10 most classic train stations in Japan

Mojiko Station is part of the history of one of Japan's major industrial centers. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Once a stopover for passengers for decades, these stations have now become unique cultural, historical and tourist destinations.

Here are 10 classic train stations in Japan, as voted on by a panel of travel experts, railway experts, journalists and researchers.

Mojiko Station (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture)

Completed in 1914 and restored in 2019 after six and a half years of renovation, Mojiko Station takes visitors back to the Taisho period (1912 – 1926), when it served as the railway gateway to one of Japan's most important ports.

Today, Mojiko Station is the center of the Mojiko Retro waterfront area, attracting over 2 million visitors each year.

Kawayu-Onsen Station (Teshikaga, Hokkaido)

Kawayu-Onsen Station exudes a rustic warmth, welcoming visitors to the northern hot spring town. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Located in a hot spring town, Kawayu-Onsen Station stands out with its views of the nearby volcano Mount Io. According to photojournalist Yukiyasu Sugizaki, the wooden structure is “one of the most beautiful stations in Hokkaido.” Since 1987, the Orchard Grass restaurant in the old station has served stews and hamburger steaks made from local beef, with stained glass windows creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.

Kitahama Station (Abashiri, Hokkaido)

Kitahama Station is only about 20 meters from the coast. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Located on the coast, Kitahama Station offers views of the Sea of Okhotsk. Inside, the walls and ceilings of the waiting room are covered with train ticket stubs and business cards – the imprints of tens of thousands of travelers over the decades.

This station once appeared in a famous Chinese movie, making it a familiar stop for many groups of tourists from the neighboring country. The rustic space combined with the waves of the sea gives Kitahama the appearance of a cinematic stopover.

Yunokami-Onsen Station (Shimogo, Fukushima Prefecture)

Spring is the perfect time to visit Yunokami-Onsen Station. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Featuring a rare thatched roof, Yunokami-Onsen Station also features an open fireplace and foot baths sourced from local hot springs. Every April, cherry blossoms bloom along the platform, creating a magical scene when lit up at night.

According to Chiaki Yoshida, head of Local Line Daigaku – an organization that researches and promotes local railway culture in Japan, the thatched roofs and spring cherry blossoms create a wonderful scene that no other station can match. This is a rare blend of traditional architecture and local cultural experiences.

Hamadera Park Old Station (Sakai, Osaka Prefecture)

Hamadera Park Station was once on the verge of being demolished. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Built in 1907, this stunning wooden structure was nearly demolished but was moved to its current location in 2017.

Saiki Nishizaki, founder of Ekisya.net, a website for Japanese train station enthusiasts, said the place is worth seeing for its elaborate decorations. The old waiting room has been turned into an exhibition space, while the stationmaster's office has been converted into a cafe, giving new life to the more than 100-year-old structure.

Dogo-Onsen Station (Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture)

Fans of novelist Natsume Soseki will feel like they've stepped into one of his novels when they visit Dogo-Onsen Station. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

A Meiji period (1868 – 1912) Western-style building, Dogo-Onsen Station was built in 1911 and completely renovated in 1986.

According to Japan Tourism and Travel Association President Hitoshi Saimyo, this is “a station that represents one of the oldest hot spring areas in Japan.”

YouTuber and railway analyst Tetsu-bozu said the station is also associated with novelist Natsume Soseki, who frequented Dogo Onsen.

Ashino Park Station (Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture)

An attractive stop in the far north of Japan. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Built in 1930 and operating until 1975, Ashino Park Station is the only remaining building of the Tsugaru Railway.

Appearing in Osamu Dazai’s novel Tsugaru, this one-story red-roofed wooden structure has “cute Western-style touches.” It is this simplicity that makes Ashino Park in northern Japan a special heritage site.

Former JR Nara Station (Nara, Nara Prefecture)

The project has a design that is very suitable for the ancient capital of Japan. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Completed in 1934 and operating until 2003, JR Nara Station's design combines Japanese temple architecture with reinforced concrete structures, considered by Hitoshi Saimyo to represent the Imperial style.

Today, this place not only serves as a traffic stop but also provides tour guide services, helping visitors fully experience the ancient space of the ancient capital.

Doai Station (Minakami, Gunma Prefecture)

Doai Station is located at the foot of Mount Tanigawa. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Located at the foot of Mount Tanigawa, Doai Station opened in 1936, completing its current appearance in 1967. This is a unique underground station with 486 steps leading from the ground to the floor deep below.

According to photojournalist Yukiyasu Sugizaki, the sturdy concrete structure of Doai Station is a testament to “the dynamism of Japan’s postwar economic boom.” Getting off the train is not just about getting around, but also about exploring the unique construction techniques.

Okutama Station (Tokyo)

A stop for hikers in the western suburbs of Tokyo. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

Located in western Tokyo, Okutama Station was renovated and reopened in April 2019, featuring a rare two-story wooden structure made from local forest wood.

The interior space has a changing room, shoe washing area, and backpack storage - convenient for guests who come to climb mountains and participate in outdoor activities.

Matcha, founder of Web Cafe Retro-Ekisha (a website for enthusiasts of vintage train stations in Japan), commented: “This place is like a secret base that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.”

These ten classic stations not only preserve architecture and history, but also reflect regional identity, linked to Japanese cultural and literary memories.

From thatched roofs in Fukushima, wooden stations in Osaka to underground structures under Mount Tanigawa, all demonstrate the enduring appeal of railways – where past and present intersect with every step visitors take.

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