Onsen Station) – Approx. 1.1 km Special Experience."
The walk covers a roughly 6.4 km course from Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station to Kirishima-Onsen Station, offering participants a chance to take in the scenery along a line on the verge of reopening. The main highlight is a special section where walkers step onto the railway tracks (approximately 1.1 km)—normally off-limits to the public. Local hospitality awaits at the finish line.
Event Details
Date & Time: May 31, 2026 (Sunday), 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
(Check-in: 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM)
Meeting Point: Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station plaza
(39-1 Nakanojo, Yokogawa-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture)
Access
By Car (free parking, no reservation needed)
Temporary parking (approximately 200 spaces total) is available at Yokogawa Community Center, the former Kawahara housing site, and Yokogawa Elementary School grounds.
By Shuttle Bus (free, advance reservation required)
A round-trip shuttle runs between Hayato Station and Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station. This service operates in conjunction with the event due to the partial suspension of Hisatsu Line services caused by heavy rain since August 6, 2025. Participants must apply for the shuttle when booking the event.
Course Overview
9:45 AM – Check-in opens (Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station)
After checking in and before the walk begins, participants can step down onto the tracks inside Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station for viewing and photography.10:30 AM – Walking starts (Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station to Kirishima-Onsen Station)
Starting on public roads, the approximately 6.4 km course includes three sections (totaling about 1.1 km) where participants walk directly on the railway tracks. At the Yokogawa Tunnel along the route, commemorative photos with a photo panel are available at the tunnel entrance.Around 12:00 PM – Finish (Kirishima-Onsen Station)
Local hospitality is available near the finish line. A free return shuttle runs from Kirishima-Onsen Station back to Ōsumi-Yokogawa Station.
Capacity
250 participants
Participation Fees (same for adults and children aged 3 and over)
Bring your own helmet: ¥2,000
Participants must supply their own helmet.Purchase a helmet: ¥3,500
Includes a limited-edition sticker-decorated helmet that participants may keep as a souvenir after the event.
Children under 3 years of age are not permitted to participate. Children aged 3 through elementary school age must be accompanied by a guardian. Junior high school students and above may participate unaccompanied (those under 18 require parental consent when booking).
Helmets are mandatory throughout the event. Participants who arrive without a helmet will be unable to join on the day.
Reservations
Booking opens: May 1, 2026 (Friday) at 9:30 AM
Booking deadline: 7 days before the event
Method: Online via JTB-BÓKUN (credit card only)
Booking link: https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/9f45d152-5771-4466-8821-9a964830296c/experience/1197555
Cancellations are accepted free of charge up to 8 days before the event. After that point, cancellations and refunds are not available. Changes to participants or plans are not permitted; please cancel and rebook as needed.
Notes
- Helmets must be worn at all times during the event. Forgetting your helmet means you will not be able to take part on the day.
- Carrying a child or using a stroller is not permitted.
- The course involves approximately 6.4 km of walking; those who may have difficulty with extended walking are advised not to participate.
- Skirts, high heels, sandals, and thick-soled footwear are not permitted. Clothing may get dirty.
- In rainy conditions, participants must bring their own rain jacket or poncho; umbrellas are not permitted for safety reasons.
- Late arrivals who miss the check-in window cannot join the event.
- Eating and drinking (except for hydration) is not permitted during the walk.
- Tripods, ladders, and similar accessories are not permitted during the event.
- Event content may be partially changed or cancelled due to adverse weather or other circumstances.
- Recording and photography for documentation and promotional purposes may take place during the event, and media crews may also be present.
