Taisetsu

The Taisetsu (大雪) is a limited express service operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) between Asahikawa and Abashiri in Hokkaido via the Sekihoku Main Line since 4 March 2017. 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.

For the 21st term of the Japan solar calendar, see Daxue (solar term).

Taisetsu

A KiHa 183 series DMU on the Taisetsu 2 service at Asahikawa Station in March 2017
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Status	Operational
Locale	Japan
Predecessor	Okhotsk
First service	29 June 1947 (Express) 4 March 2017 (Limited express)
Current operator(s)	JR Hokkaido
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Start	Asahikawa
Stops	11
End	Abashiri
Distance travelled	147.7 mi (237.7 km)
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)	Green + Ordinary
Catering facilities	None
Other facilities	Toilet
Technical
Rolling stock	KiHa 183 series DMUs
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification	None
Operating speed	60 mph (95 km/h)

Service outline

As of March 2017, 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.[1]

Rolling stock

Services are normally formed of four-car KiHa 183 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains formed as follows.[2] All cars are no-smoking.[2]

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.[3] The train received the name Taisetsu from 1 April 1951.[3]

This service ran until 31 May 1963, after which it was replaced by the Lilac service.[4]

1963-1992

A Taisetsu overnight service in 1986

From 1 June 1963, the Taisetsu service operated as an express between Sapporo and Abashiri, via Asahikawa.[4] This service was discontinued from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 1992.[4]

2017-

The Taisetsu name was revived from 4 March 2017 as a limited express service operating between Asahikawa and Abashiri on the Sekihoku Main Line.[5]

References

1. 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.
2. "JR Hokkaido Train Guide" (in Japanese). Japan: Hokkaido Railway Company. 2017. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
3. 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.
4. 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995] (in Japanese). Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995. p. 127.
5. 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.

External links

• Official website (in Japanese)