Hokuto (train)

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Hokuto
JRH-kiha281 Limited-express Super-Hokuto.jpg
KiHa 281 series DMU on Super Hokuto service
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusOperational
First service1949 (Express)
1965 (Limited express)
1994 (Super Hokuto)
Last service2020 (Super Hokuto)
Current operator(s)JR Hokkaido
Route
StartSapporo
Stops15
EndHakodate
Distance travelled318.7 km (198 mi)
Average journey time3 hours 40 minutes approx
Service frequency12 return workings daily
Line(s) usedHakodate Main Line (Hakodate-Oshamambe)

Muroran Main Line (Oshamambe-Tomakomai)

Chitose Line (Tomakomai-Sapporo)
On-board services
Class(es)Standard + Green
Disabled accessYes
Sleeping arrangementsNone
Catering facilitiesNone
Observation facilitiesNone
Entertainment facilitiesNone
Other facilitiesToilets
Technical
Rolling stockKiHa 261 series and KiHa 281 series
ElectrificationDiesel
Operating speed130 km/h (81 mph)
Track owner(s)JR Hokkaido

The Hokuto (北斗) is a limited express train services between Sapporo and Hakodate in Hokkaido operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). The journey time of the Hokuto is approximately 3 hours 40 minutes.

Super Hokuto services started on 1 March 1994,[1] and cut journey time by about 30 minutes due to the higher speeds through the many curves of the line between Sapporo and Hakodate. All trains have been renamed to Hokuto since 2020, after the KiHa 183 series used on the original Hokuto service was replaced with KiHa 261 series.

Stops[]

Trains stop at the following stations:

Sapporo - Shin-Sapporo - Minami-Chitose - Tomakomai - Noboribetsu - Higashi-Muroran - Datemombetsu - Tōya - Oshamanbe - Yakumo - Mori - Ōnumakōen - Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto - Goryōkaku - Hakodate

Rolling stock[]

The Hokuto is operated by 7-car KiHa 281 series and KiHa 261 series DMUs,[2] with car 1 at the Hakodate (southern) end. All cars are no-smoking.

For departures using KiHa 281 series, cars 1, 2 and 4 to 7 are ordinary-class cars with 2+2 seating, and car 3 is a "Green" car with 2+1 seating.

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Accommodation Reserved Reserved Green Reserved Reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved
Facilities Toilets   Toilets   Wheelchair space,
accessible toilet		   Toilets

For departures using KiHa 261 series, car 1 is a "Green" car with 2+1 seating, and cars 2 to 7 are ordinary-class cars with 2+2 seating.

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Accommodation Green Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved
Facilities   Wheelchair space,
accessible toilet		 Toilets Toilets Toilets Toilets  

  • A KiHa 80 series DMU on a Hokuto service circa 1986

  • A KiHa 183 series DMU on a Hokuto service in 1992

  • A KiHa 183 series DMU on a Hokuto service in February 2010

  • A KiHa 281 series DMU on a Super Hokuto service in 1994

  • A KiHa 283 series DMU on a Super Hokuto service in June 2001

  • A KiHa 261-1000 series DMU on a Super Hokuto service in May 2016

References[]

  1. ^ Haraguchi, Takayuki (2009). Encyclopedia of JR's Railway Cars: JR全車輌. Japan: Sekai Bunka. p. 115. ISBN 978-4-418-09905-4.
  2. ^ "JR北海道、2022年度までに特急北斗をすべてキハ261系に＿H100形気動車も追加投入" [JR Hokkaido all special express Hokuto Kiha 261 series by 2022 - H100 series additional railcar also introduced]. tetsudo-ch.com (in Japanese). EXPRESS Co., Ltd. 22 April 2019. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.

External links[]

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