"Abikomichi Station is a station that almost always makes its presence felt when riding the Hankai Tramway. It's more than just a station; it's an important hub on the Hankai Line, housing the Hankai Electric Tramway's headquarters and depot (Yamatogawa Inspection Yard).

The station's greatest draw is its irresistible scenery for train enthusiasts. The spacious depot adjacent to the station houses a wide variety of streetcars, from retro streetcars to the latest trams. It's fascinating to watch trains coming from Tennoji Station and Ebisucho, as they run on the main line before entering the depot like a switchback. The depot's entrance and exit tracks even feature a rare level crossing without a barrier, making for a fascinating discovery.

This station is also important from an operational standpoint, as trains bound for Ebisucho begin and end here. It's also incredibly convenient for getting to Tennoji, as well as downtown areas like Shin-Imamiya and Tennoji. However, if you need to transfer to Sakai, you'll need to get off here and get a transfer ticket or use an IC card. Since it's a transfer station, it's convenient that there are many trains departing and arriving here.

The area around the station is located at the southernmost tip of Osaka City, and retains a strong sense of old-fashioned downtown charm. Shopping districts such as Ando Shopping Street and Abikomichi Shopping Street are located here, and with everything from independent shops to supermarkets, you won't have any trouble getting around. I've heard that this area is one of the safest areas in Osaka City, so that also gives me a sense of security.

Personally, I love the downtown atmosphere around here. Apparently there used to be an arcade street on the east side, but it's a bit sad that it's gone. Still, seeing all kinds of trains, from retro carriages from the early Showa era to wrapped trains, operating out of this station makes me feel like it's a treasure trove of streetcar culture that I hope will remain forever."

Seiji Yamamoto

"Abikomichi Station is a station on the Hankai Electric Tramway Hankai Line in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City. It serves as a central station on the Hankai Electric Tramway (Hankai Tramway), housing the Hankai Electric Tramway headquarters and depot.

It is the southernmost station in Osaka City. More than half of trains turn around here. It serves as a transfer hub between Tennoji Station/Ebisucho and Hamadera Station.

When transferring at Abikomichi Station using an IC card (such as PiTaPa, ICOCA, or Suica, which are interoperable nationwide) on the Hankai Tramway, special rules apply for transfer discounts. To avoid any issues, I'll explain how to use an IC card at Abikomichi Station.

The procedure for paying fares and transferring on the Hankai Tramway is as follows:

1. First train (from Ebisucho to Abikomichi)
Boarding: Board at the rear entrance. Be sure to touch your IC card to the boarding reader located near the entrance. Your ticket has been accepted when you hear a beep and the green light comes on.

Disembarking (Abikomichi Station): When disembarking at Abikomichi Station, touch your IC card to the disembarking reader located near the fare box next to the driver.

2. Transfer (Abikomichi Station)
Wait at the designated transfer area at the station for the next train bound for Hamadera Station.

3. Second train (bound for Hamadera Station)
Boarding: Board at the rear entrance. As with the first train, touch your IC card to the boarding reader.

Disembarking: When disembarking at your destination (for example, Hamadera Station), touch your IC card to the disembarking reader next to the driver.

Important Points (to qualify for the transfer discount)

A total of four taps required: To validate your transfer, you must tap the fare box four times, including when boarding and alighting the first and second trains.

Fare Display: If your transfer is valid, tap the alighting reader when getting off the second train; the fare will display "Direct Fare 0 Yen" on the fare box monitor.

Valid Transfer Time: Your transfer is valid within one hour from the time you tap the fare box when alighting the first train to the time you board the second train.

Overlapping Sections and Excessive Time: Please note that if there are overlapping sections or if the valid time has passed, the transfer discount will be invalid and the regular fare (¥240 for adults, ¥120 for children) will be charged separately.

While Hankai Tramway generally requires payment upon boarding, it's important to remember the rule when using an IC card: tap the fare box both when boarding and alighting to ensure a smooth transfer.

If you forget to tap your IC card when boarding, you must inform the driver when alighting (at Abikomichi Station).

What to do if you forget to tap your card when boarding
Report to the driver: When getting off the train at Abikomichi Station, tell the driver near the fare box that you forgot to tap your IC card when boarding before tapping your card.
Inform the driver of your boarding station: Tell the driver where you boarded (which station toward Ebisucho).
The driver operates the fare box to record your boarding and calculate the appropriate fare.
Tap as instructed: Follow the driver's instructions and tap your IC card on the exit reader. At this time, the initial fare will be deducted, or the fare for the entire distance from the boarding station will be deducted.

Why you need to report this
No boarding record: If you do not tap your card when boarding, your card will not have a boarding record.
Error on next use: If you only touch your card when disembarking, the next time you try to use the card you will get an error message such as "No entry record" and you will not be able to pass through the ticket gate or it will become unusable.
Invalidation of transfer discount: It is highly likely that the transfer discount at Abikomichi Station will also no longer be applied.
To avoid any problems in an emergency, make sure to touch your card both when boarding and disembarking. If you forget, don't panic - just ask the driver and they will help you.

I forgot to touch my card and caused trouble for the driver when I got off the bus."

Beautiful Blue-life

"This tram station is in the southernmost downtown area of ​​Osaka City.

South of here is Sakai City, but the downtown feel of this area is irresistible.

It's a shame that the arcade street on the east side has been demolished without anyone noticing."

traveller DEEP