Kan Emori 
A yellow train of the Shimabara Railway against the blue sea and sky. Omisaki Station, Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
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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.
A Platform on the Sea
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 Boost for the Local Community
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.
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Author: Kan Emori, The Sankei Shimbun
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