JR Nemuro Line Closure
As of April 1, JR train service on the Nemuro Line, south from Furano to Minami Furano has been terminated. Transport between these two cities will now be provided by bus from the Furano Bus company.
This line has very light ridership, and a significant portion of the track was damaged by typhoon several years ago, so this closure has been pending for several years.
To mark the occasion, several hundred train enthusiasts came to Furano to take pictures and ride the final train. Japan's train culture is second to none, and it was great to see such enthusiasm.