Location & Access
Hotei Station (布袋駅, Hotei-eki) is conveniently situated in Kōnan, a city within Japan's Aichi Prefecture. Operated by Meitetsu, a major private railway company, the station provides essential transportation links for both local residents and visitors. Its strategic location makes it a key access point for exploring the surrounding area.
Railway Lines
The station is a vital stop on the Meitetsu Inuyama Line, identified by the station code IY09. This line offers various services, including Rapid Express, Express, Semi Express, and Local trains, catering to different travel needs. Hotei Station is positioned 15.2 kilometers from Biwajima and serves as a connection point to stations like Iwakura (towards Shimo Otai) and Kōnan (towards Shin-Unuma). As of September 2023, there are also special morning commuter trains originating from Hotei Station, with one northbound local train on weekdays and two on weekends/holidays.
Station History
Hotei Station has a long history, having first opened its doors to passengers on August 6, 1912. Over the decades, it has grown to become a staffed station equipped with two island platforms to efficiently handle passenger traffic. Its longevity underscores its importance to the local community and the broader Meitetsu network.
Travel Tips
With an annual ridership of 8911 in FY2017, Hotei Station is a moderately busy hub. Travelers can utilize the official Meitetsu website for up-to-date train schedules and service information. The variety of train services available at Hotei Station makes it a flexible option for commuting or embarking on leisure trips along the Meitetsu Inuyama Line.