My name is MAKO
Based in Sapporo, Hokkaido | Born and raised in Obihiro, Hokkaido | Lover of Sapporo Classic beer and fresh sashimi | Passionate about road trips and camping | Always chasing beautiful scenery
Why Is Kofuku Station So Famous?The Short Answer
Kofuku Station became famous because its name means “Happiness.”
Together with nearby Aikoku (Love) Station, it inspired the famous phrase “From the Land of Love to Happiness.”
Although trains no longer stop here, visitors from around the world still come to wish for happiness and good luck.
Why You Should Care
Most train stations are simply places to catch a train.
Kofuku Station is different.
People don’t come here because they need transportation. They come because they hope for something much more valuable—love, success, good health, and happiness.
When you understand the story behind this small station, you’ll discover why it has become one of Hokkaido’s most heartwarming destinations.
How Did Kofuku Station Become the “Station of Happiness”?
A Small Station With a Very Big Name
Kofuku Station opened in 1956 on the former Hiroo Line in Obihiro, eastern Hokkaido.
The word “Kofuku” (幸福) simply means “happiness” in Japanese.
At first, it was just another local railway station serving nearby farms and communities. Nobody imagined that its name would one day become famous throughout Japan.
The Magic Phrase That Captured Japan
Everything changed during the 1970s.
Another station on the same railway line was called Aikoku Station (愛国駅).
Its name means “Love Country,” but because “Ai” (愛) also means “love,” people naturally connected the two stations.
Soon, the phrase
“From the Land of Love to Happiness.”
became famous across Japan.
Countless couples, newlyweds, students, and families visited the stations, hoping their own journeys would lead from love to happiness.
It was one of Japan’s biggest travel booms of the decade.
Why Did Millions of People Visit Kofuku Station?
The Famous Kofuku Train Tickets
One of the biggest attractions wasn’t the train—it was the ticket.
Visitors bought souvenir tickets showing the route from Aikoku to Kofuku.
Many people carried them in their wallets as lucky charms.
Others gave them as wedding gifts or graduation presents.
Even today, souvenir tickets remain one of the most popular items at the station.
A Place Filled With Wishes
As more visitors arrived, they began leaving messages.
Today, the station building is covered with thousands of tickets and handwritten notes.
Some visitors write about finding love.
Others wish for good health, successful exams, safe travels, or happy families.
Together, these small messages have turned the station into something more than a tourist attraction.
It has become a place filled with hope.
What Happened to Kofuku Station?
The Trains Are Gone, but the Story Lives On
The Hiroo Line closed in 1987 because the number of passengers had declined.
Although trains no longer stop at Kofuku Station, the station itself was carefully preserved.
Today it is an open-air museum where visitors can explore the original station building, railway tracks, and old train cars.
Walking through the station feels like stepping back into Japan’s railway history.
Why People Still Visit Today
More than thirty years after the railway closed, Kofuku Station continues to welcome visitors from around the world.
Some come because they love trains.
Others come for its unique history.
Many simply hope that a visit to the “Station of Happiness” will bring a little extra luck into their lives.
It is proof that sometimes a name—and the story behind it—can become more powerful than the place itself.
Why Kofuku Station Still Inspires People Today
More Than a Tourist Attraction
Kofuku Station is not famous because it is large or modern.
It is famous because it reminds people that happiness can begin with something simple—a meaningful name, a memorable journey, or a special moment with someone you love.
Unlike many tourist attractions, Kofuku Station encourages visitors to slow down. They take photos, read the messages left by others, and often leave a wish of their own before they go.
For many travelers, it becomes one of the most emotional stops in Hokkaido.
A Symbol of Hope Across Generations
Although Japan’s railway boom has long passed, Kofuku Station continues to inspire new generations.
Couples visit before their weddings.
Families come to celebrate important milestones.
Students visit before exams.
Travelers stop by before beginning a new chapter in life.
The meaning of “happiness” may be different for everyone, but that is exactly what makes this station so special.
My Recommended Itinerary to Kofuku Station
Kofuku Station is located in Obihiro, in eastern Hokkaido. Since it’s quite far from New Chitose Airport, I recommend staying one night in Obihiro before visiting the famous “Station of Happiness.
Day 1 – Travel to Obihiro
- Arrive at New Chitose Airport
- Drive to Obihiro (about 3.5–4 hours)
- Check in to your hotel
- Enjoy local specialties such as Butadon (pork rice bowl) or Tokachi sweets
- Stay overnight in Obihiro
For a comfortable stay, I recommend hotels near Obihiro Station, such as Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro or Dormy Inn Obihiro. Both provide an excellent base for exploring the city the next day.
Day 2 – Visit Kofuku Station
- Drive to Kofuku Station (about 30 minutes from central Obihiro)
- Explore the historic station building and vintage railcars
- Ring the Bell of Happiness
- Buy the famous “From the Land of Love to Happiness” souvenir ticket
- Return to New Chitose Airport or continue your journey through eastern Hokkaido
Kofuku Station is close to Tokachi Obihiro Airport, making it easy to continue your trip after your visit.
Why I Recommend It
- A relaxed two-day itinerary
- Stay comfortably in Obihiro
- Plenty of time to explore Kofuku Station
- Enjoy both local food and one of Hokkaido’s most famous railway landmarks
Did You Know?
- 🎫 More than 10 million souvenir tickets were sold during the famous travel boom.
- 🚂 Kofuku Station was part of the former Japanese National Railways (JNR) Hiroo Line.
- ❤️ The phrase “From the Land of Love to Happiness” became one of Japan’s most famous tourism slogans in the 1970s.
- 📸 Visitors still leave tickets and handwritten messages inside the station building.
- 🌸 Kofuku Station is one of the most popular photo spots in the Tokachi region.
FAQ
Can you still ride a train to Kofuku Station?
No. The Hiroo Line closed in 1987, so trains no longer operate here.
Is Kofuku Station free to visit?
Yes. Visitors can explore the preserved station and surrounding area free of charge.
Can I still buy a Kofuku Station ticket?
Yes. Souvenir tickets are still sold and remain a popular keepsake.
How long should I spend at Kofuku Station?
Most visitors spend about 30–60 minutes, depending on how many photos they take.
Is Kofuku Station worth visiting if I don’t like trains?
Absolutely. Even people with little interest in railways enjoy the heartwarming story and peaceful atmosphere.
Visit It Yourself
Location
Obihiro City, Tokachi, Hokkaido（https://maps.app.goo.gl/rDMvn6zuUgUENYwh6）
Best Season
- Spring 🌸
- Summer 🌻
- Autumn 🍁
- Winter ❄️ (beautiful snowy scenery)
How to Get There
About 30 minutes by car from JR Obihiro Station.
Public buses are available, but a rental car offers the most flexibility.
Estimated Visit Time
30–60 minutes
Admission Fee
Free
Official Website
Obihiro Tourism & Convention Association（https://obikan.jp/）
Please check the official website for the latest information.
Final Thoughts
Kofuku Station proves that a simple railway station can become something extraordinary.
Its trains may have stopped running decades ago, but its message continues to travel around the world.
Whether you believe in good luck or simply enjoy discovering unique places, Kofuku Station offers something unforgettable—a chance to pause, smile, and think about what happiness means to you.
If your journey takes you to eastern Hokkaido, don’t miss this charming little station. It may become one of the happiest memories of your trip.
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