News Discussion

The Closest Train Station to the Sea

Omisaki Station is one of Japan's closest train stations to the sea. Operated by the Shimabara Railway, the station offers a stunning view of the expansive Ariake Sea stretching below. As the rumble of the departing train fades, the gentle sound of waves fills the air. There is a refreshing tranquility at this unmanned station unlike anywhere else.

Omisaki Station first opened in 1913. Its unique connection to the sea continues to captivate all who visit.

The station has platforms for both upbound and downbound trains. However, the downbound platform offers a particularly striking view of the Ariake Sea, known for having Japan's largest tidal range.

The Shimabara Railway was established in 1908. This private railway spans 43.2 kilometers, connecting Isahaya City and Shimabara City in Nagasaki Prefecture. Despite challenges such as declining ridership, it remains an essential part of the local transportation network.

At high tide, the platforms seem to float on the sea. On clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the mountain ranges in Kumamoto Prefecture across the bay.

Once primarily known to railway enthusiasts, the station gained widespread recognition in 2021 when it served as the filming location for a major beverage company's commercial. Since then, it has become a popular weekend destination for families and tourists.

A few years before the commercial, a unique local revitalization effort was introduced. Visitors could write wishes on the handkerchiefs and display them on the platform. After the commercial aired, sales of the handkerchiefs doubled.

Shinichi Segawa, head of sales at the Shimabara Railway, expressed hope that the station's growing popularity would benefit the local community. He envisioned increased tourism contributing to more stays at local inns and boosting souvenir sales.

1. 1. expansive　広大な、広々とした
   They looked up at the expansive sky filled with stars.
2. 2. rumble　ゴロゴロ（ガラガラ）鳴る音、ごう音；（車などが）ガラガラ走る、通る
   They felt the rumble of the engine as the car started moving.
3. 3. tranquility　静けさ、平静、落ち着き
   Walking in the woods gave her a feeling of pure tranquility.
4. 4. captivate　魅了する、うっとりさせる、心を奪う、とりこにする
   This novel will surely captivate readers from the very first page.
5. 5. revitalization　活性化、再活性化
   Art festivals often play a role in the revitalization of rural communities.

1. 1. What makes the downbound platform at Omisaki Station special?
2. 2. Why did the station become popular after 2021?
3. 3. What unique activity involving handkerchiefs was introduced at the station?
4. 4. What is Shinichi Segawa’s hope for the local community?
5. 5. How do you think local tourism helps small communities? Can you share your opinion?

日本一海に近い駅の一つとして知られる島原鉄道の大三東（おおみさき）駅。ホームに降り立つと雄大な有明海が眼下に広がる。列車のエンジンと車輪の音が遠ざかるにつれ、穏やかに打ち寄せるさざ波の音が小さな無人駅を包み込む。ホームは上下線それぞれにあり、そのうち下りホームが干満差日本一の有明海に面している。

明治41年設立の島原鉄道は長崎県諫早市と島原市の43・2キロを結ぶ私鉄だ。乗客の減少などで厳しい経営環境が続くが、地域の足としては欠かせない。

海に近い駅の中にあっても、ホームの真横が海の駅は珍しいという。満潮時にはまるでホームが海上に浮かんでいるかのようだ。見晴らしのいい日は対岸の熊本県側の山々を見渡すことができる。

かつては鉄道ファンを中心に知る人ぞ知る駅だったが、令和3年に大手清涼飲料水メーカーのCM撮影の舞台に起用され一躍有名に。週末を中心に多くの家族連れや観光客が訪れるようになった。

その数年前からから町おこしの一環で、願い事を記した「幸せの黄色いハンカチ」をホームに掲げる試みが行われ、CM放映後はハンカチの売り上げが倍増したという。

同鉄道営業統括部の瀬川真一部長（53）は「（観光客が）訪れることで、地元の旅館への宿泊やお土産の購入など、何らかの形で地域に貢献できれば」と話す。

大正2年開業の大三東駅、近年は外国人観光客の姿も増えた。綿々と続く駅と海が織りなす絶景は、これからも変わることはなさそうだ。