Vote On The New Kutchan Station Design

Kutchan town is conducting a survey, asking participants to vote on one of three designs for the coming Shinkansen (bullet train) station.

The Shinkansen station is a redesign of the existing Kutchan station, retrofitting it so it can accommodate the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension which is currently under construction between Hakodate, where the Shinkansen currently terminates, and Sapporo.

But it is also a complete reimaging of the transportation hub and its surroundings to become what Kutchan calls in its survey language a “new symbol” of the town.

The three designs each have a theme, with ‘Plan A’ representing the four seasons, ‘Plan B’ adorned with Mt. Yotei scenery and ‘Plan C’ showing ridgelines representing the area’s general aesthetic.

Kutchan Town renderings of A, B & C station designs and Kutchan Station under construction in October 2023.

The Hokkaido Shinkansen extension, originally planned to open at the end of fiscal year 2030, has been delayed by construction challenges, labour shortages and material cost overruns.

It is now expected to open – and therefore begin arriving in Kutchan – later in 2031.

Locals and people from out of town alike are welcome to participate in the survey, which is open until 21 January 2024.

For more information on the station designs, click here. To participate in the survey, click here.

Images:
Kutchan Town (renderings), Thomas Shomaker

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