 Building of the line was approved in 1953, with construction commencing in 1966, but being suspended in 1980 due to the financial constraints being experienced by JNR at the time.In 1982 the Miyafuku Railway Co. was established to recommence construction, which resumed the following year.The line opened in 1988, featuring 10 tunnels, including the 3215-meter Fukō Tunnel, the 2175-meter Shimoamazu Tunnel and the 2103-meter Tochiba Tunnel.