Things to do in Obihiro：Kofuku Station

“The starting point of happiness” starts here!

Kofuku Station has a name that makes you feel happy when you visit. This station became a big hit in the 1970s with the catchphrase “From the land of love to happiness.” It is now a park, and the two diesel cars, platform, and wooden station building are on display, preserving their original charm. The “Happiness Bell,” which was erected after the line was discontinued, is a popular commemorative photo spot. There is a rumor that if you ring it, happiness will come to you, so many tourists visit.

 

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てるしょこ|北海道でお出かけする夫婦(@_terutabi_hokkaido)がシェアした投稿

What is Kofuku Station?

Kofuku Station was opened in 1956 (Showa 31) on the former National Railways Hiroo Line, and was abolished in 1987 (Showa 62) along with the abolished Hiroo Line.
In March 1973 (Showa 48), the NHK TV program “New Japan Travelogue” introduced it as “Journey to Happiness – Obihiro”, and the ticket from Aikoku Station to Kofuku Station became “Love’s Journey”. It became a big hit with the catchphrase “From country to happiness.”

 

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Cheesieチージー(@cheeserland)がシェアした投稿

The station building that was built when it first opened was so old that it was difficult to retrofit it with seismic reinforcement. In July, the station building and its surrounding area were renovated as a transportation park and interaction plaza based on the concept of “old and new.”

 

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ショータ │ 北海道ガイドブック(@shota_hokkaido1)がシェアした投稿

Today, it is still one of Obihiro’s leading tourist spots, visited by more than 200,000 tourists a year.
Please stop by when you come to Obihiro City.
The station building, boarded platform, and two diesel cars are on display, retaining their original appearance.

 

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Tamotsu Jinnai(@tamotsujinnai)がシェアした投稿

At its peak, 10 million tickets between Patriotic and Happiness routes were sold in four years.
From Patriotism to Happiness tickets are sold at the shop in front of Kofuku-Aikoku Station.

 

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かおり(@kaori_5671)がシェアした投稿

What is Aikoku Station?

Aikoku Station on the former Japanese National Railways Hiroo Line.
Currently, as a transportation memorial museum, tickets, panels, and steam locomotives used at the time are on display.

Recommended spots

The monument in front of the station building shaped like a “Kofuku” ticket is a great photo spot.

 

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晴 間 harema｜土産舎｜幸福駅｜十勝観光(@kfk.harema)がシェアした投稿

Aikoku Station

Admission fee: Free
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (Open daily from March to November, only on Sundays from December to February)
SL cars cannot be viewed during the winter period (December to March).
Location: 39-40 Baseline, Aikokucho, Obihiro City

Link：Hokkaido official tourism website