Miyazaki Prefecture, located at the southeastern tip of Japan’s Kyushu region, is home to the town of Takachiho in the north, which is said to be the site of the “Descent of the Heavenly Grandson”—the legendary birthplace of Japan. Ancient historical texts recount how, in order to govern Japan, a deity descended to this land, giving rise to the nation. As a result, Miyazaki is steeped in mythology and is often referred to as the Land of Japanese Myths. With its warm climate and picturesque scenery, the prefecture exudes a distinctly southern charm. It boasts numerous renowned shrines, as well as scenic spots along the Pacific-facing Nichinan Coast, including Aoshima and Tsumiui Cape, making it one of Japan’s top tourist destinations. Every weekend, a train that seems to emerge straight from mythology travels between Miyazaki’s famous scenic spots such as Aoshima, Minami, and Obi, adding an extra layer of enchantment to travelers’ journeys. This is JR Kyushu’s popular scenic train—the Kaisei Yamase.
The Cedar-Scented Kaisei Yamase Train
In October 2009, the Nichinan Line in Miyazaki Prefecture launched the Kaisei Yamase, an express scenic train operating between Miyazaki and Minami. Though the total journey spans just 55.6 kilometers, it cleverly connects several popular sightseeing spots in Miyazaki, including Aoshima and Obi. The exterior, flooring, and interior of the train cars are extensively decorated with Obi cedar, harmonizing beautifully with the natural scenery outside the windows. Stepping inside, the fresh scent of cedar enhances the overall ambiance, bringing passengers even closer to nature.
The entire train consists of just two cars—one named Yamase (Mountain Fortune) and the other Kaisei (Sea Fortune). Only a small portion of the seats are unreserved, while the majority are reserved; those wishing to experience the Kaisei Yamase should book tickets in advance. All seats feature adjustable backrests, and near the entrances of both cars, there are sofas where friends can chat freely while enjoying the ever-changing views of the sea and forests through the windows. Nearby the sofa seating, there is a service counter displaying traditional Miyazaki crafts and toys made from Obi cedar. Attendants also provide special Kaisei Yamase souvenirs, snacks, and beverages here. The Yamase car includes a wheelchair-accessible rest area and restroom, with thoughtful design ensuring convenience for all passengers. Complimentary commemorative ride cards are available onboard for passengers to collect stamps as mementos.
The Origin of the Name Kaisei Yamase
The name Kaisei Yamase might sound a bit tricky at first, but if you have the chance to ride this train, the friendly attendants will tell you the fascinating myth behind it using hand-drawn picture books.
The legend tells of a pair of brothers who were the grandchildren of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The elder brother, Yamasehiko (Sea Fortune Prince), was skilled in fishing, while the younger brother, Yamasehiko (Mountain Fortune Prince), excelled in hunting. One day, the brothers swapped tools and went to each other’s hunting grounds. The younger brother lost the fishing hook. Upon learning this, the elder brother was furious and ordered the younger to retrieve the original hook from the sea. Standing before the vast ocean, the younger brother was helpless and sat by the shore, weeping silently. Suddenly, the god Shiotsuchi-no-Oji (Salt Maker Elder) appeared, wove a bamboo basket for him, and instructed him to ride it to the Dragon Palace of the Sea God. The Dragon King, recognizing the visitor as the grandson of the Heavenly Sovereign, warmly welcomed Yamasehiko, hosted a banquet, and arranged for his daughter, Toyotama-hime, to marry the prince.
Three years later, the Sea God noticed Yamasehiko’s persistent unhappiness and learned the truth. He then retrieved the fishing hook from the throat of an amberjack fish. The Sea God instructed Yamasehiko to return the hook to his brother while reciting a spell and with his hands behind his back. He also gave Yamasehiko two magical jewels—the Shioyama no Tama (Tide-Raising Jewel) and the Shiohiru no Tama (Tide-Ebbing Jewel). The former could create floods, while the latter could make them subside. The Sea God told him to ride on the back of a crocodile to deliver the hook. He also warned that in three years, the elder brother would likely attack. When that happened, the younger brother should use the two jewels to repel him.
True to the warning, within three years, the elder brother, desperate, launched an attack on his younger sibling. But the younger brother used the magical jewels to defeat him.
Later, the elder brother, Yamasehiko, became the lifelong guardian of his younger brother. It is said that the younger brother, Yamasehiko, was the grandfather of Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, while the elder brother, Yamasehiko, was the ancestor of the Hayato people, the indigenous inhabitants of ancient southern Kyushu.
The Kaisei Yamase train passes by two shrines along its route—the Shiotsuchi Shrine, home to the god Yamasehiko, and the Aoshima Shrine, home to the god Yamasehiko—inspiring the train’s name.
The Breathtaking Scenery Along the Kaisei Yamase Route
The fame of the Kaisei Yamase is not only due to its cozy design and mythical background, but also the stunning scenery along its route, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
The Devil’s Washboard
While riding the Kaisei Yamase, passengers can admire one of Aoshima’s most iconic natural wonders—the Devil’s Washboard. Stretching approximately 8 km along the coast from Aoshima to Kijimajima Island, these undulating rock formations are layers of hard sandstone that have been eroded by waves over time, resembling giant washboards. During low tide, visitors can also enjoy the fun of tide-pool exploring.
