Otaru is known as the birthplace of Hokkaido’s railway. In 1880, the track construction of Horonai Railway, the first railway in Hokkaido, began here in Otaru, and it officially opened in 1882. Eight steam locomotives including "Yoshitsune" and "Benkei" were adopted on the line of 91.2km overall, and those locomotive engines took an active role for the transport of coals from Horonai coal mine.
And now, another steam locomotive is coming to Otaru at this time when Christmas is just around the corner.
JR Hokkaido specially operates a steam locomotive between Otaru and Sapporo under the title of "SL Christmas in Otaru" as part of annual events in December that the company organizes. C11 model locomotive engine (C11207) shows its authentic figure in front of the public on weekends between December 8th and Christmas Day. All seats are reserved, and one-way fare is ¥920 including ¥300 for seat reservation ticket.
The photo was taken at the platform of Otaru station on December 15th. You can hear the sound recorded at Otaru Chikko station on the same day by clicking "Play" button. Please mind the speaker volume of your PC, for the sound is pretty big.
Even though you don't have a train ride, you can take a close look at the valiant figure of C11 type locomotive engine which also acts as "SL The Niseko", and hear its steam whistle near at hand with a platform ticket.(¥160) Your trip to Otaru will be a special and memorable one by having your photo taken in front of a nostalgic steam locomotive at the atmospheric Otaru station's platform.
