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The unique charms of Hokkaido’s first railway
Otaru City, Hokkaido
Coal transported from Otaru Port to mainland Japan played a major role in Japan’s Industrial Revolution, and the railway was essential to the modernization of Japan. The first railway was laid in 1880 to transport coal mined from inland Hokkaido. The railway was shut down in 1985 as times changed, but the 1,670-meter train track that stretches from Sushi Street to Otaru Museum is now preserved as a footpath where you can take pictures.
The steam locomotive Iron Horse, manufactured in 1909, can be found at the Otaru Museum, which was built where the Hokkaido Railway originated. During the summers, the Iron Horse operates and makes round trips between the Chuo Platform and Temiya Platform, letting visitors enjoy a short 20-minute train ride on the classic steam locomotive.
How to get there
From Sapporo Station, take the train to Otaru Station (about 30 minutes by express service). The Iron Horse is about a 5-minute walk from Otaru Station.
Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
