What the Furkawabashi!

Furukawabashi.  The first thing I learned about Furukawabashi Station is that the limited express train does not stop there. Of course I learned this only after reaching the end of the line without ever noticing that the train blew right past the station or that I was in fact,  on a limited express train.  Actually, the only trains that make stops at Furukawabashi  Station are local trains. Despite this, it is still a rather large and populated station.  Within the Station there is a small mall with numerous clothing shops and small chain restaurants including Mister Donut, and Lotteria among others.  Its also includes a fashion center with several chain clothing stores and a hyaku yen store. 

The area of the station with restaurants and places to eat.

            Immediately upon exiting the station you come across several more stores and combinis and a video game and DVD rental shop.  There is a street with an arched sign over it which reads Furukawabashi Mall.  Walking down this street one can find a multitude of small family shops selling everything from trinkets and souvenirs to fruits and vegetables.   This street is also populated with a multitude of small restaurants, bars, and Izakayas. Despite all these shops and places to eat this location is not a huge draw.  According to the man I met there who spoke English people who come there live near by and come to do a little shopping or get something to eat on their way home. This seemed to fit with my own observations about the station.

The shopping area just outside the station.

            I noticed that the station was mostly either populated entirely with people wearing suits and business attire or children and high school students in uniform.  Which group dominated depended on the time of day. And at rush hours there were strong segments of both these groups.

Here is a link to the Keihan station website with information on trains, lines, stations and stops:

www.keihan.co.jp/en/