Japan's Remote Train Station Runs Just for One Passenger – to Be Closed After Girl Graduates in Spring

▲ The viral story about the closure of a remote Japanese train station. (Image / Screenshot frommatome.naver.jp/)

Reported by Lai Wen-xuan / Taipei

A remote train station in Hokkaido, Japan, has recently gone viral on Twitter, where it’s said that only one high school girl regularly takes the train to commute to school every day. The girl is set to graduate this year, and as a result, the station will also be closed. The heartwarming story of a train station running for just one passenger has touched many netizens, with some suggesting it could be made into a Japanese drama or movie, calling it incredibly romantic.

▲ The "Kyuuhakodate" Station in Hokkaido, where only one high school student used to take the train daily. (Image / From Twitter @foxnumber6)

This remote station, "Kyuuhakodate," is located on the Sekihoku Main Line in Hokkaido. The area is remote, and now there is only one passenger — a high school girl who commutes to school daily. According to online posts, "Kyuuhakodate" will see its last regular passenger — the high school girl — graduate this spring, after which the station will be closed.

▲ Kyuuhakodate Station is still in use, but will be closed on May 26 this year. (Image / Screenshot from Wikipedia)

Many netizens who saw the viral story were moved by the strong human touch and warmth of the station. However, in reality, JR Hokkaido plans to close less-used stations as part of an “operational rationalization” effort. On the Sekihoku Main Line, stations referred to by Japanese railfans as hidden gems — including Hakodate Station, Kyuuhakodate, and Minami-Hakodate — are all scheduled to be closed on May 26 this year. The closure news, paired with the touching story circulating online, has given these stations an additional layer of nostalgic charm.

▲ Kyuuhakodate Station has very few trains stopping there, and some regular trains don’t even stop at all. (Image / From Wikipedia)

Additionally, after the news broke, some users on PTT pointed out that although these stations are often called “hidden gems,” their low usage isn’t necessarily due to being picturesque or poetic, but rather because they are in remote locations with limited transportation options. In reality, these areas have relatively underdeveloped infrastructure, and can't really be considered true hidden scenic spots. The few passengers who continue to use these trains are mostly local students, which is why these regions often prioritize students when scheduling train times.