Taisetsu

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

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 service between 4 March 2017 till 14 March 2025. 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.

Taisetsu

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	29 June 1947 (Express) 4 March 2017 (Limited Express) 15 March 2025 (Special Rapid)
Current operator(s)	JR Hokkaido
Former operator(s)	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(s) used	Sekihoku Main Line
On-board services
Class(es)	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(s)	JR Hokkaido

Service outline

As of March 2017^[update], 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.^[2]

Stops

Trains stop at the following stations:

Asahikawa - Kamikawa - (Shirataki) - (Maruseppu) - Engaru - Ikutahara - Rubeshibe - Kitami - Bihoro - Memanbetsu - Abashiri

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

A Taisetsu overnight service in 1986

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]