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An Otaru guide made by Otaru Geihinkan, a seaside inn in Otaru
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The tracks and walking path at the Former JNR Temiya Line Site
  1. Otaru Travel Guide
  2. Former JNR Temiya Line

Former JNR Temiya Line Site: Hokkaido’s First Railway

Time needed: 30 minutes

Estimated cost: 0 yen

The former JNR Temiya Line began as the government-run Horonai Railway, the first railway in Hokkaido.
The Otaru Temiya–Sapporo section opened in 1880. In 1882 the whole line, about 90 km as far as Horonai, was open.
The government-run Horonai Railway was built to carry coal from Horonai to the port of Otaru.

Incidentally, Japan’s first railway was the Shimbashi–Yokohama line, which opened in 1872.
Back when Japan had only a handful of railways (the Shimbashi–Yokohama line, followed by lines such as Kobe–Osaka and Osaka–Kyoto), a railway was already being built in Otaru.

Photos on the tracks

Passenger service ended in 1962 because of declining ridership.
Freight traffic also declined, and the line closed in 1985.

After the line closed, the site was turned into a walking path of about 1.6 km that keeps the original tracks, level crossings and crossing gates.
With the tracks, level crossings and crossing gates still in place, it is also a popular spot for taking photos on the tracks.

Festival and event venue

The Otaru Glass Market, held every July, takes place on the Former JNR Temiya Line Site.
It is also one of the main venues of the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, a winter event held every February.

Former JNR Temiya Line
  • Address: 1-7-14 Ironai, Otaru
  • Phone: 0134-32-4111
  • Access: 15-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
Access

Otaru City General Museum

A museum standing where Temiya Station once stood, on the Former JNR Temiya Line Site.
As many as 50 railway vehicles that represent Hokkaido are on display, including the steam locomotive Shizuka, offering a look at railway and local history.

Otaru City General Museum
  • Address: 1-3-6 Temiya, Otaru
  • Phone: 0134-33-2523
  • Hours: 9:30–17:00
  • Closed
    Closed Tuesdays (the next weekday if Tuesday is a public holiday)
    Closed over the New Year holiday (December 29–January 3)
  • Rates
    Free for junior high school students and younger
    • Summer: adults 400 yen, high school students 200 yen
    • Winter: adults 300 yen, high school students 150 yen
  • Access
    From Stop 3 at the JR Otaru Station Bus Terminal, take the Route 10 bus bound for Otaru Aquarium via Takashima 3-chome, and get off at “Sogo Hakubutsukan” (General Museum).
Access

Things to Do Here

Walk the promenade

Stroll along a path where the old railway structures have been preserved.

Learn the history at the museum

Learn about the history of the railway at the main building of the Otaru City General Museum.

For opening days, admission fees and which outdoor exhibits are open, please check the museum’s official information.