Tokachi (train)

The Tokachi (とかち) is a limited express train service between Sapporo and Obihiro via the Hakodate and Nemuro Main Lines in Hokkaido, Japan, operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). As of November 2013, there are five trains per day running in both directions, with the fastest journey taking 2 hours 25 minutes (Super Tokachi 4).[2]

Tokachi
KiHa 261-1000 series DMU on a Super Tokachi service at Obihiro Station, October 2007
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusOperational
LocaleHokkaido
First service1 February 1962 (Express)
1 September 1990 (Limited express)
27 July 1991 (Super Tokachi)
Current operator(s)JR Hokkaido
Former operator(s)JNR
Route
TerminiSapporo
Obihiro
Stops11
Distance travelled220.2 km (136.8 mi)
Average journey time2 hours 30 minutes approx
Service frequency5 return services daily
On-board services
Class(es)Standard + Green
Disabled accessYes
Sleeping arrangementsNone
Catering facilitiesNone
Observation facilitiesNone
Entertainment facilitiesNone
Other facilitiesToilets
Technical
Rolling stockKiHa 261 series, KiHa 283 series DMUs
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
ElectrificationDiesel
Operating speed120 km/h (75 mph)[1]
Track owner(s)JR Hokkaido

Stops

Trains stop at the following stations:

Sapporo - Shin-Sapporo - Minami-Chitose - Oiwake - Shin-Yubari - Shimukappu - Tomamu - Shintoku - Tokachi-Shimizu - Memuro - Obihiro

Rolling stock

Super Tokachi services are formed of 4-car (originally 5-car) KiHa 261 series and 5-car KiHa 283 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains.[3]

Formations

All cars are no-smoking.

KiHa 261 series
Car No. 1234
Accommodation GreenReservedReservedNon-reserved

KiHa 283 series (Past)
Car No. 12345
Accommodation GreenReservedReservedNon-reservedNon-reserved

Past
  • KiHa 183 series Tokachi service, September 1990
    KiHa 183 series Tokachi service, September 1990
  • KiHa 183 series Super Tokachi service, 1993
    KiHa 183 series Super Tokachi service, 1993
  • KiHa 183 series Tokachi service, August 2009
    KiHa 183 series Tokachi service, August 2009
  • KiHa 261 series Tokachi service, September 2021
    KiHa 261 series Tokachi service, September 2021

History

The service commenced as the express Tokachi (十勝) on 1 February 1962, operating between Sapporo and Obihiro. The service continued until 30 September 1968.[4]

The name was revived from 1 September 1990 as the Limited express Tokachi (とかち) using KiHa 183 series DMUs. From 27 July 1991, four Tokachi services were upgraded to become Super Tokachi using KiHa 183 series DMU sets including bilevel Green cars.[4]

From 1 October 2007, new 5-car KiHa 261-1000 series tilting DMUs were introduced on Super Tokachi services, with KiHa 283 series tilting DMUs also used on some services.[1]

From 1 October 2009, the remaining two Tokachi return services daily were upgraded to Super Tokachi using KiHa 261-1000 series DMUs.[5] However, the service was returned to simply Tokachi from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2020.

Discontinuation of catering services

From 1 November 2014, the refreshment trolley service and Green car complimentary drink service were discontinued, with refreshments sold instead in car 1.[6] The refreshment service was discontinued entirely from 1 January 2015.[6]

References
  1. JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. p. 114. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  2. JR Timetable, October 2009 issue
  3. 特急スーパーとかち（261系・283系） 列車ガイド [Super Tokachi (261/283 series) Train guide] (in Japanese). Japan: Hokkaido Railway Company. 21 July 2011. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
  4. 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995. p. 127.
  5. Rail Magazine: キハ183系特急〈とかち〉消滅 (KiHa 183 series Tokachi disappear) (1 October 2009). Retrieved on 1 October 2009. (in Japanese)
  6. "JR北海道、特急「スーパーとかち」車内販売&グリーン車サービス年内で終了" [JR Hokkaido to end on-board sales and Green car service on Super Tokachi limited express]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 28 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
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