Aoshima Shrine
A short 10-minute walk along the Aoshima approach path from Aoshima Station leads to Aoshima Shrine, dedicated to Yamasehiko and Toyotama-hime. Nestled on a subtropical island surrounded by forest, this shrine has a history of 1,200 years. Countless young couples visit each year to pray for love and happy marriages.
Obi Castle
Known as the “Little Kyoto of Kyushu,” Obi Castle is located in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture. It was once the main stronghold of the Ito Domain during the Edo period. This former samurai residence complex, built from stone, faithfully preserves historic features such as traditional Japanese gardens.
The area offers a wealth of historical charm, including Edo-period castle town streetscapes, reconstructions of the feudal lord’s palace, samurai residences, the ruins of Obi Castle, a historical museum, and the Komura Memorial Hall for international exchange—all just a 10-minute bus ride from Obi Station.
A train adorned entirely with the unique Obi cedar wood of Miyazaki Prefecture—both in its exterior and interior—speeds through this land steeped in myth, commemorating Japan’s origin legends while showcasing the prefecture’s breathtaking and unparalleled scenery. Would you like to experience its charm for yourself?
Kaisei Yamase Train Schedule Information:
Operating Days: The Kaisei Yamase generally runs only on weekends and holidays, with one round trip per day. For specific operating dates, please refer to the official JR Kyushu Rail Pass website.
Miyazaki Station (Departs 10:07) → Minami Station (Arrives 11:42)
Minami Station (Departs 15:35) → Miyazaki Station (Arrives 17:14)
Distance & Duration: [Miyazaki Station – Minami Station] Total distance 55.6 km, one-way journey time 1 hour 36 minutes
Stations En Route: Miyazaki – Minami-Miyazaki – Tajimi – Kodomo no Kuni – Aoshima – Kitagō – Obi – Nichinan – Yunokawa – Minami
Seating: The Yamase car has 21 reserved seats and no unreserved seats. The Kaisei car has 21 reserved seats and 9 unreserved seats.
Fare: Miyazaki Station ~ Nanjo Station: 2,310 yen (adult one-way reserved seat ticket, half price for children)
※ With the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, you only need to reserve a reserved seat in advance to ride; no separate ticket purchase is required.
Introduction to the JR Kyushu Rail Pass:
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass (railway pass) is a discounted JR line pass designed to make travel in Kyushu more convenient for foreigners. With the pass, you can ride the JR Kyushu Shinkansen, sightseeing trains, limited express, and local trains (except the Sanyo Shinkansen, including between Hakata and Kokura) as many times as you like during the validity period, and freely choose between non-reserved and reserved seats. (For reserved seats, you need to reserve your seat in advance at the ticketing green window.) Before your trip, purchase an exchange voucher in your home country, then exchange it for the actual pass at a green window or JR Kyushu Travel branch office upon arrival in Kyushu. The pass can also be purchased directly at major JR stations in Kyushu, making it very convenient.
The pass is available for the northern Kyushu region and the entire Kyushu region, with options for either a 3-day or 5-day pass.
Major areas in northern Kyushu: Shimonoseki, Moji Port, Kokura, Hakata, Yufuin, Beppu, Oita, Kumamoto, Aso, Saga, Nagasaki, Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo
The entire Kyushu region covers: the northern Kyushu area, as well as Mitsugishi, Hitoyoshi, Yoshimatsu, Kagoshima-Chuo, Kirishima, Ibusuki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki Airport
Fare:
Northern Kyushu region: 3-day pass 8,500 yen; 5-day pass 10,000 yen
Entire Kyushu region: 3-day pass 15,000 yen; 5-day pass 18,000 yen
Domestic purchase method:
Generally, you can purchase an “exchange voucher” now from a travel agency in China. Upon arrival in Kyushu, present the “exchange voucher” and your passport at a designated location to exchange for the JR Kyushu Rail Pass.
* The “exchange voucher” is valid for 3 months
* The “exchange voucher” must be exchanged for the “JR Kyushu Rail Pass” at the following windows in Japan.
First, apply and purchase the “exchange voucher” on the websites or at the service counters of the following companies in your local area in China: Shanghai Jinjiang, Ctrip, Tuniu, Lvmama, Shanghai Donghu, Japan Window, Shanghai Airlines International, Shanghai Airlines Holidays, Spring Tours, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, JALPAK, Kinki Nippon Tourist, H.I.S, etc., and bring your passport. After arriving in Japan, go to a designated JR Kyushu station to exchange the “exchange voucher” for the “JR Kyushu Rail Pass” and start using it.
JR Kyushu Rail Pass exchange locations
Kyushu stations: Hakata Station, Kokura Station, Moji Port Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Sasebo Station, Beppu Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chuo Station, Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki Airport Station.
JR Kyushu Travel branches:
Hakata Branch, Kokura Branch, Saga Branch, Nagasaki Branch, Oita Branch, Kumamoto Branch, Kagoshima Branch, Miyazaki Branch.
* The JR Kyushu Travel branches at Kagoshima-Chuo Station, Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki Airport Station, and the JR Kyushu Travel Kagoshima Branch do not handle the northern Kyushu version of the JR Kyushu Rail Pass.