Hidden Rail Gem: Japan’s Kisuki Line
The Kisuki Line in Japan is a true hidden rail gem, as this little-known line offers dramatic mountain views and railway switchbacks.
This railway line was one of the highlights of my recent travels around Japan for #AllTheLinesJapan, a personal project in which I aim to travel on every railway line in the country with a scheduled passenger service.
Although the railway line is known among Japanese train enthusiasts, it certainly deserves a bigger share of foreign travellers as well!
A Kisuki Line DMU approaches the station of Shinji. ©AndyBTravels
View from the Kisuki Line. ©AndyBTravels
About the Kisuki Line
The Kisuki Line is an 81.9-kilometre-long (50.9-mile) railway line that connects Shinji Station in the city of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, with Bingo-Ochiai Station in the city of Shōbara, Hiroshima Prefecture.
From Shinji Station, which overlooks Lake Shinji, the train heads into the Chūgoku Mountains.
In addition to lakes and mountains, you can also see dense forests and rice paddies while travelling along this scenic railway line.
Whichever season you choose to travel on the line, it is a stunning journey.
Services on the Kisuki Line are operated by JR West, which typically uses KiHa 120 series diesel railcars on the route.
Bingo-Ochiai Station. ©AndyBTravels
Diesel railcar on the Kusuki line. ©AndyBTravels
Izumo Sakane, one of the intermediate stations on the line. ©AndyBTravels
Switchbacks
The highlight of the Kisuki Line for dedicated rail enthusiasts is a three-tiered switchback, which allows trains to overcome the 162-metre elevation difference between Izumo-Sakane Station (located 564 metres above sea level) and Mitsuinohara Station (726 metres above sea level).
You are likely to find many Japanese trainspotters along the line taking photos and filming videos as the train navigates these switchbacks.
This stretch of the railway line is also arguably the most scenic section of the Kisuki Line, with sweeping views over mountains and deep valleys.
On the website of the Kisuki Line, you can find more information, including how to incorporate this hidden gem with other scenic lines in the region.
If you combine the Kisuki Line with the Geibi Line, Hakubi Line, and San’in Main Line, you can make a perfect loop around the Chūgoku Mountains.
One of the switchbacks. ©AndyBTravels
Japanese rail enthusiasts taking pictures from the train. ©AndyBTravels
Train travel in Japan
For more general information about train travel in Japan, I have written a guide on how to book Japanese train tickets on DiscoverByRail.
Conclusion
Although Japanese rail enthusiasts are certainly familiar with the Kisuki Line, this scenic mountain railway with its three switchbacks is hardly known outside the country.
If you enjoy rural train travel and scenic views from the window, I can certainly recommend making a detour to include this railway line in your travels.
Read about other hidden rail gems
In my overview of hidden rail gems, you’ll find many other stunning railway journeys across Europe and beyond that are worth taking for the ride alone.
