Former Bungomori Roundhouse

Overview

The Former Bungomori Roundhouse is a former roundhouse located in Kuju-machi, Kuju-gun, Oita Prefecture, that once adjoined the JR Kyudai Main Line Bungomori Station. Completed in 1934 with the full opening of the Kyudai Line, it was a large fan-shaped roundhouse that housed 21 steam locomotives at its peak. On August 4, 1945, during the Pacific War, it suffered an attack by US military aircraft, resulting in the deaths of three staff members; bullet marks from that attack remain on the roundhouse walls. Following the war, with the transition to diesel locomotives and diesel cars, the roundhouse was decommissioned in 1971. In 2001, a preservation committee was formed by local volunteers to register the roundhouse as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Their efforts resulted in its registration in 2012. Kuju Town purchased the former roundhouse and its grounds from JR Kyushu in 2006, and in 2008, development began on "Bungomori Roundhouse Park." Within the park, the "Bungomori Roundhouse Museum" has been established, utilizing the renovated former staff quarters located on the west side of the roundhouse. The museum houses exhibits related to the roundhouse and turntable, as well as a preserved Class 9600 steam locomotive, No. 29612, dating from 1919. This locomotive was donated from Shime-machi, Fukuoka Prefecture, and after restoration, was moved to the Bungomori Roundhouse site on June 12, 2015. The Former Bungomori Roundhouse is the only remaining fan-shaped roundhouse in Kyushu, offering a valuable opportunity to experience the history and romance of steam locomotives. Be sure to visit!