Location & Access
Asumomae Station is situated in Kosai, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is an unstaffed station on the Tenryū Hamanako Line, located 21.0 kilometers from the line's starting point at Kakegawa. The station's name, which can be read as "Asu mo Mae" (meaning "tomorrow also forward"), has made it famous as Japan's most positive-sounding station name, and lucky station name keychains are sold as souvenirs.
Railway Lines
The station serves the Tenryū Hamanako Line, a scenic railway operated by the third sector Tenryū Hamanako Railroad. It features a single side platform, handling an average of 21 daily passengers in fiscal year 2016. The station also carries the unofficial subtitle "Denso's Motor Production Site" (デンソーのモーター生産地).
Station History
Asumomae Station opened on March 15, 1988. It was originally named for its location in front of the former headquarters and factory of ASMO, an automobile components manufacturer and former subsidiary of Denso. Despite ASMO being fully absorbed by Denso in April 2018, the station name has been retained for fiscal reasons, preserving its unique and auspicious identity.
Travel Tips
While Asumomae Station itself is small and unstaffed, its unique name makes it a charming stop for those interested in quirky Japanese culture or seeking a bit of good fortune. Consider purchasing one of the lucky station name keychains as a memorable souvenir. The Tenryū Hamanako Line offers a pleasant journey through rural Shizuoka, making the station a potential starting point for exploring the surrounding area.