Introduction

This post captures my memorable experience of riding the BRT Hikoboshi Line with my son shortly after it first opened.
In this blog, I share the journey through photos and stories from the day.

What is the BRT Hikoboshi Line?

The BRT Hikoboshi Line is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system operated by JR Kyushu. It opened in August 2023, replacing the Hitahikosan Line (Soeda–Hita section) which was heavily damaged in the 2020 floods.
It utilizes both exclusive BRT roads and regular roads.

BRT Hikoboshi Line Official Website

Ride Experience

1. Hōshuyama Station

Our first stop was Hōshuyama Station.
This station is unique as it straddles the border between Fukuoka and Ōita Prefecture.
We took a photo in front of the old station building.

2. BRT Exclusive Road

Due to the limited parking at Hōshuyama Station, we moved to Chikuzen-Iwaya Station.

While waiting for the bus, we took photos in front of the newly developed BRT road.
The bright summer sky contrasted beautifully with the deep green forests of the Hōshuyama area.

3. Praying Mantis Encounter

Surrounded by nature, we encountered many insects.
Two praying mantises were playing near the road.
We spent time watching them closely before the bus arrived.

4. The Bus Arrives

Finally, the bus arrived.
Perhaps due to the line’s recent opening, it was quite crowded.
I avoided taking photos inside to respect other passengers’ privacy.

During the ride, we passed through a unique Shakadake Tunnel, where the bus navigated a very narrow, one-lane road inside a long tunnel—formerly a single-track rail tunnel now repurposed.

My son enjoyed the ride but got a bit bored during the long tunnel segment.

5. Arrival at Hikosan Station

We got off at Hikosan Station.

In front of the colorful bus, my son looked happy.
He had a small bag with snacks from his mom around his neck.

The dedicated BRT road ends here. From Hikosan to Soeda Station, the bus uses regular public roads.

6. Deep in the Mountains

This area, once part of the Hitahikosan Line, runs through mountainous terrain.
The surroundings of Hikosan Station are enveloped by forest.
Being a weekend, a food truck was stationed in front of the station, and we enjoyed a hamburger during our 40-minute stay.

7. Return Bus

On the way back, we boarded a purple bus.
Its colorful yet soft-toned design blended beautifully with the landscape, creating a refined visual harmony.

8. Take Area Rice Terraces

After returning to Chikuzen-Iwaya Station, we stopped by the Take District Terraced Rice Fields, which are recognized as one of the "100 Best Rice Terraces in Japan".

It was harvest season, and the golden rice paddies created a picturesque rural landscape.
Though my son wasn’t very interested in the rice fields, we had fun racing to the observation deck, where I snapped this photo.

9. Historic Stone Bridge

On the way back from the rice terraces, between Chikuzen-Iwaya and Daigyōji Stations, we found an old railway bridge still in use as a BRT-only route.
We saw a colorful bus pass over it, maintaining its legacy through modern use.

Conclusion

This was a unique trip, different from regular railways.
Transforming a defunct train line into a BRT route was an innovative solution.

My son, as always, was just happy to ride something.
But with the long tunnels and insect encounters like the praying mantises, I think this was a truly special and enriching experience.