Chiwata Station

Chiwata Station sits on the JR Omura Line, which runs along the coast of Higashisonogi Town in Nagasaki Prefecture. Built in 1928, its wooden station building has kept much of its old-time charm through the years, giving the place a quietly nostalgic feel.

The station’s greatest appeal is its one-of-a-kind scenery, where the sea and railway come together. The calm waters of Omura Bay stretch out right in front of you, and from the platform, the scent of the sea makes time seem to slow down.

The bright daytime atmosphere is wonderful, but sunset is especially memorable. The collaboration of the crimson sky and sea with a train slowly passing through is like a scene from a movie. Its beauty is so well known among photography enthusiasts that it was once used on a promotional poster for railway travel.

Also, because the station is located on tracks that curve along the bay, be sure to notice its rare structure: stopped trains lean slightly toward the sea. This scene, uncommon even across Japan, has attracted not only railway fans but many travelers as well. Parking space around the station is limited, so keep this in mind if visiting by car.

Visit this station, where one of Nagasaki’s finest views awaits, and even the time spent waiting for a train may become a special travel memory.