Anytime

Kōfuku Station

Higashi 1 Sen Kofukucho, Obihiro, Hokkaidō 089-1246, Nhật Bản

Is a closed railway station from the now defunct Hiroo Line. Although the station is closed, it is still a popular sightseeing spot for tourists who come here to wish good luck as “Kofuku” literally means “Happiness” in Japanese. About 100,000 people visit the station every year for good luck, and many believe that the Kofuku ticket sold there is an amulet.

Kofuku Station was built in 1956. It is located on the JR Hiroo railway line, about 80 km in length between Obihiro Station and Hiroo Station. The station name was formed from a combination of the area's original name, Kōshin; in addition, many farmers who settled here in 1902 came from Fukui Prefecture after the flood. Kō + Fuku = Kōfuku.

The Hiroo Railway was decommissioned in 1987, resulting in the cessation of use of Kofuku Station. Before the railway was abolished, train travel between Kofuku and Aikoku stations (meaning "country of love") on this line was extremely popular. And it became even more famous after being featured on a travel program on Japanese TV channel NHK that was broadcast in 1973.

Today, Kōfuku Station is part of Kōfuku Kōtsu Park. Inside the area is a nice little cafe, a small souvenir shop (Kōfuku train tickets are a popular item) and a photo booth.

At Kofuku Station, there is a signboard at the platform and in front of the station. On it, the word "Kofuku" is written in both Japanese and English. An enlarged Kofuku ticket is also there, making it the perfect photo spot.

Inside the station building, there are many pictures, business cards of people who have visited, plastered all over the walls. At the platform, you can see the diesel wagon that was used when the Hiroo Line was in operation, inside the carriages that have been redesigned into a small museum.

This area is especially popular with couples as it was selected as a “Mecca for Lovers” in 2008. Between the station building and the platform, you can find Kofuku-no- kane, or “Bell of Happiness”, ring the bell for good luck and love.

One of the biggest attractions is the small hut here, where you can buy a pink Kofuku train ticket, write a message on it and stick it on the wall.

Entrance fee: Free

Operating hours: 7:00 – 18:00

Book tour Book Guide Car rental Flight Visa Hotel Shopping