The Tenpoku Line Reference Room, located within Otoineppu Station, offers visitors a nostalgic glimpse into the past. This small railway museum preserves the legacy of the now-defunct Tenpoku Line through its collection of memorabilia and historical artifacts. Among its unique exhibits is a retro Showa-era crane game, which adds a charming and whimsical element to the experience. This hidden gem provides a window into the station’s storied history, making it a must-see for train enthusiasts and history buffs exploring the quiet village of Otoineppu. The reference room serves as a meaningful tribute to a bygone era of rail travel.

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A small reference museum inside the 音威子府駅 building. 天北線 was a railway line connecting 音威子府駅, its starting point, with 南稚内駅. It was closed in 1989. This museum preserves the history of 天北線 and traces of what it was like back then. Photographs from the time, station name signs, and equipment and items actually used in the 国鉄 era are packed into the space. The finely detailed railway diorama in the center is truly impressive. You can see the lively, prosperous station during the 昭和 era, and how キハ03 and キハ04 were in active service at the time. There is plenty to see! Visits are possible only on weekdays, Monday–Friday, from around 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. *It seems there may occasionally be temporary closures.

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Inside the JR音威子府駅 building. This reference room tells the history of the former 天北線, which closed in April 1989. Models recreate the 昭和-era scene when the area once prospered through the railway. Headmarks attached to special trains, nostalgic 国鉄-era posters, station name signs, tablet tokens, railway workers’ uniform caps… irresistible for fans. Opening hours are around 9:30–16:00.

In 1922, 旭川 and 南稚内 (then called 稚内) were connected by rail. At the time, the route did not go through 幌延 and other places, but went from here, 音威子府, via 浜頓別. Back then, this was the 宗谷線. In 1961, because the current 宗谷本線 had been built, the 音威子府-浜頓別-南稚内 route came to be called 天北線. Because 国鉄 was suffering severe losses, it was selected for closure. Finally, in 1989, 天北線 closed. The items remaining here are relics from that time. There are also exhibits about 風っ子そうや.

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Inside the station building is a small museum about the closed 国鉄天北線. Apparently, the railway once split here at 音威子府駅 into the 天北線 heading toward the Sea of Okhotsk side and what is now the 宗谷本線.

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