Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum - Hokkaido
Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum formally called Nakayubetsu Station Memorial Museum (中湧別駅記念館) is a preserved section of the Nakayubetsu Station which is now part of the Roadside Station Kamiyubetsu Onsen Tulip no yu. It is located at 3020 Nakayubetsu Nakamachi, in the town of Yubetsu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
However, the station's story did not end there. On April 1, 1993, the town of Kamiyubetsu (at that time) recognized the value of the old station and transformed it into the Nakayubetsu Railway Museum. This revitalization project breathed new life into the premises, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the station's rich history. Among the changes was it being renamed Kamiyubetsu Station.
Today, the old station has been repurposed as the "Roadside Station Kamiyubetsu Onsen Tulip no Yu" while the former railway museum now serves as the "Kamiyubetsu Centennial Memorial Park Nakayubetsu Station Memorial Hall." This transformation has ensured that the station's legacy is preserved and celebrated for years to come.
One of the notable features of the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum is the well-preserved wooden overpass, rails, and platform from the time of its opening. These historic artifacts provide visitors with a tangible connection to the station's past. Additionally, the station boasts a collection of preserved railway equipment, including a motor car for snow removal and four Yo 3500-type conductor cars (Yo 4407, Yo 4421, Yo 4430, Yo 4433). These exhibits dynamically showcase the evolution of train technology throughout the years and also the memories of the Nayoro Main Line.
For those interested in diving deeper into the history of the Nayoro Main Line, the Yubetsu Cultural Center TOM (湧別町文化センターTOM) is a must-visit. This center, located within the Nakayubetsu Station Memorial Hall, houses various historical items related to the railway line. From uniforms to ticket gate scissors, the center offers a comprehensive look at the equipment and tools that were integral to the functioning of the Nayoro Main Line. Moreover, the TOM also serves as an annex to the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum, making it a one-stop destination for rail enthusiasts.
Although there’s nothing much to see at the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum, you would still be able to encounter a range of intriguing artifacts. Inside the caboose, there are diagrams and old fixtures, such as the Daruma stove, providing insight into the daily life of the station. Additionally, the preserved semaphore signal on the Yubetsu side of the platform adds to the authentic atmosphere of the station. On the Engaru side, visitors will find the "National Railway Nakayubetsuho Line Ward Monument," a stone monument commemorating the historical significance of the station and its role in the region's railway heritage.
My family and I visited the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum for the first time last September 18, 2022, during our September 17 – 19 Road Trip. It was my 321st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We managed to visit the railway museum after we got our roadside station stamp at Roadside Station Kamiyubetsu Onsen Tulip no Yu. We didn’t stay that long though as it started to drizzle when we were checking out the preserved locomotives. Regardless, it was enough for us to appreciate Hokkaido’s railway system and how it once connected different parts of the prefecture.
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| Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum |
Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum details
Nakayubetsu Station holds a rich history as a former station on the Nayoro Main Line of the Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). Opening its doors on November 21, 1916, it served as an important transportation hub until May 1, 1989, when the Nayoro Main Line was abolished. |
| Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum - Yubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
However, the station's story did not end there. On April 1, 1993, the town of Kamiyubetsu (at that time) recognized the value of the old station and transformed it into the Nakayubetsu Railway Museum. This revitalization project breathed new life into the premises, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the station's rich history. Among the changes was it being renamed Kamiyubetsu Station.
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| Nakayubetsu Station Memorial Museum (中湧別駅記念館) |
Today, the old station has been repurposed as the "Roadside Station Kamiyubetsu Onsen Tulip no Yu" while the former railway museum now serves as the "Kamiyubetsu Centennial Memorial Park Nakayubetsu Station Memorial Hall." This transformation has ensured that the station's legacy is preserved and celebrated for years to come.
Preserved overpass and trains of Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum
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One of the notable features of the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum is the well-preserved wooden overpass, rails, and platform from the time of its opening. These historic artifacts provide visitors with a tangible connection to the station's past. Additionally, the station boasts a collection of preserved railway equipment, including a motor car for snow removal and four Yo 3500-type conductor cars (Yo 4407, Yo 4421, Yo 4430, Yo 4433). These exhibits dynamically showcase the evolution of train technology throughout the years and also the memories of the Nayoro Main Line.
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| Yubetsu Cultural Center TOM |
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Although there’s nothing much to see at the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum, you would still be able to encounter a range of intriguing artifacts. Inside the caboose, there are diagrams and old fixtures, such as the Daruma stove, providing insight into the daily life of the station. Additionally, the preserved semaphore signal on the Yubetsu side of the platform adds to the authentic atmosphere of the station. On the Engaru side, visitors will find the "National Railway Nakayubetsuho Line Ward Monument," a stone monument commemorating the historical significance of the station and its role in the region's railway heritage.
Team Nicerio visits Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum
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My family and I visited the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum for the first time last September 18, 2022, during our September 17 – 19 Road Trip. It was my 321st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We managed to visit the railway museum after we got our roadside station stamp at Roadside Station Kamiyubetsu Onsen Tulip no Yu. We didn’t stay that long though as it started to drizzle when we were checking out the preserved locomotives. Regardless, it was enough for us to appreciate Hokkaido’s railway system and how it once connected different parts of the prefecture.
Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum Fees
It’s FREE to explore and check out the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum.Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum Operating Hours
Because it’s an outdoor display, Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum is open 24/7.Why visit the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum?
Nakayubetsu Station stands as a captivating testament to the rich history and cultural significance of the Nayoro Main Line. Its transformation into the Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum and Roadside Station Kamiyubetsu Onsen Tulip no Yu has allowed it to continue welcoming visitors worldwide, showcasing the evolution of train technology and providing a glimpse into the past. It's a must-visit if you are a big fan of trains.Getting to Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum:
From Asahikawa JR Station, ride the Sekihoku Line (Kitami Special Rapid Kitami) and board down at Engaru Station.
From there, transfer to the Yubetsu Line of the Hokkaido Kitami Bus Co. Ltd. Board down at Nakayubetsubunkasenta-Tomu. Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum is about 100 meters away from the bus stop.
Travel time: 3 hours and 13 minutes
Fare: 3440 yen
From there, transfer to the Yubetsu Line of the Hokkaido Kitami Bus Co. Ltd. Board down at Nakayubetsubunkasenta-Tomu. Kamiyubetsu Railway Museum is about 100 meters away from the bus stop.
Travel time: 3 hours and 13 minutes
Fare: 3440 yen
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