Historical landmark • 15-12 Okuyuki, Betsukai, Notsuke District, Hokkaido 086-0213, Japan
Located in Betsukai Town, Notsuke District, Hokkaido, the Old Okuyukiusu Station is a valuable cultural heritage that conveys the history of Hokkaido's development from the late Meiji to early Showa periods. In an era when there were no trains or cars, this building served as an important rest stop and lodging facility for travelers, and it still retains much of its original appearance.
The architectural style brought from Niigata by the station's founder, Mr. Yamazaki, adapts to Hokkaido's harsh climate while emitting a unique beauty. Notably, this cold-region building features an unusually high ceiling. Additionally, the beauty of the lacquered furnishings used since that time continues to captivate visitors.
As you walk through each room while listening to the detailed explanations of volunteer guides, you feel as though you have slipped back to the Meiji era. The hand-made wavy window glass, porcelain toilet, and staircases without railings all convey the breath of life from that time.
This building, once on the verge of collapse, was restored at a cost of 270 million yen by Betsukai Town after it was designated a national historic site. As a result, it has become an indispensable presence in telling the history of Hokkaido's development.
Around the Old Okuyukiusu Station, there are railway-related historic sites such as the ruins of the Okuyukiusu Station on the former Shibetsu Line of the Japan National Railways and the remains of the Betsukai Town-run railway station. Visiting these sites together provides a deeper understanding of the region's history.
The Old Okuyukiusu Station is not just an old building; it is a living history book filled with the dreams and hardships of Hokkaido's pioneers. Preserved in its natural state without excessive commercialization, this place is brimming with the charm of Hokkaido's hidden gems. It is a must-see spot not only for history and architecture enthusiasts but also for anyone wanting to see the true face of Japan. Why not take a trip back to Hokkaido's pioneering era aboard a time machine?
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