Rikubetsu

Few communities in Hokkaido Prefecture have a history as closely tied to the former Furusato Ginga Line as Rikubetsu. Set in the inland Tokachi area, the town follows the Rikubetsu River through a broad valley edged by forests, far from Hokkaido’s coastal cities. Winters here are notably severe, and Rikubetsu is widely known as one of Japan’s coldest inhabited places. After the railway was discontinued in 2006, its former station was retained as Rikubetsu Railway, preserving an important part of local life. The Ginga no Mori Astronomical Observatory reflects the dark, clear skies of this northern interior. Explore nearby webcams to see how Rikubetsu fits into eastern Hokkaido’s wider landscape.

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