Day 07 - 03/01/1998: Slow Train back to Kumamoto: Ritsuko's father dropped us off early at Kobayashi-Eki (Eki = train station). I needed to exchange my exchange order for the rail pass. Kobayashi-Eki is not an official place1 for getting the rail pass so instead they gave me a letter explaining to the conductor that I would be exchanging my exchange order for the rail pass at Kumamoto, so I didn't have to buy a 4200yen (AUD50) ticket to go to Kumamoto. Good customer service again.
The train the in the photo above is known as the "Seaside Liner" it goes slowly back and forth between Miyazaki City and Kumamoto City (via Miyakonojo, Kobayashi, Ebino, Hitoyoshi and Yatsushiro)2. Although the train is slow much of the scenery along the line is breathtaking.
If you see the Japan Rail map you will be able to see the route from Miyazaki (South East part of Kyushu (the Southernmost of the four main Islands)) then Miyakonojo. From Miyakonojono take the North West heading line. Along this part of the line are Kobayashi, then Ebino which are not shown on the Map. Then the train goes to Hitoyoshi, Yatsuhiro before arriving at Kumamoto station.
