Location & Access
Hama-Taura Station was situated in Mukawa, within the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. While once a point on the Hidaka Main Line, its remote location and declining passenger numbers ultimately led to its closure. The station featured a single side platform and one track, characteristic of many smaller, rural stations in Japan.
Railway Lines
The station served the Hidaka Main Line, a scenic route operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). Although some trains passed through, a total of 12 trains used to stop here daily, providing a vital link for the local community before its decommissioning.
Station History
Hama-Taura Station first opened its doors on December 18, 1959. For decades, it served the residents of Mukawa. However, a significant decline in ridership, with an average of only 1-2 passengers per day between 2016 and 2021, prompted JR Hokkaido to announce its intention to abolish the station in July 2021. Following an agreement with residents, Hama-Taura Station officially closed on March 18, 2023, marking the end of its 64-year operational history.
Travel Tips
As Hama-Taura Station is now closed, it is no longer possible to access it by train. For those interested in the history of Hokkaido's railways or the scenic beauty of the Hidaka region, alternative transportation methods would be required to visit the former station site or explore the surrounding area of Mukawa.
