Kumamotodentetsu Co., Ltd., or Kumaden, is the only non-JR train line operating in Kumamoto. Founded in 1909, it originally ran steam trains between Kamikumamoto Station and Sendanbata (a station they still own, now called Fujisakigumae) - imagine steam trains along that stretch! In 1913, the company completed a line to what was then called “Waifu Machi” (隈府町, わいふまち), currently known as Kikuchi. During the war, it lost 18 of its 29 cars, but expanded its service during the 1950s to cover much of downtown Kumamoto.
Competition with the Kumamoto Tram system eventually led Kumaden to scrap its in-city service, and continued financial troubles led to the company to sell off its right-of-way between Miyoshi and Kikuchi in 1977, though they continue to offer bus services between these areas. Today, the company runs commuter service between both Kamikumamoto and Fujisakigumae Stations to Miyoshi Station - this is not so much a destination as it is a petering out. However, the train allows bicycles to be brought aboard, and Miyoshi Station is less than a kilometer from the entrance to Agricultural Park, which offers wonderful biking opportunities, as well as Kikuchi Keifuen (池恵楓園, きくちけいふうえん）, a hospital dedicated to patients with leprosy, whose spacious and beautiful grounds allow solace for reflection.
Kumaden began a Kumamon-themed train in 2014 that has proven popular with both Japanese and non-Japanese alike; according to the Kumanichi, some 10,000 non-Japanese tourists rode the train in 2015. As such, the company has revamped its Kumamon design and expanded the number of trains so designed. If you are a Kumamon and/or train fan (or a Kumamon/train/bicycle fan, in which case you hit the trifecta), you might want to consider a ride. Bring your bicycle. - William
Here is a link to Kumaden’s Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/kumamotodentetsu