Iwahana Station is a small unmanned station in Ube City, but it is full of unexpected charms. The station building is compact, equipped with automatic ticket machines and vending machines, and has the minimum necessary facilities. However, the real charm lies not so much in the station itself, but rather in its surroundings.
The station building of Iwahana Station is a historic building opened in 1914, with a charm typical of a small countryside station. There is a bicycle parking area in front of the station, and the design of the train and scenery in the form of seal art is also attractive. The surrounding area is a residential area, and it is enveloped in a truly rural atmosphere.
There are not many trains, but the number of trains seems to be relatively concentrated during the morning and evening hours. Also, the average daily ridership in 2018 was 282 people, which is not at all small. There used to be trains that took a long time to travel to Ube Station, a vestige of the active limestone transportation in the past.
There is also a delicious-looking pasta restaurant in the vicinity of the station, and when you need to use the restroom, it is recommended to use the public restroom at the nearby Iwahana Nishi Children's Park. Although Iwahana Station itself is small, its location and ancillary facilities are quite convenient.
Iwahana Station is a small station filled with unique charms. Although it is often thought of as just a passing point, there may be new discoveries when you actually stop by. When using the Ube Line, why not take a moment to visit this small, charming station as well?