Rail service after flooding in Kyushu

Hi there,

There has been some disruption to the JR services in Kyushu because of the recent weather. Looking at your itinerary the only journey that may be affected is your trip via local lines to Aso. The Kyushu Shinkansen service is unaffected.

Here is a Google translation of the current press release from JR Kyushu on the state of the rail service on the island. It states the following lines as running a reduced service or out of action.

• The Kyudaihonsen line between Hita and Chikugoyoshii map is running a reduced service with no express trains running.
• The Hitahikosansen line is not running between Soeda and Yoake.
• The Hohihonsen line (google translate) & map is not running between HIgoozu and Ogata.

Aso station lies on the Hohihonsen line between Higoozu and Ogata and is currently not accesible by rail. JR is running a replacement bus service from Higoozu to Miyaji station, and will stop at stations en route, including Aso station.

Hope this helps!

Thank you for the swift reply. Has JR advised when it expects the rail service to and from Aso will re-commence? We plan to visit Mnt Aso on 9th August and want to do the journey by train, bus is not ideal. thank you.

Hi there,

Currently JR-Kyushu have not posted any estimates on when the line will be running again. The Hohihonsen is partially disabled due to flooding, erosion and some debris and so should be clear before the end of the month, but this will depend on the weather going forwards.

I recommend you regularly check the JR-Kyushu homepage (google translated) for the latest information on line closures. Current disruptions are listed on the google translate page as "Interruption of travel plans for the future by Hohihonsen-Hitahikosansen-Kyudaihonsen".

Hope this helps!

Hello,
is there any news on when the line might re-open?

Hi there,

The Hohihonsen is now open at HIgoozu until Tateno station which is 4 stops (15km) from Aso station. At this rate it is highly likely that the line will be open to Aso by the time you go on the 9th August, but please check back here and I will update for you. Certainly as a backup the replacement bus service will be running for the final 15km (approx. 20m bus journey), so you should not be impacted to severely.

Hope this helps!

Mari, thank you.

Post Aso if we want to head back to Toykyo then I assume we would need to go back the same way towards Kagoshima?

Hi there,

Yes, you'd go back on the hohihonsen line to Kumamoto and then board the Shinkansen back up to Tokyo changing at shin-Osaka.

Hope this helps!

Please note also that Aso has been closed recently a lot due to higher poisonous gas emissions. Always confirm if the area is open before going there, or else you will be stopped 1km from the crater and can't see it.