The Takachiho Iron Bridge rises 105 meters from the riverbed, formerly holding the record for the highest railway bridge in Japan.
The open-air carriage is equipped with a glass panel in the floor allowing passengers to look directly down at the river canyon.
The current rail vehicle is a converted former diesel railcar that has been modified to push the open-air cart.
The railway operations were launched in 2010 by the local NPO Amaterasu Railway to revitalize tourism in the Takachiho area.
The route includes a passage through a tunnel that features LED illuminations and bubbles during the transit.
The Amaterasu Railway is a scenic train experience operating on a retired section of the Takachiho Railway line in Miyazaki, Japan. It utilizes an open-air carriage to traverse the Takachiho Iron Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in Japan. The track sits 105 meters above the Iwato River, offering views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The locomotive is a modified rail bus that pushes the passenger carriage across the viaduct. Passengers can view the tracks through a glass floor section on the carriage during the transit. The railway project was established by local volunteers to preserve the infrastructure following the 2005 closure of the regional train line.
The center point of the Takachiho Iron Bridge where the train pauses to offer views down into the canyon.
Book your seat in advance online, as the open-air carriages have limited capacity and frequently sell out.
Bring a jacket even in summer, as the wind exposure on the open-air bridge can be chilly.
Check the official website for service cancellations due to heavy rain or high winds.
Do not attempt to walk along the restricted railway tracks outside of the designated tour area.
Closed on Thursdays; occasional closures due to severe weather conditions.
Remain seated while the train is in motion; do not lean over the side railings of the open-air carriage.
