 The 14 km Minamata (on the Kagoshima Main Line) - Kugino section opened in 1934, and the 10 km Yamano - Satsuma-Fuke section the following year.In 1937, the 8 km Kugino - Satsuma-Fuke section, including the Okawa spiral opened, connecting the two sections.Freight services ceased in 1986, and the line closed in 1988.