Matsuura Railway

Hirado Bridge

Imari ware

Sasebo Burger

Matsuura Railway is the westernmost railway in Japan that runs 93.8km from Arita Station through Imari and Matsuura to Tabira Hiradoguchi, Sasa and Sasebo. It is nicknamed "MR".

"Tabira Hiradoguchi Station", known as the westernmost station in Japan, is a quaint station built in 1935 and there is a museum inside the station building where you can see the history of the Matsuura Railway. You will also be issued a "Certificate of Visit to the Westernmost Station in Japan" is also issued making it an ideal souvenir of your trip.

"Hirado Bridge" which is located west of Tabira Hiradoguchi Station is a vermilion suspension bridge that connects Hirado Island and Tabira Town. There is a park under the bridge which is the best place to take pictures with the Hirado bridge in the background. Beautiful illuminations at night.

Imari and Arita are also famous for their porcelain production. Visitors can enjoy touring the kilns, strolling around and purchasing porcelain at "Okawachiyama" (get off at Imari Station), a hidden village with many kilns that carry on the tradition of "Nabeshima Ware" which was offered to the Imperial Court, shogunate and various lords during the Edo period. It was designated as a national historic site as "Okawauchi Nabeshima Kiln Site" in September 2003.

You can also enjoy plenty gourmet foods along the Matsuura Railway. In Sasebo, the "Sasebo Burger" and Sasebo's famous "Lemon Steak" are known as Nagasaki's local specialties and Matsuura City has the largest catch of horse mackerel in Japan. Famous as a sacred place for "horse mackerel cutlet", you can enjoy fluffy and crispy horse mackerel cutlet. You can taste "Saga Beef" which is known as a premium meat along in Saga prefecture with Matsuzaka Beef and Kobe Beef.

On a leisurely trip on the Matsuura Railway, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons from inside the train such as cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in autumn. Please experience the trip of Japan's westernmost railway where you can fully enjoy the history, gourmet food and nature.