Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, Mook Travel Life Network
In Taiwan, there are well-known old railway stations famous for their lucky name tickets, such as “Zhui Fen” (Separation), “Cheng Gong” (Success), “Yong Kang” (Eternal Peace), and “Bao An” (Safety). In Hokkaido’s Obihiro City, there is also an old station named “Happiness,” which is highly favored by couples and is a popular spot for travel and wedding photography, thus earning the nickname “Sacred Place of Lovers.” However, after the Happiness Station ceased operations in 1987, its platform and parts of the tracks were preserved. Over the years, the interior and exterior walls of the station building have been covered with postcards from visitors and couples wishing for happiness.
The Happiness Station, known as the “Sacred Place of Lovers,” has begun demolition and reconstruction this month, with completion expected in early November. (Image source / www.easthokkaido-5airport.jp)
Happiness Station and the nearby Aikoku Station in Obihiro, Hokkaido, became wildly popular after being featured on an NHK travel program in Japan in 1973. The following year, singer Serina Hayashi’s song “From the Land of Love to Happiness” (“愛の国から幸福へ”) sparked a buying frenzy for the lucky “Aikoku–Happiness” name tickets, with over 10 million sold within four years. However, after weathering 50 years of time, Happiness Station began renovation work earlier this month, with completion scheduled for early November. When the renovation news was released, it even attracted tourists from all over Japan who came to catch one last glimpse of the old station. Netizens planning to visit Hokkaido after early November will have the chance to see the newly renovated Happiness Station.
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The original building of Happiness Station was covered inside and out with postcards sent by visitors for good luck. (Image source / www.easthokkaido-5airport.jp)