Location & Access
Wakinosawa Station (脇ノ沢駅, Wakinosawa-eki) was formerly located in Yonesaki-cho, Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. While the original railway station no longer exists, the area is now served by a bus stop for the Ōfunato Line BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) operated by JR East. This provisional bus line provides essential transportation links to the surrounding communities.
Railway Lines
Originally, Wakinosawa Station was a railway station on the Ōfunato Line, operated by JR East. The line connected Ichinoseki with Sakari, and Wakinosawa was situated 88.3 km from Ichinoseki. The station featured a single side platform and was unstaffed.
Station History
Wakinosawa Station first opened its doors on December 15, 1933, serving the local community for many decades. However, its operational history came to an abrupt end on March 11, 2011, when it was closed due to the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The station, along with much of the surrounding infrastructure, was completely destroyed. In its place, the Ōfunato Line BRT was established to restore transportation services to the affected areas.
Travel Tips
For travelers visiting Rikuzentakata today, the Ōfunato Line BRT offers a convenient way to explore the region. While the railway station itself is gone, the bus stop at Wakinosawa provides access to the local area. It's a poignant reminder of the resilience of the community and the ongoing recovery efforts in the Tōhoku region.
