Horoni Railway Memorial Park - Hokkaido

Horoni Railway Memorial Park (幌似鉄道記念公園) is a memorial park that features the preserved car SuHaFu 42 507. It is located at 38-2 Minamihoroni in the town of Kyowa, Iwanai District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Horoni Railway Memorial Park

Horoni Railway Memorial Park Details

The Horoni Railway Memorial Park in Kyowa Town, Hokkaido, is a must-visit destination for history buffs and railway enthusiasts. This unique site preserves the legacy of the former Horoni Station, which once stood along the old Iwanai Line. Today, the station grounds have been transformed into a memorial park that offers visitors a nostalgic journey back to Japan’s railway past.

Horoni Railway Memorial Park - Kyowa town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Brief History of Horoni Station

Horoni Station first opened on December 5, 1919 (Taisho 8) as part of the Railway Bureau’s Iwanai Light Line. In 1922, the line was renamed the Iwanai Line, connecting communities along Hokkaido’s rugged coastline to the Hakodate Main Line. For decades, the station served both passengers and freight, but over time, operations gradually declined. Cargo handling ended in 1976, luggage services in 1984, and finally, on July 1, 1985, the Iwanai Line was officially closed.

Former Horoni Station building

幌似鉄道記念公園

The Former Horoni Station now serves as a mini museum

Inside the Former Horoni Station Building

The old train schedule and the fare are still displayed inside

A portion of the train tracks is displayed inside the station

Old signages are stored and displayed inside the former Horoni Station building

The name Horoni is believed to come from the Ainu word “poro-ichan-i,” meaning “big spawning ground for salmon and trout,” reflecting the rich natural heritage of the area.

Preserved Railway Heritage

After the line’s closure, Kyowa Town preserved the original station building, platform, and tracks, creating what is now the Horoni Railway Memorial Park. The park features:

• Historic Station Building – The original structure has been maintained and now serves as a small museum.
• Railway Exhibits – Inside the station, visitors can find artifacts related to the Iwanai Line, including the farewell train’s headmark and original office equipment.
• Vintage Railcars – On the former freight siding, two iconic cars are on display:
• SuhaFu 42 Series (SuhaFu 42 257)
• WaFu 29500 Series (WaFu 29587)

Photos of the Preserved Railcars

WaFu 29500 Series (WaFu 29587)

SuhaFu 42 Series (SuhaFu 42 257)

Inside one of the preserved cars displayed in the Horoni Railway Memorial Park

Additionally, a preserved car, SuHaFu 42 507, is displayed outside, making it a popular photo spot for train enthusiasts.

Relocation and Current State

The park was later relocated due to the construction of National Route 276 (Iwanai Kyowa Road). While the original platform and tracks were removed, new ones were reconstructed, and the historical elements were carefully preserved. As of today, the park remains open to the public as a fascinating window into Hokkaido’s railway history.

Team Nicerio visits Horoni Railway Memorial Park

On October 8, 2023, my family and I visited Horoni Railway Memorial Park for the first time. It was during the second day of our three-day “Sports Day 2023” road trip. Coincidentally, this day also marked my 706th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. This was our first stop in the town of Kyowa. 

Former Horoni Station stamp

We arrived just in time, as the park’s facilities were about to close, giving us a brief window to explore and collect the eki stamp from the former Horoni Station for our collection. Having visited many train memorial parks across Hokkaido, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness—each closed station is a reminder that the population in these areas continues to decline.

Horoni Railway Memorial Park Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Horoni Railway Memorial Park

Horoni Railway Memorial Park Operating Hours

Horoni Railway Memorial Park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, from May 1 to October 31, except on Mondays when it is closed.

Why Visit Horoni Railway Memorial Park?

Railway fans and history enthusiasts alike can enjoy a rare glimpse into the era of rural train travel in Hokkaido at this memorial park. Its nostalgic atmosphere, preserved trains, and exhibits make it a unique cultural landmark worth exploring.

Getting to Horoni Railway Memorial Museum

From Kutchan Station, head out and go to JR Kutchan Eki bus stop and board the Kozawa Line – To Iwanai Terminal bus operated by Niseko Bus Company.

Get off at Kyowa Yakuba Mae bus stop and walk for about 750 meters to Horoni Railway Memorial Museum

Travel time: 41 minutes

Fare: 760 yen

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