Beyond the skyscrapers: Tourists uncover HK's hidden “little Japan”

Hongkongers wishing to quench their thirst for a Japan trip can now hop on the Light Rail, as tourists have recently discovered the city’s hidden “Kamakurakokomae Station” in Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.

The discovery began with a viral Xiaohongshu post titled "Hong Kong has its own Japan," where a mainland tourist documented her light rail journey from Tuen Mun to Yuen Long.

The poster expressed delight at the surprising scenery that resembled the countryside in Japan, even comparing the Tuen Ma Line to Japan's JR trains.

Their journey concluded at Nam Cheong with a sea breeze, which she described as a “comfortable trip.”

Her photos—featuring stations like the Tin Shui Wai stop near Kingswood Ginza and Tuen Mun's Affluence stop—have sparked excitement among the online community with their Japanese-style charm.

"It is a Kamakura Station in Hong Kong with its ancient atmosphere," one commenter noted.

Another observer highlighted how the red, blue and white signage against green grass under clear skies created a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.

Under the blue sky and white clouds, the red, blue and white signet paired with the green grass background surprisingly exuded a vibe that felt distinctly Japanese, he noted.

The post evolved into a collective sharing of Hong Kong’s hidden beauty spots, with users sharing images of Fung Nin Road and scenery in Cheung Chau, dubbing it “Hong Kong’s own Busan.”

These discovered germs have reshaped perceptions of the city’s everyday transit routes, prompting one tourist to remark, “Let’s go to Hong Kong, where it feels like visiting three places at once.”