Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line

A railway line which once connected south Otaru to Temiya Station. The line was originally built as part of the Horonai Railway, the first railway in Hokkaido, during the days of the former Japan National Railways. The railway was primarily used for coal, marine products, and other cargo. Due to the declining number of riders, passenger service was closed in 1962 and cargo transportation on the railway was ended in 1985. Almost the entirety of the railroad tracks is still intact and visitors to the area are free to walk them. The end of the line, the former Temiya Station, has been turned into the Otaru City General Museum where you can view the old railway turntable and examples of real trains once used here.