"TOROKKO YUSUGE" Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the "TOROKKO YUSUGE" sightseeing train on the Minami Aso Railway, which connects Tateno Station and Takamori Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to Minami Aso and the Aso caldera's outer rim, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

"TOROKKO YUSUGE" is a trolley train operated by the Minami Aso Railway, connecting Tateno Station and Takamori Station. This sightseeing train travels slowly through the Minami Aso basin, surrounded by the outer rim of the Aso caldera. It features open-air trolley cars without windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery while directly feeling the Aso breeze. The train's name comes from the "Yusuge" flower, which blooms in Aso. All seats are reserved, so a trolley ticket is required to board. As it operates seasonally, it is necessary to check the operating dates if you plan to ride. There are other trains with similar names or destinations, so it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "TOROKKO YUSUGE"?

"TOROKKO YUSUGE" is operated by the Minami Aso Railway. The Minami Aso Railway is a third-sector railway that took over the former JNR Takamori Line. It suffered significant damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, but resumed operations after restoration work. There are numerous springs along the line, including Shirakawa Suigen. Aso is known as a volcanic region with one of the world's largest calderas.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of "TOROKKO YUSUGE" lies in the fact that you can fully experience the nature of Aso from the open-air trolley cars. The scenery of the basin surrounded by the outer rim of Aso unfolds on a magnificent scale. Shirakawa Suigen is a spring selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan by the Ministry of the Environment. Many springs are scattered throughout Minami Aso, allowing you to truly appreciate the abundance of water. The First Shirakawa Bridge is a high bridge spanning the Shirakawa Gorge and is a highlight of the scenery from the train window. Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park is a facility that utilizes the spring water inside the tunnel. Mount Aso is an active volcano, and it is sometimes possible to visit the crater. The rural scenery along the route shows different expressions in each of the four seasons. If you check the stations where the train stops and travel time before boarding, it will be easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose. The Aso caldera is quite large, stretching approximately 18 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from north to south. Minami Aso is also known as a water village, with its spring water sources selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's 100 best waters.

Timetable for "TOROKKO YUSUGE"

*"TOROKKO YUSUGE" is a seasonal train.

Downbound (towards Takamori Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Tateno Station) Timetable

"TOROKKO YUSUGE" operates seasonally (mainly on weekends and holidays). Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains in the morning and evening, but the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Operating Days and Service Suspension Notes

"TOROKKO YUSUGE" is a seasonal train. Operating dates are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it. It may be cancelled due to weather conditions.

Operating Sections of "TOROKKO YUSUGE"

Main Sections

• Tateno Station to Choyo Station (Minami Aso Railway Takamori Line)
• Choyo Station to Nakamatsu Station (Minami Aso Railway Takamori Line)
• Nakamatsu Station to Takamori Station (Minami Aso Railway Takamori Line)

Takamori Station is a base station for sightseeing in Minami Aso. At Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park, you can enjoy the spring water inside the tunnel and illuminations. Shirakawa Suigen is accessible on foot from Minami Aso Shirakawa Suigen Station. Mount Aso can be accessed by bus or car from Takamori Station or Tateno Station. Kusasenrigahama is known as one of Aso's representative grassland landscapes. Many hot springs are scattered throughout Minami Aso. Tateno Station is a connecting station with the JR Hohi Main Line. Since travel to surrounding tourist spots is mainly by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There are sometimes tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. On lines with limited service, it is reassuring to check the return train and bus times as well. The grasslands of Aso are the culmination of the long-standing activities of humans and nature, maintained by controlled burning. Some stations on the Minami Aso Railway have long names, which can be a topic of conversation during your trip.

Stations Where "TOROKKO YUSUGE" Stops

Main Stations

• Tateno Station
• Choyo Station
• Minami Aso Shirakawa Suigen Station
• Nakamatsu Station
• Takamori Station

*The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the service.

Fares for "TOROKKO YUSUGE"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Trolley Seat Reservation Ticket

To ride "TOROKKO YUSUGE", you will need a basic fare ticket (fare) to your destination and a trolley seat reservation ticket. The trolley seat reservation ticket includes the cost of using a seat. As it is not a Limited Express train, Limited Express fares and tickets are not required.

