Definition
Hataki Station (Japanese: 畑喜駅, Hataki‑eki) is a passenger railway station located in the city of Ōzu, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is operated by Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku) and serves the Yosan Line.
Overview
Hataki Station is situated on the Yosan Line, which runs along the northern coast of Shikoku between Takamatsu and Uwajima. The station lies several hundred kilometres from the line’s origin at Takamatsu Station and primarily serves local trains that operate within the Ehime region. The surrounding area is predominantly residential and agricultural, with limited commercial development directly adjacent to the station.
Etymology / Origin
The station name derives from the local place‑name “Hataki” (畑喜). In Japanese, “畑” (hata) means “field” or “farm,” and “喜” (ki) means “joy” or “delight.” The combined characters are interpreted as “joy of the fields,” reflecting the area's historically agrarian character. The naming follows the common practice in Japan of assigning station names based on the locality they serve.
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | JR Shikoku |
| Line | Yosan Line (local service) |
| Station code | Not widely published; generally omitted for unmanned stations |
| Platform layout | One side platform serving a single bi‑directional track |
| Facilities | Unstaffed; shelter on the platform; basic seating; bicycle parking area; no ticket gates |
| Accessibility | Level access from the road to the platform; no elevators or escalators |
| Service frequency | Primarily local trains; limited to a few services per hour during peak periods |
| Opening date | Accurate information is not confirmed. Sources indicate the station began operation in the early 20th century, but the precise date requires verification. |
| Ridership | Passenger usage statistics are not publicly detailed for this station; it is considered a low‑traffic stop. |
Related Topics
- JR Shikoku – The railway company that manages passenger services on Shikoku Island.
- Yosan Line – A major railway line in Shikoku connecting Takamatsu and Uwajima, traversing Ehime Prefecture.
- Ōzu, Ehime – The municipality in which Hataki Station is located, known for its historic castle town and coastal geography.
- List of railway stations in Japan – Comprehensive catalogues that include Hataki Station among other regional stops.
Note: All presented information reflects data available from publicly accessible sources up to 2024. Where specific details could not be corroborated, a disclaimer has been included.