Bessho Onsen Station

Retro terminal station on the Bessho Dentetsu line with a Showa feel. Upon arrival, you will see girls wearing hakama bowing and welcoming you by the train tracks. I got a free pass (¥1180) on the whole line, which is the same price as a round trip between Ueda station and Bessho-Onsen station (hourly trips, 30 mins ride). Recommended to arrive at Ueda station a bit early to purchase this pass from the ticket window (not the ticket machine). There are 3 ticket designs to choose from, which commemorates 101 years since the line was established. I got the round design with the anime character on it.

The station has a retro atmosphere both inside and out. The contrast with the modern anime character panels is interesting. Many passengers get on and off to see the Kitamuki Kannon Temple open to the public, but there are no station staff present. Only the driver emerges from the station office and heads off to the train. There is a shop nearby that sells delicious rice balls and homemade side dishes, but there are no convenience stores within walking distance.

Bessho Station opened in the Taisho era. It has undergone a name change and reconstruction in 1950 to reach its current state. The station building's architectural techniques and color scheme give it a Showa-era retro feel. I imagine it was once bustling with tourists visiting Bessho Onsen. Even today, it is a popular tourist destination and a means of transportation for local residents. This time I visited by car, but I would also like to take the train.

It has the feel of a rustic Showa-era hot spring resort station. There is a tourist information centre, but the space is very small and it is filled with maps of the area. If you walk a little further you will come across an exhibition of old carriages that were once in use, which is a nice way to immerse yourself in nostalgia.

Just as i imagined how the station looks like, studio ghibli vibes in real life. Even the sign board is hand written. Although it looks very old but the toilet still up on par, just one thing to not there is nearly no tourist shuttle available