Nishi-Oyama Station: Japan’s Southernmost Train Station – Kagoshima, Japan
There was really no reason for me to visit Nishi-Oyama Station other than the fact that it is the southernmost train station in Japan. The station is tiny, with a single track and a simple platform, surrounded mostly by farmland, with a small market nearby. I wanted to photograph the station as a train arrived, so I decided to make a detour to Cape Nagasakibana, about five kilometres away, and return in time to catch the train in action.
When I first arrived by train from Ibusuki Station, I had the place to myself, which was perfect for taking a few photos of the station. By the time I returned from Cape Nagasakibana, tour buses and private vehicles had arrived, suggesting that this station is part of local tour routes. I explored the market and discovered a variety of souvenirs celebrating the station’s unique status. I bought a magnet, a certificate confirming my visit, and a snack. There was also a bright yellow mailbox, said to symbolize happiness, and a bell you could ring for good luck.
I went to the platform a few minutes before the train’s arrival. Framed by the striking Kaimondake Volcano, open farmland, and the train pulling into the station, the scenery was extremely photogenic. Being at the southernmost point added a sense of significance to the visit. Once I had taken photos and videos, I boarded the train back to Ibusuki Station, feeling as if I had completed a small but memorable milestone in Japan.
On a related note, I also visited Yamakawa Station, one stop north, which holds the distinction of being the southernmost manned station. At the time of my visit, the counter was closed, but a sign clearly marked its claim.
Background
Operated by JR Kyushu on the Ibusuki Makurazaki Line, Nishi-Oyama Station (西大山駅) is the southernmost train station in Japan. Its simple design—a single track and platform—has remained largely unchanged, preserving the rural charm of the area. The station is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing, and nearby Yamakawa Station (山川駅), one stop away, is notable as the southernmost manned station, highlighting the distinction between staffed and automated stations in Japan. A typical visit takes around 15 minutes, enough time to explore the station displays, take photos, and enjoy the surrounding farmland scenery.
Getting There
Nishi-Oyama Station is located in Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, 56.7 km from Kagoshima-chuo Station. It is unmanned and has a single platform. Visitors can reach it via local trains from Kagoshima-chuo or Ibusuki Station, but it is often easiest to arrive by car, especially if you want flexibility to explore the surrounding farmland and scenic areas.
Cost Breakdown
Train: Ibusuki Station → Nishi-Oyama Station — ¥340
Food: ¥120
Souvenir: ¥360
