Taisetsu
![]() KiHa 283 series DMU operating Limited Express Taisetsu service at Asahikawa Station in October 2023 | |
Overview | |
---|---|
Service type | Special Rapid |
Status | Operational |
Locale | Japan |
Predecessor | Okhotsk |
First service |
|
Current operator(s) | JR Hokkaido |
Former operator(s) | JNR |
Route | |
Termini | Asahikawa Abashiri |
Stops | 11 |
Distance travelled | 237.7 km (147.7 mi) |
Average journey time | 3 hours 45 minutes approx |
Service frequency | 2 return services daily |
Line(s) used | Sekihoku Main Line |
On-board services | |
Class(es) | Non-Reserved |
Disabled access | Yes |
Sleeping arrangements | None |
Catering facilities | None |
Observation facilities | None |
Entertainment facilities | None |
Other facilities | Toilets |
Technical | |
Rolling stock | H100 series DEMUs |
Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
Electrification | None |
Operating speed | 95 km/h (59 mph) |
Track owner(s) | JR Hokkaido |
The Taisetsu (大雪) is a special rapid service operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) between Asahikawa and Abashiri in Hokkaido via the Sekihoku Main Line since 15 March 2025.[1] The service was formerly classified as a limited express service between 4 March 2017 till 14 March 2025. The Taisetsu train service name was also formerly used for express services operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) and later by JR Hokkaido from June 1947 until March 1992.
Service outline
[edit]As of March 2017[update], two return services operate daily between Asahikawa and Abashiri on the Sekihoku Main Line, supplementing the Okhotsk limited express services operating between Sapporo and Abashiri.[2]
Stops
[edit]Trains stop at the following stations:
Asahikawa - Kamikawa - (Shirataki) - (Maruseppu) - Engaru - Ikutahara - Rubeshibe - Kitami - Bihoro - Memanbetsu - Abashiri
Rolling stock
[edit]As of 15 March 2025, Taisetsu services are normally formed of H100 series diesel-electric multiple units (DEMU) railcars, with monoclass non-reserved seats.
Former
[edit]Until 17 March 2023,[3] services were formed of 4-car KiHa 183 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains as shown below.[4] All cars were no-smoking.[4]
Until the end of limited express services on 14 March 2025, 3-car KiHa 283 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains, with monoclass passenger accommodation.[5]
Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accommodation | Non-reserved | Non-reserved | Reserved | Reserved | Green | Reserved |
Facilities | Toilet | Toilet |
-
A KiHa 183 series four-car train on an Okhotsk service in 2009
History
[edit]1947–1963
[edit]The train service that was later to become the Taisetsu was first introduced on 29 June 1947 as an unnamed steam-hauled express service operating between Hakodate and Asahikawa via Otaru and Sapporo.[6] The train received the name Taisetsu from 1 April 1951.[6]
This service ran until 31 May 1963, after which it was replaced by the Lilac service.[7]
1963–1992
[edit]
From 1 June 1963, the Taisetsu service operated as an express between Sapporo and Abashiri, via Asahikawa.[7] This service was discontinued from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 1992.[7]
2017– 2025
[edit]The Taisetsu name was revived from 4 March 2017 as a limited express service operating between Asahikawa and Abashiri on the Sekihoku Main Line.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "2025年3⽉ダイヤ改正について" (PDF). 13 December 2024.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ 石北本線で特急“大雪”の運転開始 [Limited express Taisetsu enters service on Sekihoku Main Line]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 5 March 2017. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
- ^ "JR北海道,3月18日にダイヤ改正を実施 〜特急"オホーツク"・"大雪"のすべてをキハ283系化" [JR Hokkaido implements timetable revision on March 18th - All "Okhotsk" and "Taisetsu" limited express services to be changed to KiHa 283 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 16 December 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ a b "JR Hokkaido Train Guide" (in Japanese). Japan: Hokkaido Railway Company. 2017. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
- ^ "特急"オホーツク"・"大雪",キハ283系による運転に" [Limited express "Okhotsk" and "Taisetsu" operated by KiHa 283 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 18 March 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ a b Teramoto, Mitsuteru (23 July 2001). 国鉄・JR列車名大辞典 [JNR & JR Train Name Encyclopedia] (in Japanese). Tokyo, Japan: Chuoshoin Publishing Co., Ltd. pp. 324–327. ISBN 4-88732-093-0.
- ^ a b c 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995] (in Japanese). Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995. p. 127.
- ^ 特急「大雪」25年ぶり復活 [Limited express Taisetsu revived for first time in 25 years]. Fukushima Minpo (in Japanese). Japan: Fukushima-Minpo Co., Ltd. 4 March 2017. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
This article incorporates material from the corresponding article in the Japanese Wikipedia.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Japanese)