“Sakura Station” Ushio

Spring 2017 is the last chance to ride the train to enjoy the cherry blossoms at “sakura station” Ushio on the Sanko-sen Line before it closes in next year.

Ushio Station [潮駅] is about about half way between the (mostly) single track Sanko-sen train line that runs between Miyoshi and Gotsu. It is well known among Sanko-sen and sakura fans for its many cherry trees which extend from the station along the side of the Go-no-kawa River. It’s a great place to head for to bid adieu to the Sanko Line, take a stroll, enjoy a bento under the cherry trees, and grab an onsen hot spring bath.

Sakura Walk

The 2.3km walk north along the sakura-lined river to the red Shiki-bashi Bridge [信喜橋] makes for a lovely one hour out and back stroll.

Ushio Onsen [潮温泉]
5-min walk south from Ushio Station
Legend has it that this hot spring with cloudy, greenish brown water, and which offers views of the river, was discovered by a fox. Buffet lunches by reservation and accommodation also available.

Hot spring: Adult ¥420, Child ¥210
Lunch: 11:30-13:00 ¥870 (reservations required)
Overnight stay (including 2 meals): ¥7150~
Closed: Every 2nd Wednesday
Tel: 0855-82-2212

The 10:02 Sanko-sen train from Miyoshi arrives at Ushio at 11:28. The next train continuing on to Gotsu isn’t until 18:28 and the next train to return to Miyoshi is at 17:18, giving you lots of time to chill out around Ushio. See the full Sanko-sen train schedule in English here.

Keep an eye on the progress of the cherry blossoms at Ushio Station by checking out the most recent Instagram posts.

Photos credits
Cherry blossom at Ushio Station: Yamamoto Noriko [やまもとのりこ]　
Go-no-kawa River: Misato-cho Yourist Association [美郷町観光協会]
Ushio Onsen: Nakano Kazuyuki [中野一行]