Update: The main building of the post office is temporarily closed for earthquake reinforcement and preservation repairs, starting July 16, 2024. It is expected to reopen on April 28, 2026. The Former Shimamatsu Post Office is more than just a historic site—it’s a window into Japan’s pioneering era and a chance to experience the island’s early days of development. Stepping into this well-preserved landmark feels like traveling back in time, offering visitors a glimpse into the foundations of Kitahiroshima’s vibrant history. Rich in cultural significance, the post office serves as a living testament to the region's growth and resilience. It’s an excellent destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, providing a fascinating look at Kitahiroshima’s past and its journey to the present.

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2026.7 A nationally designated historic site. Among surviving station posts, it has Hokkaido’s oldest station-post architectural style. I thought it was a facility where you could borrow horses in relays for travel, but it was a comprehensive facility covering accommodation, transportation, and postal services, originating with its establishment by the Matsumae Domain in the Edo period. During Hokkaido’s early pioneering days, before road networks and railway tracks were laid, more than 600 station posts were established, helping travel and development throughout Hokkaido. It is larger than I imagined, probably because it also served as accommodation. Its location in a valley-shaped spot down a side road from National Route 36 also makes you imagine the difficulties of traveling and moving along the old roads. The fact that Dr. Clark parted with his students here, and that Mr. Nakayama Kyuzo came here in 1871, successfully cultivated rice in 1873, and operated this place from 1884 to 1897, probably also explains why it has survived to this day.

As of May 3, Ｒ8, the preservation repair work has been completed and the site is open for viewing.

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Admission is 200 yen The parking lot is across the road, and there are toilets too It was quiet even on weekends, so I could look around at leisure Because it said "station", I imagined railway tracks or the national railway, but it was a station from the horse-drawn carriage era(-_-;) The free guided tour takes about 30 minutes, and the explanation was very thorough and educational I am not especially fond of history, but I heard some good stories, such as how the number 397 in Kirara397 is the number of breeding attempts, how further improvement produced Yumepirika, and how Mr. Nakayama contributed more to the local area than Mr. Clark It will soon be rebuilt and repaired, so come soon if you want to see the building made by shrine and temple carpenters! I was also happy to receive some Akaho rice plants as a gift on the way out

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A national historic site. I was glad I could look around inside.