24th January 2025 – (Otaru) A fatal incident occurred on Thursday morning in Otaru, Hokkaido, when a Hong Kong tourist was killed after being struck by a train while attempting to photograph the picturesque coastline. The woman, aged 61, was reportedly on the railway tracks near Asari Station, seeking a vantage point for her pictures.
The accident took place around 11.30am, shortly after the victim and her husband had arrived in Otaru for a holiday. Her husband was positioned further away and was unharmed in the incident. Emergency services rushed the woman to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
JR Hokkaido announced that the collision resulted in the suspension of 19 train services, including those connecting Sapporo with New Chitose Airport, affecting approximately 8,200 passengers.
The Chinese consulate in Sapporo has engaged with local authorities to gather information about the incident and is providing support to the victim’s family. The area around Asari Station has gained popularity as a “hidden” tourist spot, particularly among Chinese visitors, due to its scenic views, which were featured in the Chinese film “Cities in Love.”
