Kamiokoppe Railway Museum - Hokkaido

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum (上興部鉄道資料館) is a former railway station that is repurposed into a museum. It is located at 351-1 Kamiokoppe in the village of Nishiokoppe, Mombetsu District, in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum Details

Step back in time and explore the rich history of Hokkaido’s railway system at the Kamiokoppe Railway Museum. Formerly called the Kamiokoppe Station, this museum preserves the original station building and tracks, offering a unique look at the region’s transportation heritage.

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum - Nishiokoppe village, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Preserved Slice of History

The Kamiokoppe Railway Museum is housed in the station building, which was constructed when the Kamiokoppe Line was closed. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of over 100 informative panels and displays, chronicling the history of the line from its opening in November 1926 to its closure in 1989. It’s an excellent stop for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering deep insights into the operation of the former Nayoro Main Line.

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum Building

Explore the Historic Platform and Rolling Stock

On the platform, visitors can find a beautifully preserved Kiha 27 train car, along with a rotary head from a DD14 Russell, adding to the charm of the museum’s outdoor exhibits. These iconic pieces of railway equipment allow visitors to experience the scale and engineering of the trains that once traveled these tracks.

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum Preserved Trains

Kiha 27 train car

DD14 Russell

Inside the Kiha 27 train car

Inside the Station Building

Upon entering the station building, visitors are greeted with displays of railway artifacts, including an operational "Vehicle Equipment System Display Panel for Kiha 28/58 Express Type Liquid Diesel Vehicle." This unusual document provides insight into the technical mechanisms of the engine, showcasing the intricate engineering behind the trains that once served this route.

Exhibits Inside the Station Building

You can still get the station stamp here. However, it's better if you bring your own ink as the one here is usually dried up.

A trolley is displayed inside the museum.

Old uniforms and train tickets are exhibited inside the museum

Vehicle Equipment System Display Panel for Kiha 28/58 Express Type Liquid Diesel Vehicle

A Tribute to the Former Nayoro Main Line

The Kamiokoppe Railway Museum is located along the now-discontinued Nayoro Main Line, which ceased operations on May 1, 1989. Despite the line’s closure, the museum has meticulously maintained the station and its relics, offering a captivating glimpse into Hokkaido's railway history and preserving a piece of the past for future generations.

Team Nicerio visits the Kamiokoppe Railway Museum

On July 15, 2023, my daughter and I visited Kamiokoppe Railway Museum for the first time during our Father and Daughter Road Trip # 5. It was also my 621st day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. This museum was near Nishiokoppe Roadside Station, so we made sure to include it in our itinerary. It was raining when we visited, but my daughter and I still enjoyed exploring the museum grounds, particularly taking pictures of the preserved train.

 

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Kamiokoppe Railway Museum.

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum Operating Hours

Kamiokoppe Railway Museum is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM from late April to late October.

It’s closed every Wednesday and from late October to late April.

 

Why visit Kamiokoppe Railway Museum?

The Kamiokoppe Railway Museum is not your typical museum—it's a preserved railroad station that showcases a collection of materials and memorabilia from the peak days of the Nayoro Line. Located conveniently near Route 239, it makes for an excellent stopover while driving through the area. If you're a train enthusiast or a history buff like me, this museum is a must-visit destination.

Getting to Kamiokoppe Railway Museum

 

From Nayoro Station, head to the Nayoro Station bus stop and board the Okoppe Sen bus bound for Okoppe, operated by the Meishi Bus Company. 

Board down at Kami Okoppe bus stop. From there, walk for about 160 meters to the Kamiokoppe Railway Museum.

Travel time: 59 minutes

Fare: 1,050 yen

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