Tenpoku Line Memorial Park - Hokkaido

Tenpoku Line Memorial Park (天北線メモリアルパーク) is a part that includes the Former Nakatombetsu Station. It is located at 951 Nakatonbetsu in the town of Nakatonbetsu, Esashi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Tenpoku Line Memorial Park

Tenpoku Line Memorial Park Details

Nestled halfway between Otoineppu and Hamatonbetsu on the Sea of Okhotsk side, the Tenpoku Line Memorial Park, also referred to as the Nakatonbetsu Railway Park, offers a fascinating glimpse into Hokkaido's railway history. This charming site, located on the former Nakatonbetsu Station grounds, is a must-visit for history buffs and train enthusiasts alike.

Tenpoku Line Memorial Park - Nakatombetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Legacy of the Tenpoku Line

The Tenpoku Line once connected Otoineppu and Wakkanai via Hamatonbetsu, serving as a vital transportation link in northern Hokkaido. Although the line was abolished in 1989, its legacy lives on through railway museums established at several former station sites. The Nakatonbetsu Railway Park is one such tribute, preserving the area's rich railway heritage.

Welcome to Nakatonbetsu

Former Nakatombetsu Station, now Nakatombetsu Bus Stop

Inside the Former Nakatombetsu Station

A Walk Through History

At the heart of the park stands a retired diesel railcar, the Kiha 22 Type 208. Despite showing signs of rust, the railcar remains in remarkable condition and serves as a nostalgic centerpiece for visitors. Surrounding the railcar, the park exudes a serene yet historic atmosphere, transporting visitors back to the golden age of rail travel.

The former Nakatombetsu Station building has been repurposed and is now the Nakatombetsu Bus Terminal for the Tenpoku Line's replacement buses. On the second floor, visitors can explore a compact but meticulously curated railway museum. Here, artifacts and exhibits recount the story of the Tenpoku Line and its significance to the region.

Kiha 22 Type 208 Photos

Kiha 22 Type 208

Unique Exhibits and Interactive Displays

The railway museum offers a unique experience, starting with a small tradition—visitors must remove their shoes before entering. Inside, you'll find an array of fascinating exhibits, including:

• Stamps and Work Attire: These provide a glimpse into the daily lives of railway workers.
• A Bright Red Tablet Block Switch: This iconic device played a crucial role in train safety on single-track sections. By setting up block sections between stations, it ensured that only trains carrying tablets could pass, preventing collisions in the era before computerized systems.

Tenpoku Line Memorial Museum

The museum can be found on the 2nd Floor of the station building

Though compact, the museum’s exhibits are rich in detail, offering insight into the ingenuity and dedication of railway operations during a bygone era.

Team Nicerio visits Tenpoku Line Memorial Park

Last July 17, 2023, my daughter and I visited Tenpoku Line Memorial Park during the last day of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5, which was my 623^rd day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was our second destination for the day. Since the bus wasn’t scheduled to arrive just yet, we were the only people inside the terminal the whole time we were there. Sadly, we weren’t able to explore the park fully as it was drizzling when we arrived, so we just contented ourselves with the exhibits on the second floor of the Former Nakatombetsu Station. Hopefully, the locals continue to maintain this historical building that was once the gateway to the town.

 

Tenpoku Line Memorial Park Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Tenpoku Line Memorial Park. The museum on the second floor of the Former Nakatombetsu Station is also FREE to enter.

Tenpoku Line Memorial Park Operating Hours

Tenpoku Line Memorial Park is open 24/7.

Why visit the Tenpoku Line Memorial Park?

The Tenpoku Line Memorial Park is a hidden gem in northern Hokkaido that takes you back to the golden days of rail travel. Set on the old Nakatonbetsu Station grounds, it features a beautifully preserved Kiha 22 diesel railcar and a small but fascinating railway museum packed with unique artifacts like work uniforms and a vintage tablet block switch. Walking through the park, you can almost feel the history of the Tenpoku Line come alive. It’s a peaceful spot where you can soak in the charm of the countryside while discovering the ingenuity behind early railway operations—perfect for history buffs or anyone looking for a meaningful stop on their Hokkaido adventure.

Getting to Tenpoku Line Memorial Park

 

From Asahikawa Station, board the Asahikawa - Onishibetsu Terminal bus operated by the Soya Bus Company. Board down at Nakatombetsu Bus Terminal. 

Travel time: 3 hours 56 minutes

Fare: 4,500 yen

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