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.

Service outline

, 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.

Stops

Trains stop at the following stations: Asahikawa - Kamikawa - (Shirataki) - (Maruseppu) - Engaru - Ikutahara - Rubeshibe - Kitami - Bihoro - Memanbetsu - Abashiri Stations in brackets are stations where not all trains stop at.

Rolling stock

As of 18 March 2023, Taisetsu services are normally formed of 3-car KiHa 283 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains, with monoclass passenger accommodation.

Former

Until 17 March 2023, services were formed of 4-car KiHa 183 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains as shown below. All cars were no-smoking.

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. The train received the name Taisetsu from 1 April 1951. This service ran until 31 May 1963, after which it was replaced by the Lilac service.

1963–1992

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

2017–

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