Kitami (train)

The Kitami (きたみ) is a limited rapid (特別快速, tokubetsu kaisoku) train service operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) in Hokkaido, Japan, since 1988. It runs from Asahikawa to Kitami on the Sekihoku Main Line.^[1]

Kitami

Two KiHa 54 diesel cars on a Kitami service, July 2009
Overview
Service type	Limited rapid
Status	Operational
First service	19 March 1988
Current operator(s)	JR Hokkaido
Route
Termini	Asahikawa Kitami
Stops	18
Distance travelled	184.7 km (114.8 mi)
Average journey time	3 hours 20 minutes approx
Service frequency	1 return working daily
Line(s) used	Sekihoku Main Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Standard only
Disabled access	Yes
Sleeping arrangements	None
Catering facilities	None
Observation facilities	None
Entertainment facilities	None
Other facilities	Toilet
Technical
Rolling stock	KiHa 54 DMU KiHa 150 DMU
Electrification	Diesel
Operating speed	110 km/h (68 mph) (Asahikawa - Shin-Asahikawa) 95 km/h (59 mph) (Shin-Asahikawa - Kitami)
Track owner(s)	JR Hokkaido

Service pattern and station stops

There is one train per day in each direction, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours 20 minutes from Asahikawa to Kitami.^[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)

Stations in brackets are only served by Kitami-bound trains.

Rolling stock

Services are formed of one or two single-car KiHa 54 diesel cars based at Asahikawa Depot.^[2] Very occasionally, KiHa 150 diesel trains may be used.

History

Kitami service with train headboard, June 1988

The Kitami service was first introduced from 19 March 1988 as a seasonal "limited rapid" train service. From 3 November 1988, it became a regular daily service.

From 13 March 2004, the train became entirely no-smoking.