Location & Access
Owari-Hoshinomiya Station is situated in Aharahoshinomiya, Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture. While the station name includes 'Owari,' a historical provincial name, 'Hoshinomiya' is unique to this station, with no other stations bearing that specific designation. The station provides a gateway to the local area within Kiyosu.
Railway Lines
The station is served by the Johoku Line, operated by JR-Central Transport Service Company (TKJ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of JR Central. This line connects Kachigawa Station in Kasugai and Biwajima Station in Kiyosu. Notably, the Johoku Line is the last remaining non-electrified railway line in Aichi Prefecture, offering a glimpse into a different era of rail travel. Services are run using four KiHa 11 diesel multiple units, with trains operating hourly during the daytime and more frequently during peak morning and evening hours.
Station History
The Johoku Line, on which Owari-Hoshinomiya Station is located, has a unique history. Originally proposed in 1962 as a connection between Seto and Inazawa, its construction was later planned by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in the 1960s as a freight line. Construction began in 1976 but was halted due to JNR's financial difficulties. The line was eventually completed by TKJ and opened in two sections in 1991 and 1993, with Owari-Hoshinomiya Station opening on December 1, 1991. Due to its construction background, JR Central pays fees to the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT) for TKJ to operate trains on the line.
Travel Tips
For travelers interested in experiencing a non-electrified railway line, the Johoku Line offers a unique opportunity. While the daily ridership was 1,384 in FY2009, it provides a quieter, more local travel experience compared to major electrified lines. Be sure to check the hourly schedule, especially for daytime travel, as services are less frequent. The line's 11.2 km length and 6 stations make it a compact and manageable route for exploring the local area between Kachigawa and Biwajima.