Kitami (train)
Japanese limited rapid train service
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kitami (きたみ) is a rapid (快速, kaisoku) train service operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) in Hokkaido, Japan, since 1988. It runs from Asahikawa to Abashiri on the Sekihoku Main Line.[1]
 Two KiHa 54 diesel cars on a Kitami service, July 2009 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Rapid |
| Status | Operational |
| First service | 19 March 1988 |
| Current operator | JR Hokkaido |
| Route | |
| Termini | Asahikawa Abashiri |
| Stops | 26 |
| Distance travelled | 237.7 km (147.7 mi) |
| Average journey time | 4 hours 30 minutes approx. |
| Service frequency | 1 return working daily |
| Line used | Sekihoku Main Line |
| On-board services | |
| Class | Standard only |
| Disabled access | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | None |
| Catering facilities | None |
| Observation facilities | None |
| Entertainment facilities | None |
| Other facilities | Toilet |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock |
|
| Electrification | Diesel |
| Operating speed |
|
| Track owner | JR Hokkaido |
Prior to the March 2025 timetable revision, it was classified as a special rapid (特別快速, tokubetsu kaisoku) train and only ran as far as Kitami.
Service pattern and station stops
There is one train per day in each direction, with the journey taking approximately 4 hours 30 minutes from Asahikawa to Abashiri.[1]
Trains stop at the following stations.[1]
- Asahikawa (A28)
- (Asahikawa-Yojo) (A29)
- (Shin-Asahikawa) (A30)
- (Minami-Nagayama) (A31)
- (Higashi-Asahikawa) (A32)
- (Sakuraoka) (A34)
- Tōma (A35)
- Kamikawa (A43)
- Shirataki (A45)
- Maruseppu (A48)
- Engaru (A50)
- Yasukuni (A51)
- Ikutahara (A53)
- Rubeshibe (A56)
- Ainonai (A57)
- Higashi-Ainonai (A58)
- Nishi-Kitami (A59)
- Kitami (A60)
- Hakuyō (A61)
- Itoshino (A62)
- Tanno (A63)
- Hiushinai (A64)
- Bihoro (A65)
- Nishi-Memambetsu (A66)
- Memambetsu (A67)
- Yobito (A68)
- Abashiri (A69)
Stations in brackets are only served by Kitami-bound (eastbound) trains.
Rolling stock
History
The Kitami service was first introduced from 19 March 1988 as a seasonal "special rapid" train service. From 3 November 1988, it became a regular daily service.
From 13 March 2004, the train became entirely no-smoking.
The service was extended from Kitami to Abashiri in 2025, and downgraded from "special rapid" to "rapid".
