Miyaji Station: Where the Ticket Clerk Works Just Two Hours a Day.

After taking the distinctive JR Kyushu Aso Boy! train as it slowly pulls into Miyaji Station, stepping off reveals a place free from bustling tourist crowds, offering instead the tranquil and simple vibe of rural Japanese life. There's no ticket staff at the gates; a notice at the ticket counter states that service is only available from 14:40 to 16:30! At any other time, you'll have to use the ticket machines. The moment you step outside, the wooden station building immediately catches your eye. Its exterior is entirely inspired by the nearby Aso Shrine, featuring a red roof and sturdy wooden pillars. The most breathtaking feature, however, is the incredibly majestic, shrine-style giant shimenawa (sacred rope) hanging right above the main entrance. Even before reaching the actual shrine, you can already deeply feel the solemn atmosphere of entering a sacred realm. The station also houses a small museum that showcases the building's reconstruction and maintenance over the years.