About Hitoyoshi Railway Museum MOZOCA Station 868

Hello everyone, this is Aikero, your Sarukuma writer!

Today I’m excited to introduce a wonderful spot located in Nakaaoi-machi, Hitoyoshi City:
Hitoyoshi Railway Museum MOZOCA Station 868.Conveniently located right next to JR Hitoyoshi Station, getting here is incredibly easy! ♪
Free parking is available with plenty of spaces, so driving here is also super convenient! ♪

On weekends and holidays, you can also use the parking lot of the nearby Higo Bank Hitoyoshi Ekimae Branch.
So… what does “MOZOCA” actually mean?
It comes from the Kumamoto dialect word meaning “small and cute.”

It’s the kind of word that grandparents fondly use to describe their grandchildren — “mozorashika neh!” (^^)/

Right at the entrance, you’ll find clean, well-maintained restrooms.

There’s also a multipurpose restroom available.
Diaper changing is no problem at all! ♪
The nursing room is conveniently located right next to the elevator, making it easy to navigate with a stroller! ♪

Inside, you’ll discover a treasure trove of railway exhibits, including detailed dioramas and video presentations!Here’s the cozy café space.
Look at this adorable mini station!
Let me give you a quick peek at the souvenir shop too! ♪
These warm, handcrafted wooden toys are absolutely charming.
Warning: once your kids spot this, there’s no going back!
A huge collection of Plarail toy trains!You’ll also find Hitoyoshi specialty products — perfect souvenirs to remember your trip by! ♪Drinks are also available for purchase inside.

Top Highlights of MOZOCA Station 868

Just look at this — the Mini Train! Isn’t it absolutely adorable?!
This was actually my main reason for visiting today (●＾o＾●)The train has three cars.
Seating is assigned in the order visitors sit on the bench beside the ticket machine, so you can’t choose your seat in advance.

If you really want to ride in the front car, my tip is to grab a spot on the bench more than 5 minutes before departure! (^○^)
On the round-trip route, the rear car becomes the front car on the return journey, and vice versa.
(There’s no seat swapping or moving allowed.)
First, check the timetable.
Please note that there are no departures during the 12:00 hour! (^^)/

Announcements are made over the in-house PA system, but please be sure to be ready at least 5 minutes before departure! ♪
Tickets for the rides can be purchased from this ticket machine (^^)/

〈Mini Train〉 ★Rain or Shine!
◎ Children up to age 2 ride free. Each free child must be accompanied by one guardian (junior high school age or older).
◎ Riding with a baby carrier is allowed. In this case, up to 2 children aged 2 and under can accompany one adult.

【One-way】 200 yen
① Departing from Mozoka Station: Mozoka Station → Hitoyoshi Station
② Departing from Hitoyoshi Station: Hitoyoshi Station → Mozoka Station

【Round-trip】 400 yen
From Mozoka Station: Mozoka Station → Hitoyoshi Station → Mozoka Station

【Rainy Day】 200 yen
The train circles inside the building 3 times.
※On uncertain weather days, the route may switch between the outdoor and indoor course depending on conditions.
The staff make this judgment as close to departure time as possible, so we appreciate your understanding.

〈4-chan〉 ★Closed in Rain
◎ For ages 3 to 9.
◎ Available 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

【3 laps per ride】 200 yen

Before boarding the train, the staff give a friendly safety briefing — be sure to listen carefully so everyone can enjoy the ride safely! ♪Once you board the train, the conductor punches your ticket with an adorable heart-shaped hole punch! (●＾o＾●)
My first ride was the outdoor course, and since it started raining, my second ride was indoors — yes, I rode it twice! Lol
And then, off we go from Mozoka Station! ♪
And here’s Hitoyoshi Station!
One-way ticket holders disembark here, or you can hop on here heading to Mozoka Station.

Round-trip ticket holders simply stay seated and ride back to Mozoka Station~ (^^)/
And there’s so much more to love about MOZOCA Station 868!
A delightful wooden ball pool with a satisfying clattering sound!
You’ll want to dive right in! ♪Here’s the Kids’ Corner with play kitchens, puzzles, building blocks, and more (●＾o＾●)
Great for keeping little ones entertained while waiting for the Mini Train!A wonderful bonus is the baby crib located right next to the Kids’ Corner!
You can keep an eye on your older kids while the baby rests safely. ♪
Run your favorite trains around the tracks!
Or simply admire the trains as they zip around!
(Please don’t touch this display ＾＾)

Don’t forget to snap some commemorative photos!Kids can even practice crossing a real railway crossing!
The 2nd floor is home to the 4-chan boarding area.
There’s also a quiet library space where you can enjoy a peaceful, relaxing time — quite different from the lively atmosphere downstairs.
Unfortunately, due to the rain, the deck was closed and 4-chan was also out of service during my visit.
From the deck, you can apparently access a rooftop area too — sounds like a perfect spot to take in beautiful views on a sunny day! ♪

“So what exactly is 4-chan?”
It’s a four-wheeled rail vehicle that looks a bit like a tricycle and runs along the tracks.
I couldn’t ride it this time, so I’ll be back on a sunny day for a rematch!

Whether you’re a Kumamoto local or visiting from afar, Hitoyoshi Railway Museum MOZOCA Station 868 is a fantastic destination worth the trip.
The Mini Train that runs even on rainy days, plus the well-equipped kids’ areas, make this a truly family-friendly spot!
Make it part of your next Kumamoto adventure or scenic drive — you won’t regret it! (●＾o＾●)

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.