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&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:Series_Kiha261-1000_Hokuto-4.jpg) KiHa 261 series DMU on Hokuto service | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Limited express |
| Status | Operational |
| First service | 1949 (Express) 1965 (Limited express) 1994 (Super Hokuto) |
| Last service | 2020 (Super Hokuto) |
| Current operator(s) |  JR Hokkaido |
| Route | |
| Termini | Hakodate Sapporo |
| Stops | 15 |
| Distance travelled | 318.7 km (198.0 mi) |
| Average journey time | 3 hours 40 minutes approx |
| Service frequency | 12 return workings daily |
| Line(s) used | Hakodate Main Line (Hakodate-Oshamambe)
Muroran Main Line (Oshamambe-Tomakomai) Chitose Line (Tomakomai-Sapporo) |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | Standard + Green |
| Disabled access | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | None |
| Catering facilities | None |
| Observation facilities | None |
| Entertainment facilities | None |
| Other facilities | Toilets |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | KiHa 261 series |
| Operating speed | 130 km/h (81 mph) |
| Track owner(s) | JR Hokkaido |
The Hokuto (北斗) is a limited express train service that runs between Sapporo and Hakodate in Hokkaido, operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). The journey time of the Hokuto is approximately 3 hours 40 minutes.
Super Hokuto services started on 1 March 1994,[1] and cut journey time by about 30 minutes due to the higher speeds through the many curves of the line between Sapporo and Hakodate. All trains have been renamed to Hokuto since 2020, after the KiHa 183 series used on the original Hokuto service was replaced with KiHa 261 series.
- ^ Haraguchi, Takayuki (2009). Encyclopedia of JR's Railway Cars: JR全車輌. Japan: Sekai Bunka. p. 115. ISBN 978-4-418-09905-4.