Taisetsu
Railway service in Hokkaido, Japan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 train from 4 March 2017 until 14 March 2025. The Taisetsu 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.
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 | JR Hokkaido |
| Former operator | 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 used | Sekihoku Main Line |
| On-board services | |
| Class | 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 | JR Hokkaido |
Service outline
Stops
Rolling stock
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
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
1947–1963
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
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
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]
