Location & Access
Hiratsuto Station (平津戸駅) was situated in the city of Miyako, within the Iwate Prefecture of Japan. Although now closed, its location along the Yamada Line placed it in a scenic, somewhat remote area. As an unstaffed station, it offered a simple, direct connection to the railway network for local residents.
Railway Lines
The station served the Yamada Line, operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It was located 52.2 km from Morioka, the starting point of the line. Hiratsuto Station featured a single side platform and one track, reflecting its role as a local stop. The preceding station was Matsukusa (towards Morioka) and the following station was Kawauchi (towards Miyako).
Station History
Hiratsuto Station first opened its doors on October 31, 1931. For many years, it served the local community along the Yamada Line. A notable characteristic of Hiratsuto Station was its distinction as having the latest first train departure in Japan until the timetable revision in 2022. However, due to declining passenger numbers, the station was officially closed on March 17, 2023, becoming a廃駅 (haieki - abandoned station).
Travel Tips
While Hiratsuto Station is no longer operational, the Yamada Line itself continues to offer picturesque journeys through Iwate Prefecture. Travelers interested in exploring the region's natural beauty and smaller towns can still utilize other stations along the line. For those seeking a glimpse into Japan's railway history, the former site of Hiratsuto Station represents a piece of that legacy.