About the Trolley Seat Reservation Ticket

To ride "TOROKKO YUSUGE", you will need a trolley seat reservation ticket in addition to your basic fare ticket. Since seating is limited, advance reservations are recommended. Reservation tickets can be purchased at the Minami Aso Railway ticket office or through designated reservation methods. If seats are available, tickets may also be available on the day of travel.

How to Buy Tickets for "TOROKKO YUSUGE"

Advance Reservations and Purchase at Ticket Offices

Trolley seat reservation tickets can be purchased at Minami Aso Railway ticket offices or through designated reservation methods. Since the train operates on limited days, it's best to book early once your travel plans are finalized. When making a reservation, you will need to specify the date of travel, travel section, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to certain conditions and fees.

Purchase on the Day

If there are seats available, you may be able to purchase a trolley seat reservation ticket on the day of travel. However, since the number of seats is limited, trains may be fully booked during peak season. Ticket machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during peak season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies may offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in Minami Aso with train travel.

How to Purchase for International Visitors

"TOROKKO YUSUGE" is operated by the Minami Aso Railway and is therefore not covered by the JR Pass. A separate basic fare and trolley seat reservation ticket are required to ride it. Some station ticket offices offer services in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it's advisable to check before traveling.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Online reservations are accepted from 10:00 AM 30 days before the travel date until 11:59 PM 3 days before the travel date. After making a reservation, please receive your ticket according to the instructions provided. On the day of travel, if there are seats available, you can purchase tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at Takamori Station or Tateno Station.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

On the Minami Aso Railway, you can use contactless payment services such as credit cards at all stations. Please check the official website before boarding for supported brands and how to use the service. Separate reservations and fares are required for the trolley train.

The acceptance of transportation IC cards and contactless payment services such as credit cards are separate services. Please check your purchase details, as the basic fare cannot be paid with just the trolley train reservation ticket.

Seat Information for "TOROKKO YUSUGE"

Seat Types

"TOROKKO YUSUGE" is all reserved seating. It includes open-air trolley cars with no windows. Since the number of seats is limited, it is best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Features of Seating

The open-air trolley cars have no windows, allowing you to directly feel the Aso breeze. The seats are wooden bench seats, giving the ride a retro feel. When crossing bridges, you can experience the height of the gorge. Depending on the weather, it can get cold, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are better if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's best to check your seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Luggage Storage

Space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-free Facilities

There are steps inside the trolley cars. If you are using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Minami Aso Railway in advance. The availability of multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the car and train set.

Station Bento Boxes and Onboard Gourmet Food on "TOROKKO YUSUGE"

On "TOROKKO YUSUGE", snacks and drinks may be sold on board. In Minami Aso, tofu and soba noodles made with spring water are well-known local specialties. Aso's Akaushi beef is a representative brand of beef from Kumamoto. In Takamori, Takamori Dengaku is a popular local dish. Onboard sales vary depending on the service and season, so it's best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. If you eat or drink on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "TOROKKO YUSUGE"

"TOROKKO YUSUGE" operates seasonally, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so you cannot board without purchasing a trolley seat reservation ticket. The trolley cars do not have windows, so dress appropriately for the weather and temperature. Transportation IC cards cannot be used, so be sure to have cash ready. Visiting the Mount Aso crater may be restricted depending on the volcanic activity. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

During rainy weather, you may get wet even on the trolley train. Before boarding, please check the operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Summary

"TOROKKO YUSUGE" is a trolley train operated by the Minami Aso Railway, connecting Tateno Station and Takamori Station. From the windowless trolley cars, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery surrounded by the outer rim of the Aso caldera. It operates seasonally and all seats are reserved, so be sure to check the operating dates and secure a trolley seat reservation ticket in advance.

Enjoy a trip through Minami Aso aboard "TOROKKO YUSUGE", where you can feel the Aso breeze all over your body.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.