国鉄福知山線支線（尼崎港線）

Clanging metal and hissing steam. That was the symphony of Tsukaguchi Station in 1905 as the Kokutetsu Fukuchiyama Line Branch Line (Nishinomiya Port Line) began its life carrying freight. This often-forgotten line, running from Tsukaguchi to Nishinomiya-ko Station, became a vital artery in the industrial heart of Osaka. Officially known as the Kokutetsu Fukuchiyama Line Branch Line (Nishinomiya Port Line), locals often called it the Nishinomiya Port Line. Let’s journey back to its heyday, shall we? The Nishinomiya Port Line wasn’t originally intended for passengers. Its primary purpose was to shuttle goods between Tsukaguchi and the bustling port of Nishinomiya-ko. However, as the area grew, so did the need for passenger transport. Passenger service began, but it wasn’t until 1911 that a dedicated passenger platform was built at Tsukaguchi Station. Imagine the flurry of activity as passengers boarded the train, eager to reach the port or connect to other parts of Osaka. The Nishinomiya Port Line wasn’t just a mode of transport. It was a witness to history. In 1949, Tsukaguchi Station underwent a name change. It became Nishinomiya Station, while Nishinomiya Station was renamed Nishinomiya-ko Station. The line also acquired a more affectionate moniker, the Nishinomiya Port Line. This renaming marked a new chapter in the line’s life. Despite its importance, the Nishinomiya Port Line faced challenges. Passenger numbers dwindled, and by 1981, passenger service was discontinued. Freight services limped on for a few more years, but in 1984, the entire line was abandoned. Even in its silence, the Nishinomiya Port Line echoes with stories. The line wasn’t just about stations and tracks. It reflected the rise and fall of industries, the changing needs of a city, and the lives it touched along the way. Today, remnants of the line can still be found, whispers of a time when the rumble of trains filled the air. The Kokutetsu Fukuchiyama Line Branch Line (Nishinomiya Port Line) may be gone, but its legacy remains, woven into the fabric of Osaka’s history.