This video documents a scenic rail journey across northern Kyushu, tracing routes on four local trains from Karatsu in Saga Prefecture to Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture. The trip highlights a nostalgic side of Japanese train travel, journeying through less-traveled and vanishing rural landscapes. Beginning with the Chikuhi Line from Karatsu to Imari, the route then shifts onto the Matsuura Railway toward Arita, a town renowned for its historic porcelain. The adventure continues on the JR Sasebo Line, passing through more countryside before arriving at Sasebo, a port city with deep connections to both Japanese and American naval history.

Imari and Arita are featured as notable pottery towns. Imari is particularly famous for its Imari ware, and Arita is regarded as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Both offer glimpses into centuries-old ceramic traditions, making them worthy stops for travelers with an interest in Japanese crafts and culture. Passing through these towns by rail provides beautiful countryside vistas, with fleeting glimpses of rural life that is slowly disappearing as Japan’s population ages and younger people leave for the cities.

Upon reaching Sasebo, the journey explores one of Japan’s longest covered shopping arcades. These arcades (shotengai) are a hallmark of neighborhood life, offering a mix of local shops, eateries, and a nostalgic vibe that harkens back to earlier decades. Despite rain, viewers are treated to an atmospheric stroll through Sasebo’s lively streets, culminating with views of the Kujukushima Islands from a hillside hotel. The Kujukushima Islands—meaning ’99 Islands’—are a group of picturesque islands scattered along the coast, well known for their scenic beauty and boat cruises.

This video is perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures and a taste of old Japan. It spotlights northern Kyushu’s quiet towns, historic train routes, and the slow rhythms of rural travel, appealing to fans of rail journeys and those interested in exploring beyond Japan’s major cities.