Mukaibara Station (向井原駅, Mukaibara-eki) is a passenger railway station located in the city of Iyo, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is operated by the Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku) and serves as a junction station with dual station numbers "S06" and "U06."
Lines
The station is served by the JR Shikoku Yosan Line and is located 208.5 km from the beginning of the line at Takamatsu. From Mukaibara Station, the Yosan Line divides into two branches. The older, original branch along the coast has since 2014 been referred to as the Beloved Iyonada Line (愛ある伊予灘線, Ai aru iyonada-sen); stations along it use the "S" prefix. Stations on the newer Uchiko branch use the "U" prefix. Only Yosan Line local trains stop at the station—those serving the Iyonada branch heading for Kōnokawa and those serving the Uchiko branch heading for Iyo-Ōhira. Eastbound local trains terminate at Matsuyama.
Layout
The station, which is unstaffed, consists of a single side platform serving one elevated track. There is no station building, only a shelter for waiting passengers. Steps lead up to the platform, and the station is not wheelchair accessible. Bicycle parking is available underneath the elevated station structure.
History
Japanese National Railways (JNR) opened the station on 1 October 1963 as a stop on the existing Yosan Line. On 3 March 1986, the station reopened after having been elevated and moved approximately 100 meters nearer to the previous station of Iyoshi. At the same time, the Uchiko branch was opened, and the station became the official start of the branch. With the privatization of JNR on 1 April 1987, control of the station passed to JR Shikoku.
Surrounding area
- Matsuyama Expressway Iyo Interchange
- Japan National Route 56
- Japan National Route 378
- Iyo City Kitayamazaki Elementary School
Passenger statistics
In fiscal year 2019, the station recorded an average of 90 passengers per day.
