For Hokkaido, 2023 was a year of significant milestones, marked by the closure of department stores long-cherished by locals and the discontinuation of train stations. We take a look back at the department stores and beloved local shops that closed in 2023, as well as the train stations that were decommissioned, all to the regret of many.

Hokkaido's Department Stores That Closed in 2023

January 31, 2023: Fujimaru Department Store (Obihiro City)

【藤丸 閉店のおしらせ】

藤丸は2023年1月31日をもちまして、122年の営業を終了させていただきます。
明治33年(1900年)、十勝・帯広の地に創業以来、地域の百貨店として、世代を超えてご愛顧賜りましたことに深く感謝し、厚く御礼申し上げます。
122年間、誠にありがとうございました。 pic.twitter.com/BnPnTsLJpN

— 藤丸百貨店 (@fujimaruobihiro) January 31, 2023

Founded in Obihiro in 1900, the store began operating as "Fujimaru Department Store" in 1930, changing from its previous name, "Fujimaru Gofukuten" (a kimono store). It was the first in the Tokachi region to install an elevator and recorded sales of 14.5 billion yen at its peak. However, succumbing to the changing times, it closed its doors in January 2023, ending its 122-year history.

Currently, a new company has been established to take over the "Fujimaru" name and aims to rebuild. The plan is to renovate the existing building and reopen as early as fall 2025.

July 31, 2023: Nagasakiya Obihiro Store (Obihiro City)

長崎屋帯広店で閉店セール始まる「１０倍」の人出 #北海道NEWSWEB https://t.co/nSvBYaMl2w - https://t.co/nSvBYaMl2w

— NHK北海道 (@nhk_hokkaido) June 23, 2023

Following Fujimaru, the Nagasakiya Obihiro store became another major retail departure for the city. It opened in front of JR Obihiro Station in 1990 and had been a part of the community for many years. Being located in front of the station, it was used not only by Obihiro residents but also by people from neighboring towns. However, it closed in July 2023, with the exception of a few tenants. The building is now being considered for demolition, and the remaining tenants have been asked to vacate.

August 31, 2023: Sapporo ESTA (Chuo-ku, Sapporo)

This commercial facility was a landmark in front of Sapporo Station, but it closed in August 2023 due to redevelopment for the Hokkaido Shinkansen. Opened in 1978, Sapporo ESTA was bustling with locals and tourists alike, housing stores like Bic Camera, UNIQLO, and the Sapporo Ramen Republic. After its closure, many of its tenants relocated to places like the Tokyu Department Store and Moyuk Sapporo. The site where Sapporo ESTA once stood is scheduled for redevelopment, with plans to construct a skyscraper that will be the tallest in Hokkaido at 245 meters.

August 31, 2023: T-O Department Store Main Branch (Hakodate City)

【61年間のご愛顧ありがとうございました】
テーオーデパートは
本日、令和5年8月31日(木)
19時で閉店いたします。

今までご来店いただいた
すべてのお客様に感謝申し上げます😄

いつまでもあなたの心の中に。
Heart TO Heart の テーオーデパートです✨ pic.twitter.com/wjzDAONbzE

— テーオー【61年のご愛顧ありがとう】 (@todept) August 31, 2023

The T-O Department Store Main Branch, which opened in Hakodate's Goryokaku area in 1962, was a beloved gathering place for citizens across generations for many years. It closed its doors in August 2023. The closure is a sign of the changing times, following the closures of Hakodate's "Boni-Moriya" department store in 2019 and "Seibu Department Store" in 2003.

Hokkaido's Train Stations Decommissioned in 2023

March 17, 2023: JR Hama-taura Station

Hama-taura Station was an unstaffed station on JR Hokkaido's Hidaka Main Line. Due to a decline in users, it was decommissioned with the timetable revision from March 18, 2023. On its last day, March 17, a farewell ceremony was held by local residents.

April 1, 2023: Rumoi Main Line (between Ishikari-Numata and Rumoi)

The Rumoi Main Line is scheduled to be phased out entirely due to a decrease in passengers. The section between Mashike and Rumoi was discontinued in 2016, and in 2023, the 35.7km section from Rumoi to Ishikari-Numata ended its service. On the final run on March 31, many railway fans from all over the country gathered to witness it. The remaining 14.4km from Ishikari-Numata to Fukagawa is scheduled to be discontinued in 2026.