Walking the Abandoned JR Shihoro Line: Horoka Station Ruins & the Phantom Bridge of Taushubetsu in Hokkaido
Old JR Shihoro Line – Horoka Station Ruins
These are the remains of the Horoka Station platform, where the old JR Shihoro Line tracks—last used in December 1978—are still visible.
The old tracks, now overgrown with green, instantly brought the *Stand by Me* soundtrack to mind. You can follow the tracks all the way to the station ruins—but I stopped short after seeing a warning sign about bear sightings. Too scary to continue alone...
I only walked a little way down the track before quickly turning back, but the atmosphere here was hauntingly beautiful. I need a bear bell, seriously.
Horoka Station once served passengers and cargo on the Shihoro Line since the early Showa era. Since the line was discontinued in 1978, the site has quietly faded into the forest, standing still in time.
Especially in summer, the thick greenery makes it feel like the station has been completely swallowed by nature.
It’s the perfect spot for fans of abandoned places or anyone who loves nostalgic scenery♡
By the way, many parts of the old Shihoro Line have been preserved for tourism. If you drive a little further, you’ll find the famous **Taushubetsu River Bridge**, a hotspot for fans of railway ruins.
(Just remember—check the latest bear alerts. A surprise encounter with a brown bear is not on my bucket list 
)
From Horoka Station to the phantom bridge, these abandoned railway spots in Hokkaido are more than just “old paths”—they’re quiet witnesses to stories of the past.
Taushubetsu River Bridge Observation Point
I also stopped by the viewpoint where you can see the Taushubetsu River Bridge from about 750 meters away.
This area is dotted with historic remains from the former JR Shihoro Line.
Getting close to the bridge is tough, so the lookout was full of DSLR photographers!
The gentle river, the open grasslands, and the bridge that looks like ancient ruins—it’s like staring into a masterpiece painting.
Three deer wandered through the grass. One was a fawn—maybe a little family?
I even found a tree stump that looked like it was smiling. Nature has a sense of humor 