| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 07:00 - 18:00 10:00 - 17:00 coffee shop |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, car needed or bus travel available, restrooms, souvenir store, cafe |
| Location / Getting There | The park is a 30 minute drive south from central Obihiro, take route 236. For those using public transport, from the bus terminal in front of JR Obihiro Station, take the Tokachi Bus bound for "Hiroo" and get off at the "Happiness" bus stop (about 45 minutes). It's 5 minute walk from here. From the Tokachi airport, it only a 5 minute drive or taxi ride. Obihiro, Hokkaido 089-1246 |
Kōfuku Station is a closed railway station from the now defunct Hiroo line. The station originally opened on 1st November 1956, but the line, which went from Obihiro to Hiroo, was discontinued in 1987 bringing an end to the station. Even though the station closed down, it still remains a popular sightseeing spot for tourists. Why? Well, it comes down to the name of the station. The name Kofuku (幸福）translates to “happiness” and the station became famous after it was featured on a Japanese NHK TV travel programme which aired in 1973. The station name is formed from the combination of the original name of the area, Kōshin. Plus many farmers settled here in 1902 coming from Fukui prefecture after flooding. Kō + Fuku = Kōfuku.
Kōfuku Station is part of Kōfuku Kōtsu Park. In this area, there is a nice little coffee shop, plus a small souvenir store (the Kōfuku train ticket is a very popular item), and photography area. There are two old trains here that have been turned into small museums. This area is especially popular for couples as the site was chosen as a ‘Sanctuary for Lovers’ in 2008. There is a special bell here that can be rung for good luck, plus the main attraction is the small hut here. You can write a message on a pink ticket and stick it to the wall. The hut is covered with thousands of these messages. Kōfuku Station is a popular spot to visit, if you can get out that way.
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 20:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0134-21-5000 http://www.wingbay-otaru.co.jp/ |
| Notes | Supermarket, clothing stores, restaurants, fast food stores, entertainment areas, movie theatre, furniture stores, 5000 parking, swimming pool, wheelchair access |
| Location / Getting There | Wing Bay Otaru is right across from Otaruchikko Train Station on the JR Otaru line. 25 minute train ride from Sapporo station 〒047-0008 11 Chikko, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido |
The JR train line on the way to Otaru passes some great coastline. Along this JR line there are various stops before the final destination of Otaru. Two stations before the Otaru train station, you can find the Wing Bay Otaru department store. Opened in 1999, this huge department is about 1.5km long. It is one of the largest shopping complexes in Japan. The centre is 4 stories and has ample parking. In terms of shopping there are plenty of outlet shops, including mens, womens, and kids clothing stores. There is also a Nittori which is a huge furniture and home furnishing store.
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Apart from all these shops, Wing Bay Otaru shops has a huge hotel overlooking the marina. There is a cinema, a swimming pool, a bowling alley and a sports club, plus a large play centre for the kids. To fuel the body for shopping and all these activities there are about thirty different restaurants ranging from Mos Burger to gourmet dining. There is also a supermarket to pick up some fresh food. It is here you can get some boxed lunches. Why not grab one and head out to the park overlooking the water or eat outside along the boardwalk.
