In Japan, there are a number of secluded train stations, known as hikyo-eki. The term became popular in the 1990's by Takanobu Ushiyama, a railfan who wrote many books about his train travels. The most famous/popular of these stations is the Koboro Station in Hokkaido.
The station is located in an 87 yard-long space between two tunnels. It is not accessible by foot or car, and there is no road nearby. The only way to get to it is by train. The Koboro Station first opened September 30, 1943, during the Pacific War as a signal station. October 1, 1967, it was upgraded to a provisional stop. The station was officially designated as a railroad station on April 1, 1987.
In 2015, the Hokkaido Railway Company considered closing Kobaro Station, but the town of Toyoura, which Koboro Station belongs, agreed to fund the maintenance of the station in order to keep it as a tourist attraction. The station has only about five passengers a day today, mostly train enthusiasts or fishmen. The station is accessible by the Mororan Main Line, but the train only stops six times a day.
I'm not traveling anywhere these days, but I do read about places to go and think about when I will be able to travel and where I will go.
So is this a place you would want to visit? If there are only six trains a day, it will be a long wait for you to catch the next train if you do get off. Then again you would always have something to stitch, and would be happily sitting there working on an embroidery...
Very interesting, my husband works in the rail industry, he was interested in your post. I have been on the train to the city a few times, masks are mandatory but many are not wearing them. There was a report on the news last night urging commuters to wear them..
Interesting place.
ReplyDeleteSo is this a place you would want to visit?
ReplyDeleteIf there are only six trains a day, it will be a long wait for you to catch the next train if you do get off. Then again you would always have something to stitch, and would be happily sitting there working on an embroidery...
Very interesting, my husband works in the rail industry, he was interested in your post. I have been on the train to the city a few times, masks are mandatory but many are not wearing them. There was a report on the news last night urging commuters to wear them..
ReplyDeleteHow very odd and interesting, too. Yes, when you can go somewhere, do go there -- and then report back!
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting! It must be so nice and quiet out there.
ReplyDelete