Former Ashoro Station - Hokkaido

Former Ashoro Station ((旧)足寄駅) is a former station of the Hokkaido Chihoku Highland Railway Furusato Ginga Line. It is located at Chome-1, 1 Chome Kita 1 Jo in the town of Ashoro, Ashoro District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Former Ashoro Station

Former Ashoro Station Details

In the heart of Ashoro Town, Hokkaido, stands a building that beautifully blends history, community, and modern charm. The Former Ashoro Station, once a vital stop along Hokkaido’s railway network, has found new life as a vibrant local landmark. It first became the Tokachi Bus Ashoro Information Center and is now home to Coffee Zama-ya, a cozy café that celebrates both nostalgia and new beginnings.

Former Ashoro Station - Ashoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Century of Rail History

Ashoro Station opened on September 22, 1910 (Meiji 43), together with the Ikeda–Rikubetsu section of the Abashiri Line. For decades, it served as an important link connecting rural communities to major towns across Hokkaido.

The station was rebuilt in 1939 and became a quiet witness to the region’s development, as generations of travelers, students, and workers passed through its platforms. After the privatization of Japan National Railways (JNR) in 1987, Ashoro Station was transferred to JR Hokkaido. In 1989, it became part of the Hokkaido Chihoku Highland Railway. However, when the Furusato Ginga Line was discontinued in April 2006, railway operations at Ashoro Station officially came to an end.

Former Ashoro Station Facade

From Station to Information Center

Rather than being left abandoned, the Former Ashoro Station building was preserved and repurposed as the Tokachi Bus Ashoro Information Center. This facility became a convenient hub for travelers exploring eastern Hokkaido. Managed by the NPO Ashoro Tourism Association, it offered travel information, ticketing services, and local sightseeing guidance for destinations such as Rikubetsu and Ikeda.

Even after the trains stopped running, the station continued to serve the community as a gateway to Ashoro’s tourism, keeping the spirit of travel alive in the region.

The Birth of Coffee Zama-ya

In recent years, the former station building has undergone another transformation, this time into Coffee Zama-ya. The café combines retro railway charm with a modern, relaxing atmosphere, making it an inviting stop for both locals and travelers.

Stepping into Coffee Zama-ya feels like traveling through time. The preserved architecture and nostalgic décor remind visitors of the station’s storied past, while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee adds a comforting sense of renewal.

A Living Landmark of Ashoro

Today, the Former Ashoro Station proudly stands as part of the Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 Roadside Station complex, where visitors can rest, gather information, and enjoy local flavors.

"The Shortest Train Track of Hokkaido"

The footprints of many of the town's residents

Ashoro town map

The building’s transformation from a railway station to a bus information center and finally to a café reflects Ashoro’s resilience and creativity. It turns a piece of transport history into a space for connection, relaxation, and community spirit.

Team Nicerio visits Former Ashoro Station

My family and I visited The Former Ashoro Station for the first time on November 5, 2023, the third day of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. This visit also marked my 734th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. With some extra time to spare, my family and I checked out the interesting building behind the Ashoro Roadside Station. Turns out, it was the Former Ashoro Station. Behind it was a train track locals dub as the “shortest train track of Hokkaido”. Unlike other preserved former train stations, which are repurposed into museums, this one was given a new life as a café that serves great coffee. I highly recommend this to those visiting the area.

Former Ashoro Station Admission Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Former Ashoro Station, but since the building now operates as a coffee shop, it’s highly recommended to order a drink when you stay inside and enjoy its rustic atmosphere as a gesture of courtesy.

Former Ashoro Station Operating Hours

The Former Ashoro Station grounds are open 24/7. However, Coffee Zama-ya is open from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Why visit the Former Ashoro Station?

For those exploring the Tokachi region, a visit to Former Ashoro Station, now Coffee Zama-ya, offers more than just a good cup of coffee. It provides a glimpse into the living history of Ashoro—one sip, one story, and one cherished memory at a time.

Getting to Former Ashoro Station

 

From Obihiro Station, head out and go to Platform 7 of the Obihiro Eki Bus Terminal. Once there, board Bus #17 Obihiro Rikubetsu Line operated by Tokachi Bus Company. 

Board down at Ashoro Nokyo Mae bus stop. Once there, walk for about 290 meters to reach to the former station. 

Travel time: 2 hours and 25 minutes

Fare: 1,780 yen

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