Location & Access
Tsushimanomiya Station is nestled in Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. This extraordinary station is operated by the Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku) and is situated on the Yosan Line, 39.8 km from Takamatsu. Its primary purpose is to serve visitors attending the Great Summer Festival of the nearby Tsushima Shrine (Kagawa).
Railway Lines
The station features a single side platform serving one track on the JR Shikoku Yosan Line. What makes Tsushimanomiya Station truly remarkable is its operational schedule: it opens for just two days a year, specifically on August 4th and 5th, to coincide with the shrine's festival. This makes it the station with the shortest operating period annually in Japan, excluding those under long-term suspension.
Station History
Tsushimanomiya Station first opened its doors on May 7, 1915. While its regular operation is limited to the August festival, there have been rare exceptions. For instance, it operated on December 22, 2013, for the 100th-anniversary event of the Yosan Line's opening, and again on May 10, 2015, to celebrate its own 100th anniversary. Its unique status means it doesn't have a station number, and its schedule is only listed in summer (June-August) temporary train timetables.
Travel Tips
If you wish to experience this incredibly rare station, plan your visit precisely for August 4th or 5th. It's an unparalleled opportunity to witness a piece of Japanese railway history and participate in a local festival. Be sure to check the JR Shikoku temporary train schedules for these specific dates, as the station remains closed for the rest of the year.
