Good news for rail travelers along Kumamoto’s western coast: Hisatsu Orange Railway (肥薩おれんじ鉄道) resumed full-line service on October 13, 2026, after being severely damaged by the July 2026 Kumamoto earthquake. The regional railway, which runs along the Yatsushiro Sea coastline between Yatsushiro and Sendai (in Kagoshima), is a lifeline for communities in the Ashikita and Minamata areas — and its return is a significant milestone in the region’s recovery.
To mark the restart and help revitalize communities along the line, a series of special campaigns will run from November through December 2026. The spirit behind them: trains connecting people to people, and community to community, with everyone — residents, local businesses, and the railway itself — moving forward together.
Campaign Highlights
Round 1: Autumn Craft Beer Train
The first event puts local flavors front and center. Passengers can enjoy craft beers made with ingredients grown right along the railway corridor — including an original beer from Fukuda Farm (福田農場) brewed with Minamata-grown natsumikan citrus, and an Hisatsu Orange Railway original beer made with Ashikita-grown shiranui citrus. Each ticket comes with a special limited-edition bento box packed with seasonal local produce. It’s a rolling izakaya with a view.
Round 2: “Orange Shokudo” Tourist Train — Special DC Course
The beloved Orange Shokudo (おれんじ食堂) tourist dining train returns with a special menu tied to the Kumamoto Destination Campaign (DC). Two services are planned:
- Service 1 (departing Izumi Station): A brunch course showcasing the best of Kumamoto and Kagoshima’s land and sea produce.
- Service 2 (departing Shin-Yatsushiro Station): Dinner with views of the Yatsushiro Sea, featuring dishes by Issei (一誠), a creative Japanese restaurant that itself rebuilt after earthquake damage, paired with local sake.
Bonus: Limited-Edition Yebisu Beer Gift Sets
Just in time for the Japanese year-end gifting season (oseibo), a special limited-edition Yebisu Beer package featuring Hisatsu Orange Railway train designs and coastal scenery will go on sale. These are exclusive to Izumi Group stores (not all branches carry them), making them a distinctive souvenir or gift for anyone who loves the line.
Whether you’re riding for the scenery, the food, or simply because the route is finally open again, this is a great time to explore the Yatsushiro coast by rail. A major Kyushu travel discount campaign is also running from October 1, which could make the trip even more affordable.
Source: Kumamoto Tourism Topics
