JAPAN SAPPORO WALK · @japansapporowalk
23 followers · 175 posts · Server mstdn.jp
Alo Japan · @alojapan
140 followers · 6966 posts · Server channels.im
Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
208 followers · 2572 posts · Server simian.rodeo

Cape Soya! The northernmost point of Japan!

And I met these two guys who just rode here from Kagoshima, on the other end of the country.

#cycletouring #japan #hokkaido

Last updated 1 year ago

Alo Japan · @alojapan
140 followers · 6957 posts · Server channels.im
Alo Japan · @alojapan
139 followers · 6921 posts · Server channels.im
JAPAN SAPPORO WALK · @japansapporowalk
23 followers · 174 posts · Server mstdn.jp
Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
208 followers · 2546 posts · Server simian.rodeo

Rebun island is extremely pretty.

I kinda wish I had borrowed some of the gear from those 70L backpackers yesterday and joined them on the trail. Definitely some gorgeous views to be had here.

#japan #hokkaido #rebunisland

Last updated 1 year ago

Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
208 followers · 2543 posts · Server simian.rodeo

This island has a tunnel ~1.5km long. The whole island has maybe 50km of roads.

It also has a local sports facility that would make most cities 100 times as populous envious.

The local airport has been closed since 2009? And while the runway doesn’t have X on it, I don’t think there will be any flights any time soon.

And finally one of the few convenience stores I’ve seen here that has indoor seating!

#japan #hokkaido #rebunisland

Last updated 1 year ago

Alo Japan · @alojapan
137 followers · 6825 posts · Server channels.im
Alo Japan · @alojapan
137 followers · 6801 posts · Server channels.im
Alo Japan · @alojapan
137 followers · 6792 posts · Server channels.im
Alo Japan · @alojapan
137 followers · 6782 posts · Server channels.im
Alo Japan · @alojapan
137 followers · 6771 posts · Server channels.im
JAPAN SAPPORO WALK · @japansapporowalk
23 followers · 172 posts · Server mstdn.jp
Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
207 followers · 2511 posts · Server simian.rodeo

Finally, the north end of the line. The northernmost station in Japan and the northernmost rail in Japan: Wakkanai Station.

It looks like a very sizeable station but that's slightly deceiving. There's only one platform and the JR part of the building is not much bigger than some of these other stations. But the building also houses several restaurants, a movie theater, the bus station, and a tourist info center.

#trains #hokkaido #japan

Last updated 1 year ago

Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
207 followers · 2511 posts · Server simian.rodeo

Bonus: shortly after I arrived at the station one of the 3 limited express trains heading northbound of the day visited the station.

Hokkaido Express Train HET261 trainset. Apparently it tilts, even!

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KiHa_261

They're diesel. They don't sound like your typical diesel locomotive in the US, they sound more like a diesel pickup truck. And each car has its own engine. Not sure if they're all DMU or if each car just has its own generator for power or what.

#trains #japan #hokkaido

Last updated 1 year ago

Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
207 followers · 2509 posts · Server simian.rodeo

Not all of the stations are closing, though!

I think most of the ones staying open (all of them?) are the ones where the current Limited Express and Rapid trains stop.

Like this one in Otoineppu which I think even has been newly reconstructed! It was quite lovely inside.

I get the feeling logging is big in this area, lots of wood accents and whatnot.

#trains #japan #hokkaido

Last updated 1 year ago

Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
207 followers · 2507 posts · Server simian.rodeo

Sakkuru Station

If I hadn't seen it on the map I wouldn't have guessed it was even there. This one was tucked way down a side street in a small ... “village" would be generous. Past the local rider house. A gravel path beginning to become overgrown with grass the only sign anything was back there.

Unsurprisingly, this one, too, is set to be abolished.

Also, I really badly want one of these stickers.

#japan #hokkaido #trains

Last updated 1 year ago

Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
207 followers · 2504 posts · Server simian.rodeo

The Soya Main Line which runs from Asahikawa in the center of Hokkaido north to Wakkanai near the northernmost tip of the island passes through some extremely low population areas. The Soya Main Line Local services stop at every station, including several *extremely* small ones like this one at Hatsuno.

Sadly, many of these stations, including this one are set to be abolished early next year.

I love the cranes, they are very common here.

web.archive.org/web/2023062701

#trains #hokkaido #japan

Last updated 1 year ago

Jeremy Kitchen · @kitchen
207 followers · 2504 posts · Server simian.rodeo

Bifuka had a neat little station including a tourist information desk!

But the coolest part of it had to be the working model railroad inside the station building!

The local train runs a little figure 8 double loop with a couple of bridges and some neat scenery.

#trains #hokkaido #japan

Last updated 1 year ago